* Some attractions subject to closure or limited entrance due to COVID-19. Please check before visiting.
Korea Tour by Seoul Subway Line 9
【 Photo: Banpodaegyo Bridge 】
Subway Line 9 connects stations situated along the Hangang River’s southern bank, from Gimpo Airport to major tourist attractions in Seoul. Start off in Yeouido, Korea's financial hub, take a stroll along the Hangang Park nearby, do some souvenir shopping at a mall or traditional market, and find peace at a temple in the heart of the city. In particular, Seonyudo Park, Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park and Banpo Hangang Park have beautifully harmonized nature with the forest of buildings. Get on Line 9 to taste the freshest seafood at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market, the most representative marine product market in Seoul or enjoy a shopping spree at some of Korea's best mega shopping malls with a variety of entertainment facilities!
Gimpo Int’l Airport Station, Exit 3, approx. 5-min walk
Visitors flying through Gimpo International Airport can easily enjoy Lotte Mall, a multi-purpose shopping complex featuring a department store, supermarket and restaurants, in addition to a hotel. Connected to the airport is Lotte Mall’s Sky Park, decorated with gardens and fountains. In between the park and the mall is Sunken Square, where concerts, autograph sessions of K-pop stars and other seasonal events are occasionally held.
Yangcheon Hyanggyo Station, Exit 1 or 2, approx. 10-min walk
If visiting a school from the Joseon dynasty is on your travel list, be sure to get off at Yangcheon Hyanggyo Station. Yangcheonhyanggyo Confucian School was built to pass down the state ideology of Confucianism and to hold a memorial service for Confucius. The only Confucian school in Seoul, the compound is comprised of Daeseongjeon Shrine, a hall for the memorial service, Dongjae (east hall) & Seojae (west hall) where students stayed, in addition to a small outdoor traditional courtyard for lectures and performances.
9Seonyudo Station26Hapjeong Station29Dangsan Station
【 Photo: Seonyudo Park 】
Seonyudo Station, Exit 2, approx. 15-min walk
Seonyudo Park is frequently visited by locals to enjoy the scenery of the Hangang River; especially from the observatory deck which has the most stunning view of the river. The park also has varied attractions such as a botanical garden, grassy field, water playground and water purification center.
National Assembly Station, Exit 6, approx. 2-min walk
The National Assembly is where the nation’s laws are made, as well as where government policies are deliberated. The building is a landmark of Yeouido, the hub of many important sectors, including politics, banking, security, and press. Don’t miss out on the sculptures of “Haetae (a mythical unicorn lion, Seoul’s symbol)” and “Peace and Prosperity” on the road to the main building.
59Yeouido Station15Singil Station9Saetgang Station
【 Photo: Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park 】
【 Photo: Saetgang Bridge 】
Yeouido Station, Exit 1, approx. 10-min walk
Saetgang, meaning creek in Korean, is a tributary to the Hangang River, flowing along Yeouido. It is often referred to as the “demilitarized zone of Seoul,” as it separates the island from the rest of Seoul and is dense with willow trees. Compared to the well-maintained Yeouido Park, visitors can take a step closer to nature at this ecological park. The beautiful ponds and walking trail are the main reasons that make this park a popular venue for dates or family outings. The reeds along the banks are particularly beautiful in autumn. The bridge that crosses the creek is the key point of the park.
Yeouido Station, Exit 3, approx. 5-min by moving walkway
IFC Mall features numerous stores in a variety of trendy, leading brands spread throughout four floors. Additional facilities include a movie theater, bookstores, restaurants, and massage shops. Occasionally throughout the year, the mall hosts fashion shows, flash performances, celebrity autograph and other events, making a stop here an enjoyable experience that is more than just about shopping. Also, the view of the glass-roofed pavilion and outdoor garden at nighttime is a must-see.
【 Photo: Night view of Seoul from 63 Art (Credit: 63 Square) 】
Saetgang Station, Exit 1, approx. 20-min walk
One of the first things to pop up in the heads of Koreans when thinking of Seoul’s landmark would have to be the building covered in a golden shade, 63 Square. 63 Square appeared in several Korean variety shows, dramas and movies. Since it is situated right in front of the Hangang River, it is the perfect place to get a look of the city harmonized with the river. 63 Art, located on the 60th floor, is a famous and popular spot to look over the beautiful cityscape and appreciate artworks of many artists from both Korea and abroad. The cityscape seen from this level after sunset is considered as one of the top 10 night view destinations in Seoul, so don’t miss it!
