Seoul Station Guide 서울역: What to do and what to eat nearby

If you arrive in Seoul from Incheon International Airport, your initial destination should be Seoul Station. Functioning as the central transportation hub of the city, Seoul Station provides connectivity to the Gyeongbu Line (Seoul-Busan), KTX, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Subway Lines 1 and 4, Airport Railroad, and Mugunghwa Nuri-ro. This station isn’t just a transit point; it has delightful attractions nearby, such as Namdaemun Market and Seoullo 7017. Whether you’re passing through or want a vibrant area for shopping and eating, Seoul Station is a good choice. In this guide, we’ll provide details on transportation, along with great restaurants and must-visit spots for your trip!

How to get to Seoul Station

By Subway

Within Seoul, you can easily take a train Line 1 or 4 or the Gyeongui Line to Seoul Station. Or take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) Train at Incheon Airport. The train delivers you directly from the airport to Seoul Station in only 45 minutes, the quickest of all transit options traveling this route.

By Bus

Many bus routes stop by Seoul Station. You can hop on one of these buses: Green Bus (1711, 7011, 7013A, 7013B), Blue Bus (104, 100, 151, 162, 500, 504, 750A), Red Bus (8100, 9401, 5000, 5005, 5500-1, 5500-2, 7000, 9000) and Airport Bus (6001) if you come from the ICN.

Tips

• Consider getting a T-money card for convenient access to various modes of transportation, including the subway and buses.
• If you have any questions, you can ask the staff at the information desk. They can help you with directions, transportation options, and more.
• The station has various restaurants and cafes, perfect for grabbing a quick bite or a caffeine boost before your journey.
• If you have a lot of luggage, you can store it in the lockers at Seoul Station. The price starts from 1,500 won ($1.1) based on the time and the size of the lockers. There are various languages, so it’s easy to use. 

• Private luggage storage and delivery services are also available if your home is not close to a metro station or you want to visit the sights fast before your nighttime departure. For more information, please see our guide to Luggage Storage Lockers & Services in Seoul.

About Seoul Station

Seoul Railway Station, centrally located in South Korea’s capital, is a vital hub for transportation. It is the endpoint for numerous KTX bullet trains, connecting Seoul to major cities like Busan and Daegu. The station also accommodates ITX-Saemaeul, Mugunghwa-ho, and Korail Tourist trains, with a direct link to Incheon Airport. 

Additionally, Seoul Station is intricately connected to three Seoul Subway Lines (1, 4, and Gyeongui–Jungang), offering convenient transit within the city. Operated by Korail, it features 15 platforms and eight tracks, providing comprehensive rail services across different lines. In essence, Seoul Railway Station is a dynamic nexus, seamlessly connecting people and places within South Korea’s efficient rail network.

What to do near Seoul Station

Culture Station Seoul 284

• Address: 1, Tongil-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 통일로 1
• Open hours: 10:00-19:00 (Last Wednesday of each month 10:00-21:00) |  * Last admission 30 min before closing
• Direction: About a 1-minute walk from Seoul Station Exit 2

Culture Station Seoul 284, formerly known as Seoul Station, boasts a distinctive architectural style that seamlessly blends Western, Korean, and Japanese influences. It opened in 2011 after restoring the old Seoul Station and serves as a cultural hub hosting various programs, including exhibitions, performances, cultural events, and workshops.

Notably, this station has appeared in the background of numerous dramas, such as Abyss, Mama Fairy and the Woodcutter, Smile Again, Stairway to Heaven, and We Are Dating Now. Check out their website before you know what exhibitions are displayed, or book a guided tour. 

Seoullo7017 서울로7017

• Address: 122-14 Bongnae-dong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Direction: About a 5-minute walk from Seoul Station Exit 1

Seoullo 7017, “Seoul Road,” is a cool place near Seoul Station. It got its name from the years 1970 and 2017, when it was first built and reopened as a walking path. The walkway has 17 exits leading to different parts of the city, and as you stroll, you’ll see a lot of plants and flowers that create a forest-like atmosphere. 

