If you’re staying in Myeongdong and heading to Gwanghwamun Square, you basically have two good choices: subway (fast + predictable) or walk (simple + scenic).
This guide compares both options with realistic expectations—especially if you’re going on a busy event day when sidewalks and station exits get packed.
Official references (save these)
- Gwanghwamun Square official directions (best exits + approaches):
gwanghwamun.seoul.go.kr - Seoul Metropolitan Government (official) – subway base fares (as of Jun 28, 2025):
english.seoul.go.kr (Subway fares) - Transfer planner (English) for Myeongdong → Gwanghwamun routes (timing reference):
NAVITIME Transit (Myeongdong → Gwanghwamun)
Quick answer: which is better?
If you want the fastest, least effort option: take the subway (typically ~12–15 minutes depending on transfer timing).
If you want a relaxed “downtown walk” experience: walk (commonly ~30–45 minutes depending on your pace and traffic lights).
If it’s a major event day: subway is still faster, but plan extra time for exit congestion near Gwanghwamun.
Option A: Subway (fastest + most predictable)
For most people, the subway route comes out to around 12–15 minutes with 1 transfer (timing varies by route and platform wait time).
Timing reference: NAVITIME commonly shows ~12–13 minutes with 1 transfer for Myeongdong → Gwanghwamun.
Check the latest route options (English transfer planner)
Which station should you exit at for Gwanghwamun Square?
The official Gwanghwamun Square directions recommend approaching via:
- Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) – common exits and an underground passage option (Haechi route)
- Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) Exit 6 – walking toward Government Complex / Gwanghwamun Gate
Official: Gwanghwamun Square – Directions
Subway cost (2026 practical expectation)
Seoul’s official base subway fare (transportation card) is listed as ₩1,550 (adult), with cash single-ride tickets listed higher on the same table.
Official fare table: Seoul Metropolitan Government – Subway fares
My practical advice: if you’ll take more than 2 rides, buy a transportation card (T-money style) and tap in/out. It’s simpler and usually cheaper than cash tickets.
Option B: Walk (simplest + scenic downtown route)
Walking from Myeongdong to the Gwanghwamun area is a classic “central Seoul” walk—big streets, lots of shops/cafes, and easy landmark navigation.
Many walking-route references put it around ~30 minutes on a normal day, but you should treat this as a flexible range (crowds + traffic lights can easily push it longer).
If your goal is an event at Gwanghwamun Square, the last part of the walk can be the slowest because that’s where crowd-control and funnels start.
Subway vs Walk: the decision table (simple)
- Choose subway if you’re on a schedule, it’s cold/rainy, or you expect heavy crowds.
- Choose walk if you want a relaxed daytime route and you’re not stressed about arrival time.
- Hybrid strategy (best on busy days): subway to a nearby station, then walk the last 10 minutes to avoid getting stuck in one exit funnel.
Event-day tips (so you don’t lose time at the last minute)
1) Decide your “exit plan” before you arrive.
Gwanghwamun Square’s official directions list multiple approaches (Line 5 and Line 3). Save both so you can switch if one station feels jammed.
2) Don’t meet friends “inside the square.”
Meet at a station-level landmark first (Exit area or passage connection), then walk in together.
3) Screenshot the official directions page.
In dense crowds, mobile data can lag. Having the official directions saved is weirdly useful.