If you search “how to get to Gwanghwamun Square,” you’ll see two exits mentioned over and over: Gwanghwamun Station Exit 7 and Exit 2.
Both are correct. But on big event days, the “faster” exit isn’t always the one with the shortest walk—it’s the one with the smoother crowd flow.
This post compares Exit 7 vs Exit 2 in a way foreigners actually need: which exit is quicker, which is less stressful, and what to do if exits are congested or blocked.
Official references (use these)
- Gwanghwamun Square official directions (mentions Exit 7 + Haechi passage):
gwanghwamun.seoul.go.kr - Visit Seoul official guide (mentions Exit 2 and distance info):
english.visitseoul.net
Quick answer (choose based on your situation)
Pick Exit 7 if: you want the most straightforward “default” approach and you’re okay following the main crowd flow.
Pick Exit 2 if: you prefer a route that’s commonly referenced in official tourist guidance and may feel simpler for first-time navigation.
Event-day truth: If one exit is packed, the “faster” exit is the one with less congestion—even if the walking distance is slightly longer.
Exit 7: Why it’s the most recommended “default”
The official Gwanghwamun Square directions specifically guide visitors from Line 5 Gwanghwamun Station Exit 7 toward the square.
How it feels: Exit 7 is often the most “obvious” route because many people use it, and signage/crowd movement tends to point you the right way.
Downside on big event days: because Exit 7 is the most popular, it can become a bottleneck. If you see a long queue at the escalator or exit gate, switch to Exit 2 or the Haechi passage route.
Exit 2: Why foreigners like it (simple, official tourist reference)
Visit Seoul (official tourism guide) lists Gwanghwamun Station Exit 2 as an access point to Gwanghwamun Square and provides an approximate distance reference (so it’s easy to trust as a first-timer).
How it feels: Exit 2 is often chosen by tourists who want a “clean” reference route and don’t want to guess.
Downside on big event days: Exit 2 can also get crowded—especially if people are intentionally avoiding Exit 7. That’s why you should treat Exit 2 as a Plan B that can become Plan A, depending on the crowd.
Which exit is actually faster (real-world way to decide)
If it’s a normal day: both are fast. Pick the exit that matches your navigation comfort (Exit 7 = follow flow, Exit 2 = official tourist reference route).
If it’s a major event day: don’t overthink “meters.” Use this rule:
- If you see a visible exit queue or heavy crowd control at Exit 7 → use Exit 2.
- If Exit 2 looks packed (people switching) → use Exit 7 OR the Haechi passage route.
In other words: choose the exit with the shortest “wait time,” not the shortest walk.
Step-by-step directions (simple walking logic)
From Exit 7:
Exit 7 → head toward the central Sejong-daero corridor → follow signage/crowd direction toward Gwanghwamun Square.
From Exit 2:
Exit 2 → orient yourself toward Sejong-daero / the main boulevard → walk toward the plaza area following the central corridor.
Tip for foreigners: If your phone signal is slow in crowds, don’t rely on live maps. Use landmark navigation: keep moving toward the wide boulevard zone leading to the square.
Backup route that often saves time: the Haechi passage (underground connection)
The official Gwanghwamun Square directions mention reaching the square via the passageway to Haechi Madang / Haechi Lounge.
When it’s best: rain, extreme cold, or event-day street-level confusion. If exits are congested or road crossings are restricted, an underground route can be calmer.
Plan C (best “spread out” approach): come via Line 3 instead
If Line 5 exits are overloaded, approach from Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) Exit 6. The official directions list this as a route toward Government Complex / Gwanghwamun Gate.
Why it works: it shifts you to a different station/crowd pattern, which can be dramatically easier on major event days.
My recommendation (if you’re going for a packed event)
Save all three routes in your notes:
- Primary: Exit 7
- Switch option: Exit 2
- Backup (calmer): Haechi passage or Line 3 approach
Then decide in real time based on what you see at the station.