The location offers cafes with scenic views and a few eateries. It’s an excellent spot to observe trains arriving and departing, with a splendid view of the old and new Seoul Station. In the evening, the walkway lights up with neon lights, and nearby buildings have cool light displays. It’s awesome for a nighttime stroll with twinkling views of the city.

Docking Seoul

• Address: 405 Hangang-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 11:00 – 20:00 | Closed on Mondays
• Admission: free
• Direction: Take exit 15 at Seoul Station. Turn right and look for the spiral ramp. You may access it from either the Seoullo 7017 or the rooftop garden on the fourth floor of Lotte Mart.

Docking Seoul used to be a parking garage at the old Seoul Station. In 2022, the Seoul Metropolitan Government teamed up with artists and construction companies to create the “Seoul is a Museum” project, turning this forgotten space into a public art area. Now, you can see cool art like “Moving Daily Life” with spaceship-like windows, “Net of Life” made from iron pipes showing how people and society are connected, and “Deep Surface” with a spiral shape like the birth of stars. It’s a neat place full of interesting artworks.

Namdaemun Market

• Address: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours:  0:00 – 23:00 | Closed on Sundays (please note that all stores operate according to their schedules).
• Direction: Approximately an 8-minute walk from Seoul Station Exit 7.

Namdaemun Market is a must-visit destination for tourists in Korea. As the largest traditional market in the country, it is divided into various areas offering a wide range of experiences. Beyond shopping, the market is known for its delectable food stalls, allowing visitors to savor the unique culinary delights of Korean life. From hotteok (filled Korean pancakes) to Korean-style hot dogs, Namdaemun Market is a hub of delicious street food. Check out our guide for more details on the market’s street food offerings.

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Lotte Mart

• Address: 426, Cheongpa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 10:00-24:00 daily | Closed every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.

Lotte Mart is conveniently located right in front of Seoul Station. As a spacious supermarket, it offers many products, including food, daily necessities, cosmetics, and delightful sweets. Beyond just shopping, Lotte Mart features a food court where you can sit and enjoy a meal. You can grab a quick bite if you’re feeling a bit hungry. This is a great spot for last-minute shopping, ensuring you won’t forget to pick up some souvenirs before leaving.

Lotte Outlets

• Address: 405 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 10:30 – 21:00 daily
• Direction: 1-minute walk from Seoul Station Exit 1

Lotte Outlets are conveniently situated just outside Seoul Station, directly connected to the KTX Station. Here, you can explore various brand-name products, including clothing, sports equipment, and shoes, all available at affordable prices. Notably, Exit 1 leads to a massive Zara store, offering a wide range of products for your shopping pleasure.

What to eat near Seoul Station

Hosujip, Korean Local Food Near Seoul Station

• Address: 443 Cheongpa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (15-minute walk from Seoul Station Exit 1)
• Open hours: 11:30 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 22:00 | Closed on Sundays
• Phone: +82 2-392-0695
• Price range: 2,200 – 37,000 won ($1.65 – $27.7) per dish

It’s a great choice for those who want to try authentic local food. Hosujip is a popular restaurant known for its tasty, spicy braised chicken (dakbokkeumtang). The chicken is tender, and the soup is rich and delicious. Don’t forget to order fried rice to complete your meal. They also offer spicy squid and grilled chicken skewers, attracting attention as they are cooked before the shop. Remember that there might be a wait for a seat due to its fame.

Yuzu Ramen near Seoul Station

• Address: 217 Mallijae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (10-minute walk from Seoul Station Exit 1)
• Open hour: 11:00 – 21:00; Break (weekdays) 15:00-17:00 | Closed on Mondays
• Phone: +82 70-4177-0365
• Instagram: yuzu_ramen

This Japanese ramen restaurant near Seoul Station is a favorite among locals. The menu’s highlight is the Yuzu Salt Ramen, matching the restaurant’s name. The broth is lighter than traditional Japanese ramen, and the char siu (pork slices) is thicker. Alongside their ramen offerings, they serve additional dishes like karaage chicken and fried dumplings.

