Hongdae Transportation Guide | Locals' Guide To Seoul
The essentials for getting to and from Seoul's Hip Hongik University area!
Hongdae in Seoul is famous as a tourist destination and is a must-visit on your trip to Seoul.
There's lots to do, see, and experience, so many people stay here when they come to Seoul.
Today we're introducing transportation information for Hongdae, so that you can come prepared!
Subway
Hongik University Station (홍대입구) has three subway lines: Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, and the Airport Railroad Express (AREX).
It is close to Sinchon, Ewha, Yeouido, and World Cup Stadium, and there are many attractions in the area.
Airport Railroad Express (AREX)
Airport Railroad is a convenient route connecting Incheon Airport and Gimpo Airport. You can also get to Seoul Station on this train, so it is very convenient for traveling between Seoul and the airport.
Incheon Airport Terminal 1 | Incheon Airport Terminal 2 | Gimpo Airport | |
Price (KRW) | 4,050 won | 4,650 won | 1,350 won |
Travel Time | 52-55 minutes | 59-62 minutes | 14-16 minutes |
See how to get to Hongik University Station from Incheon Airport Terminal 1.
Follow this video for info on getting to Incheon International Airport from Hongdae.
Hongik University Station ⇋ Incheon Airport
Hongik University Station to Incheon International Airport | ||
Depart Hongik University Station | Arrive at Terminal 1 | Arrive at Terminal 2 |
First Train 05:28 | First Train 06:22 | First Train 06:28 |
Last Train 23:48 | Last Train 00:40 | Last Train 00:46 |
Incheon International Airport to Hongik University Station | ||
Depart Terminal 2 | Depart Terminal 1 | Arrive at Hongik University Station |
First Train 05:18 | First Train 05:25 | First Train 06:19 |
Last Train 23:32 | Last Train 23:39 | Last Train 00:31 |
Hongik University Station ⇋ Gimpo Airport
Hongik University Station to Gimpo Airport | |
Depart Hongik University Station | Arrive at Gimpo Airport |
First Train 05:28 | First Train 05:44 |
Last Train 0:08 | Last Train 00:22 |
Gimpo Airport to Hongik University Station | |
Depart Gimpo Airport | Arrive at Hongik University Station |
First Train 05:43 | First Train 05:57 |
Last Train 00:16 | Last Train 00:31 |
※As of November 2021
Subway Line 2
Line 2 goes around the center of Seoul. It stops not only in Hongdae, but also at major tourist destinations such as Sinchon, Gangnam, Jamsil, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, and Seongsu.
Last Train From Hongik University Station To Major Stations
Weekdays | Weekends & Holidays | |
To Gangnam Station | 23:13 | 23:16 |
To Samsung Station | 23:13 | 23:16 |
To Jamsil Station | 23:18 | 23:14 |
To Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station | 23:31 | 23:33 |
To Seongsu Station | 23:31 | 23:33 |
Last Train To Hongik University From Major Stations
Weekdays | Weekends & Holidays | |
From Gangnam Station | 23:20 | 23:24 |
From Samsung Station | 23:14 | 23:19 |
From Jamsil Station | 23:20 | 23:22 |
From Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station | 23:42 | 23:43 |
From Seongsu Station | 23:31 | 23:32 |
※As of November 2021
Gyeongui-Jungang Line
As of 2021, this is the only line that runs through Seoul from east to west.
Be sure to check operating hours before using, as the number of trains operating is less than the other subway lines.
Last Train From Hongik University Station To Major Stations
Daily | |
Ilsan Station | 23:28 |
Paju Station | 23:28 |
Last Train From Major Stations To Hongik University Station
Weekdays | Weekends & Holidays | |
From Ilsan Station | 23:24 | 23:14 |
From Paju Station | 23:04 | 22:54 |
※ As of November 2021
For useful travel apps, including subway and navigation apps, click here.
Airport Bus
Airport busses can be a more convenient option than subways for those who are tired from flying or traveling.
