Best Way from Gimpo Airport to Myeongdong | Subway Route for Just $1

Hello, this is Guide H ✈️

One of the most frequently asked questions by travelers planning a trip to Seoul is
“How do I get from Gimpo Airport to Myeongdong?”

In this article, I’ll compare three transportation options from Gimpo Airport to Myeongdong and
introduce the cheapest and most convenient subway route along with the actual journey process.

🚍 Gimpo Airport → Myeongdong Transportation Comparison

• Bus
  There are almost no direct routes, and multiple transfers make it inconvenient.

• Taxi
  Convenient but the fare is about 30,000 KRW, which is somewhat expensive.
  It can take longer if there’s heavy traffic.

• Subway ✅ Recommended!
  Takes about 47 minutes, costs only 1,850 KRW (about $1)
  Fast, cheap, and the most reasonable choice for travelers.

🎫 Things to Know Before Taking the Subway

1. Transportation Card

• Use T-money or WOWPASS.
• Available for purchase at Gimpo Airport.
• Single-use tickets don’t allow transfers + require deposit refund → Not recommended.

2. Naver Map

• Google Maps is not accurate in Korea.
• Korea is a country at war, so map data is not exported abroad.
• Naver Map provides the latest data, accurate public transportation routes, restaurant reviews, and business hours.

🔎 Naver Map Search Results

When you search for the route Gimpo Airport → Myeongdong Station on Naver Map,
the following route is recommended first.

• Route: Airport Railroad (AREX) → Transfer at Seoul Station → Line 4 → Myeongdong Station
• Travel Time: About 47 minutes
• Total Fare: 1,850 KRW (about $1)
• Transfers: 1 time at Seoul Station

🚇 Actual Journey: Gimpo Airport → Myeongdong

✈️ Arrival Gate → Subway Entrance
Gimpo Airport Arrival Gate

After getting off the plane and exiting the arrival gate, follow the “Subway” signs throughout the airport.

Subway sign inside Gimpo Airport

It takes about 15 minutes to reach the subway turnstiles.

🚉 Boarding Airport Railroad (AREX)
AREX sign

Follow the signs to the Airport Railroad (sky blue line).
Tag your T-money or WOWPASS at the turnstile to enter.
Trains run every 5-10 minutes, and it takes about 22 minutes to Seoul Station.
There’s space inside the train to store your luggage.

🚶 Transfer at Seoul Station (AREX → Line 4)
Seoul Station Line 4 transfer sign

When you arrive at Seoul Station, you need to transfer to Subway Line 4 (blue line).
The walking distance is quite long, so it takes about 15 minutes to walk.
There’s a place to tag your transportation card again in the middle, but no additional fare is charged.

🚇 Seoul Station → Myeongdong Station
Seoul Station Line 4 platform and train interior

When you arrive at the Line 4 platform, check for the Myeongdong-bound (Danggogae-bound) train and board.
From Seoul Station, it’s just two stops to Myeongdong Station. (takes about 3 minutes)
The train interior has clear route maps and next station announcements,
making it easy for first-time users to get off at the right stop.

TIP:
Myeongdong Station is visited by many foreign tourists, so
multilingual announcements in English, Chinese, and Japanese are provided.
If you have a lot of luggage, use the space at both ends of the car.

🚪 Arrival at Myeongdong Station
Actual view of arriving at Myeongdong Station

When you arrive at Myeongdong Station, check the exit that matches your destination and exit.

✅ Conclusion

The subway is the cheapest and most convenient way from Gimpo Airport to Myeongdong.
Total travel time is about 47 minutes, and the cost is only 1,850 KRW (about $1).

Seoul’s public transportation is affordable and has a well-organized transfer system,
making it easy for first-time visitors to Korea to use.

Start your Seoul trip with a light journey to Myeongdong by subway 🇰🇷