* Some attractions subject to closure or limited entrance due to COVID-19. Please check before visiting.
Korea Tour by Seoul Subway Line 3
【 Photo: Bukchon Hanok Village 】
Seoul Subway Line 3 connects northwestern Seoul to the southeastern tip of the city. The northwestern section of Line 3 includes the city of Goyang in Gyeonggi-do and the southeastern section runs to Ogeum in the Songpa-gu district of Seoul. Line 3 gives travelers the option of exploring a wide variety of fun-filled attractions, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheongdong-gil Road, Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil Road, Garak Market, and much more.
KINTEX, an exhibition and convention center, holds large-scale exhibitions throughout the year. Popular attractions nearby include “Lafesta,” a large shopping mall used frequently as a Korean drama film location and Ilsan Lake Park, a large park with various walking trail. Located in the vicinity is the multi-cultural space of Onemount, which is comprised of Onemount Water Park, Onemount Snow Park, and a shopping mall.
Ilsan Lake Park is equipped with a bicycle trail and a walking trail along the lakeside for visitors to enjoy. Other attractions are the park's annual events, namely the International Horticulture Goyang Korea and the Goyang Autumn Flower Festival. Also inside the park is the Goyang New Hallyu Gallery, which displays contents that was filmed and sponsored by Goyang-si.
This historic site opened in 1908 under the name of Gyeongseong Prison and was used as a jailhouse until 1987. Currently, it is a museum that offers historical tour to visitors. Even with many name changes, the museum is commonly known as Seodaemun Prison History Museum and serves as an attraction where visitors can get a glimpse of Korea's modern history.
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first royal palace built during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Even though many of the original buildings have been destroyed over the history, the palace is an important historic heritage as the foundation of legitimate palace of Joseon’s royal kingdom. A wide range of events is regularly hosted to offer a glimpse of ancient palace ceremonies.
Besides the daily Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, some of the best ways to enjoy Gyeongbokgung Palace include the occasional nighttime openings, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion Special Exhibition (advance reservation required), the Walk of the Royal Family, and Opening of Janggo Storage (fermented sauce warehouse), which are held on specific dates.
Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 2, approx. 10-min walk
Tongin Market is a traditional market located in the Tongin-dong neighborhood of Seochon Village. Visitors can find fruits, vegetables, and everyday household goods for sale as well as numerous artsy and whimsical items installed throughout the market.
In addition, Dosirak (lunchbox) Café is a must-try specialty of this market. This unique culinary experience allows visitors to purchase and enjoy various Korean side dishes of their choice from participating stalls by using traditional tokens called yeopjeon (brass coins) that can only be used inside Tongin Market. A representative food of this market is gireum tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes), popular among visitors.
Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 4, approx. 15-min walk
Visitors can take a tour of the South Korean President’s official residence, Cheong Wa Dae Visitors can take a tour of the South Korean President’s official residence, Cheong Wa Dae, with an online registration prior to visiting. For those who were not able to make a reservation, Cheongwadae Sarangchae offers a great alternative. The term sarangchae refers to a designated space for receiving guests in a hanok (traditional Korean house).
Sarangchae provides information on the Blue House and previous presidents of Korea. The Cheongwadae Sarangchae exhibition areas include Korean Tourism Exhibit Hall, Cheongwadae Hall, and Public Communication Experience Hall, among which Cheongwadae Hall is the most popular.
Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5, approx. 15-min walk
The National Folk Museum of Korea displays the folk history and culture of the Korean people. It is divided into three exhibition halls, featuring Korean Traditional Daily Life, The Korean Way of Life, and Korean Life Passages. The museum also hosts an array of special exhibitions. In addition, National Folk Museum of Korea has many attractions displayed outdoors. The open-air exhibition area includes reproductions of a traditional watermill, streetcars, and stores along the Street of Memory from the time when Korea opened its ports to foreign trade.
Bukchon Hanok Village refers to the historical village between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, north of Cheonggyecheon Stream. Looking back after walking up the small incline flanked by traditional Korean houses, you can get a commanding view of the city below. The neighborhood to the east of Bukchon-ro Road is replete with traditional museums and charming hanok alleys. The village is often crowded with visitors who come to see the time-honored streets and traditional houses. Bukchon Hanok Village is home to actual residents, so please don’t forget to keep basic manners while touring.
Stretching from the National Museum of Modern Contemporary Art (MMCA Seoul) at Anguk-dong four-way intersection to Samcheong Park, the peaceful neighborhood along Samcheongdong-gil Road was once a beloved spot among local artists. Such artistic sensibility transformed the area into the high street it is today. The quaint atmosphere of the neighborhood attracts young couples, gaining reputation as a popular date spot with its charming street scenes.
Apguejong Rodeo Street is filled with luxury brand shops from around the world. The alleys offer various fashion brand shops and restaurants with interesting interiors, along with plenty of food options while shopping.
K-Star Road
3Apgujeong Station
BApgujeongrodeo Station
【 Photo: K-STAR ROAD 】
Apgujeong Station, Exit 1, approx. 20-min walk
Located near Apgujeongrodeo Station, K-Star Road is clustered with many of the major entertainment management companies of hallyu celebrities, attracting crowds of international tourists. The strip has been turned into a tourist destination and subsequently named K-Star Road. In front of the Galleria Department Store’s Luxury East Hall, there is an art character doll called “Gangnamdol,” wearing sunglasses marked with the word GANGNAM, which signals the starting point of K-Star Road. A series of amusing dolls designed after K-pop stars, such as BTS, Girls’ Generation, and EXO, greet visitors on behalf of the celebrities.
Singsa-dong’s Garosu-gil Road is a beautiful street lined with ginkgo trees. A broad selection of galleries, coffee shops, eateries, and fashion stores pack the streets of this upscale area, attracting in many visitors. As Garosu-gil Road has become increasingly popular and crowded in recent years, a new area called Serosu-gil Road sprang up for those looking for a more laidback vibe. These side alleys leading to Garosu-gil Road are filled with cozy and quaint shops.
【 Photo: Gangnam Express Bus Terminal’s Goto Mall 】
Express Bus Terminal Station, connected directly via Exit 8-1 or 8-2
Goto Mall, a contraction of the Korean words “gosok teomineol,” referring to "express bus terminal" in English, is often called the shoppers’ heaven of Gangnam district. The underground mall consists of stores that sell trendy clothes and general merchandise at reasonable prices, which is why the mall is frequented by young women. Connected to the mall are Central City and Famille Station, which are great places to try some of the city’s finest restaurants.
Garak Market is a major agricultural and marine products wholesale market in Seoul. The market sells fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, and other local products at retail price. The market holds a regular agricultural products auction, providing high-quality products at affordable prices to traders and buyers from all over the country.
This page was last updated on August 23, 2021, and therefore information may differ
【 Photo: Bukchon Hanok Village 】 