Very Kitchen, Upscale Restaurant in Jung-gu

• Address: 205 Mallijae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 17:00 – 23:00 | Closed on Sundays
• Phone: +82 2-312-0205
• Price range: 14,000 – 24,000 won ($10.5 – $18)
• Instagram: very.kitchen

This chic restaurant offers a unique menu that elevates popular street food items from Korea and worldwide. The dishes are upscale, and their names reflect their places of origin, including Bangkok, Taipei, Singapore, New Orleans, and Canton. Some crowd favorites include beef tartare, burrata tomato salad, salmon futomaki, lasagna, and french fries with kimchi bulgogi.

Seoulista, Korean Pub Near Seoul Station

• Address: 19 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 11:30 – 00:00 weekdays | 15:00 – 23:00 Saturdays | Closed on Sundays
• Phone: +82 2-757-2265
• Website: https://www.seoulista.place/

Seoulista, located in central Seoul near landmarks such as Seoul Station, is a craft beer pub. The first floor features local craft beers from Korean brands and delicious Korean dishes like pizza and chicken. Upstairs, you’ll find a cafe and the Seoul Makgeolli Club, offering a variety of beverages, including craft beer, makgeolli, soju, and coffee. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy drinks and experience the flavors of Korea.

Dutum, Korean Pork Belly Restaurant near Seoul Station

• Address: 243-1 Jungnim-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 15:30 – 22:00 on weekdays | 13:00 – 14:30 and 15:30 – 22:00 on weekends
• Phone: +82 2-392-8592
• Price range: 5,000 – 18,000 won ($3.7 – $13.5)

Dutum is a popular Samgyeopsal (pork belly) restaurant that locals highly favor. The name translates to “thick” in Korean, reflecting the restaurant’s specialty in serving thick and succulent samgyeopsal. You can savor it in various ways—wrapped in lettuce, paired with grilled spring greens, or seasoned with pepper. The staff is there to assist, handling the grilling for you, so there is no need to worry if you’re unfamiliar with the process.

Best place to stay near Seoul Station

Four Points By Sheraton Josun, Seoul Station

• Address: 366, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-Gu, 04323 Seoul
• Phone: +82 2-6070-7000
• Website: www.marriott.com
• Check-in: from 15:00
• See the best price at Booking.com (120 USD)

If searching for the closest hotel to Seoul Station, consider Four Points by Sheraton Josun. With direct access from Exit 12, this four-star hotel, certified by the Korea Tourism Organization, combines affordability with quality. With rooms on the 19th floor or higher, you can enjoy views of Seoul from most accommodations. Just ask; the helpful staff will happily point you toward the best eateries in the area or city!

Highlights

• Convenience store on-site
• Bar, Restaurant, and Coffee house on-site
• Buffet breakfast 
• 550 meters to Culture Station Seoul 284
• 1.7 km to Deoksugung Palace

Hotel Manu near Seoul Station

• Address: 19 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Phone: +82 2-777-0100
• Website: www.seoulista.place
• Check-in: from 15:00
• See the best price at Agoda.com (71 USD)

Hotel Manu, directly connected to Seoullo 7017, stands out with its modern and stylish ambiance. The reception area exudes a bar-like atmosphere, and despite the simplicity of the rooms, you can choose from various sizes based on your group and the purpose of your stay. The first and second-floor restaurants and cafes provide a chic setting for enjoying beer and coffee.

Highlights

• Fitness center and massage
• Public transit tickets
• Restaurant and bar on-site
• 750 m to the Seoul Museum of Art
• 1.4 km to N Seoul Tower

Seoul Station R Guesthouse

• Address: 16-7 Mallijae-ro 36-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Check-in: from 16:00
• See the best price at Booking.com (50 USD)

If you’re looking for a room to rest briefly before your train, Seoul Station R Guesthouse is a great choice. This eco-friendly guesthouse near Seoul Station provides sustainable accommodation with full-day security, luggage storage, and complimentary WiFi. Each unit features air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a kitchen, and a private bathroom. 

Highlights

• Great for short stays in transit
• Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
• Garden and city view
• 450m to Seoullo 7017
• 950m to Dokdo Museum Seoul

In conclusion, Seoul Station is more than a transportation hub; it’s a dynamic gateway to South Korea’s rich culture, history, and culinary delights. We hope this guide can assist you in making the most of your time in Seoul Station.

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