【Photo: Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market (Credit: Seoul Metropolitan Government) 】
Noryangjin Station, Exit 2, approx. 10-min walk
Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is a home to the freshest seafood throughout the year. By the time dawn breaks and the city begins to awaken, Noryangjin Fish Market is already well into a busy day with the early morning auction. The market is crowded with wholesale and retail traders, as well as restaurant owners who are eager to catch top-quality seafood. After the big hustle of the auction passes, the alley then starts to fill with those who wish to have fresh raw fish at restaurants in the market.
Banpo Hangang Park features one of the best walking trails on Banpo Seoraeseom Island, as well as breathtaking night views of Some Sevit and Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain. The park also offers facilities for recreational activities, with a wide pedestrian walkway at Jamsugyo Bridge and water sports facilities. The bike lane is especially well-paved and the park has become a popular place for walking and biking. The wide grass field is usually packed with people setting up tents or sitting on blankets and having picnics. At nighttime, Banpo Bridge lights up in an array of colors with water spouting from the bridge.
Express Bus Terminal Station, Exit 8-1 or 8-2, directly connected to the mall
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 880-meter-long underground alley consists of stores that sell clothing, accessories and cosmetics at reasonable prices, which is why the mall is frequented by young women. The mall also features interior design products, furniture and wholesale flowers. Connected to the mall are Central City and Famille Station, both great places to try some of the city’s finest restaurants.
9Seolleung Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Suin-Bundang Line)
2SISeolleung Station
9Samseong Jungang Station
【 Photo: Seolleung Royal Tomb 】
【 Photo: Jeongneung Royal Tomb 】
Seonjeongneung Station, Exit 3, approx. 10-min walk
This UNESCO-recognized site is Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs of the Joseon dynasty. Seonjeongneung houses the burial mounds of King Seongjong (1469-1494), the 9th king of the Joseon dynasty, and his wife Queen Jeonghyeon, just a few steps beyond in the forest. Moving past the entrance, the tomb of King Jungjong (1506-1544), the son of King Seongjong and the 11th king of the Joseon dynasty, can also be found.
In the heart of the Gangnam district, amidst the high rises and shopping malls, Bongeunsa Temple has held on to the past. Constructed in year 794 during the Silla period, the temple is well known for its three-story stone pagoda located in front of the main temple that holds sari, small crystals regarded as sacred relics, sometimes found among the cremated remains of monks. Another must-see attraction of the temple is the 23-meter-high Maitreya statue, frequently visited by Buddhists and tourists alike. The temple also runs one-day and overnight Templestay programs.
COEX is a mega mall with business and entertainment facilities, allowing visitors to attend business events, watch performances and go on a shopping spree all in one location. A variety of events are held in the convention and exhibition halls, as well as meeting rooms. The center is connected to a large department store and a 5-star hotel. COEX Artium, COEX Art Hall and Auditorium are frequented by those seeking hallyu performances such as musicals, concerts and showcases. Directly connected through a passageway from Bongeunsa Station, it’s easy to reach COEX Aquarium and Starfield COEX Mall. Opened in 2017, the Starfield Library is also extremely popular.
Seokchonhosu Lake
89Seokchon Station
28Jamsil Station
9Seokchongobun Station
【 Photo: Seokchonhosu Lake 】
Seokchon Station, Exit 8, approx. 10-min walk
Situated nearby Jamsil’s major tourist attractions such as Seoul Nori Madang, Lotte World, and Songnidan-gil Road, Seokchonhosu Lake, also known as Songpanaru Park, is one of the most beloved parks in Seoul. Songpanaru Park was created when the lake went under maintenance, dividing the area into two identical sections – the East Lake and the West Lake. The world-famous Rubber Duck, Super Moon, and KAWS were once exhibited here as an event. Visitors to the park also enjoy stopping by the Songnidan-gil Road, a popular street lined with exquisite cafés, from gorgeous French or European vintage-style café to Japanese teahouse.
Olympic Park
59Olympic Park Station
8Mongchontoseong Station
9Hanseong Baekje Station
【 Photo: Olympic Park 】
Olympic Park Station, Exit 4, approx. 15-min walk
Olympic Park was established in commemoration of the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympic Games. Now a multi-purpose recreation park, it is largely divided into areas for cultural arts, leisure & sports, environment ecology, and historical experience. The path northwest of the Flag Plaza is devoted to ecology and history, guiding visitors from the Olympic Center to Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortification. The southern section of the park is dedicated to cultural arts, featuring Soma Museum of Art and an outdoor art exhibition. This outdoor exhibition is considered one of the world’s top 5 statue exhibition parks, showcasing over 200 artworks by both world-famous and up-and-coming artists.
This page was last updated on November 12, 2021 and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.