※ Currently suspended due to COVID-19
※ The following information is pre-COVID. Please check the official Incheon International Airport website for more details.
Incheon Airport to Hongdae: Airport Bus 6002
- Fare: 10,000 won
- Terminal 2 Pick Up: Gate 30 on floor B1
- Terminal 1 Pick Up: Gate 5 on the 1st floor
- Bus Stop: Next to Exit 9 of Hongik University Station in front of the Kakao Friends Store
Incheon Airport Terminal 2 To Hongdae | |||
First Bus | 05:45 | Last Bus | 23:20 |
Hongdae To Incheon Airport: Airport Bus 6002
- Fare: 10,000 won
- Bus Stop: In front of Exits 2 and 8 of Hongik University Station, by the Samsung Store.
Hongdae to Incheon Airport Terminal 2 | |||
First Bus | 04:15 | Last Bus | 20:40 |
For more information on other airport buses, click here.
Airport Night Bus
As there are no night buses that go directly to Hongik University Station, here's how to get to Hongdae via the nearest late night airport bus.
※ Currently suspended due to COVID-19
※ The following information is pre-COVID. Please check the official Incheon International Airport website for more details.
Incheon Airport to Hongdae: Night Airport Bus N6000
- Fare: Adults 9,000 won, Children 7,500 won
- Terminal 1 Pick Up: N/A
- Terminal 2 Pick Up: 1F 6A-3
- Bus Stop: After getting off at Yeomchang Station, take a taxi or the N62 night bus to Hongdae.
Incheon Airport To Hongdae: Night Airport Bus N6000 Timetable
- 23:50
- 00:40
- 01:30
- 02:30
- 03:20
- 04:10
We recommend taking a taxi from Yeomchang Station to Hongdae as the distance is not that far, and can be reached in 17 minutes. Fare starts at around 10,080 won.
If you have a lot of luggage the night bus is not very convenient, but otherwise it can be a good option.
Seoul Night Bus
Night Bus to Hongik University Station: N26
- Basic Fare: 2,150 won (when using a card)
- Hours: 00:00-01:30
- Dispatch Interval: 23-35 minutes
- Main Route: Gimpo Airport→Hapjeong→Hongdae→Sinchon→Jongno→Dongdaemun→Cheongnyangni→Sinnai
Hongdae Bus Stops
- First Stop: Beside Exit 9, in front of the Kakao Friends Store
- Second Stop: In front of Samsung Digital Plaza by Exit 8
Night Bus to Hongik University Station: N62
- Basic Fare: 2,150 won (when using a card)
- Hours: 23:40-01:10
- Dispatch Interval: 30 minutes
- Main Route: Yangcheon→Mokdong→Hapjeong→Hongdae→Sinchon→Ewha→Seoul City Hall→Dongdaemun→Konkuk Univ.→Wangsimni→Myeonmokdong
Hongik University Station Exit Information
Hongik University Station has 3 subway lines intersecting and 9 exits total. It's a large station, so it's good to acquaint yourself with the different exits before visiting.
Exit 1 (Line 2): There is an escalator, exits across from the main road.
Exit 2 (Line 2): There is an escalator, exits across from the main road.
Exit 3 (AREX): There is an escalator, exits to Yeonnamdong.
Exit 4 (AREX): There is an escalator, exits to one end of Hongdae's main area, opposite Yeonnamdong and department stores.
Exit 5 (AREX): Stairs only, exits near the end of Hongdae's main area.
Exit 6 (Gyeongui-Jungang): There is an escalator, exits to Gyeongui Line Book Street
Exit 7 (AREX): There are escalators and an elevator.
Exit 8 (Line 2): There are stairs and an elevator, exits near entrance to main area of Hongdae
Exit 9 (Line 2): Stairs only, exits to the main area of Hongdae.
That was our introduction to transportation to and from the Hongdae area of Seoul.
We hope you found this informative and useful for your travel planning.
Feel free to leave and questions in the comments!