Itaewon is foreigner-friendly, but the subway route to Gwanghwamun Square can feel confusing if you try to memorize a single “perfect” line combination.
Here’s the simpler approach: pick the easiest route today (based on a planner), then follow the official arrival/exit guidance for Gwanghwamun Square so you don’t waste time at the last 500 meters.
Official references (save these)
- Route planner (English): Itaewon → Gwanghwamun (timing reference):
NAVITIME Transit (Itaewon → Gwanghwamun) - Gwanghwamun Square official directions (Line 5 Exit 7 + Haechi passage / Line 3 Exit 6):
gwanghwamun.seoul.go.kr - Seoul Metropolitan Government – official subway fares (as of Jun 28, 2025):
english.seoul.go.kr (Subway fares) - Visit Seoul (official tourism) – Exit 2 reference for Gwanghwamun Square:
english.visitseoul.net
Quick answer: how long does it take from Itaewon?
Typical Itaewon → Gwanghwamun subway plans often fall around 15–30 minutes depending on transfer timing and platform waits.
Timing reference: NAVITIME shows route options and estimated travel time for Itaewon → Gwanghwamun. Check right before you leave, because “fastest” can change with train intervals.
The easiest route strategy (don’t overcomplicate it)
Instead of memorizing a complicated line map, use this simple strategy:
- Step 1: Use NAVITIME (or your preferred planner) to pick the easiest route today.
- Step 2: Aim to arrive via one of the two officially recommended approach stations:
- Line 5 Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 7 / Haechi passage)
- Line 3 Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 6)
- Step 3: Use an “exit plan” so you don’t lose time at street level.
Arrival station choice: Line 5 vs Line 3
Line 5 (Gwanghwamun Station) is the most direct for the square on normal days.
Line 3 (Gyeongbokgung Station) can feel calmer on major event days because it avoids the biggest Line 5 exit funnels.
Official directions source: Gwanghwamun Square – Train directions
Your “exit plan” (the part people mess up)
If you arrive at Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5):
- Primary (official): Exit 7 – walk toward the square.
- Calmer alternative (official): Haechi passageway – go via passageway to Haechi Lounge.
- Tourist reference: Exit 2 – listed by Visit Seoul (with distance reference).
If you arrive at Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3):
- Exit 6 – walk toward Government Complex / Gwanghwamun Gate (officially listed route).
Cost: what should you expect to pay?
Seoul’s official base subway fare (adult, transportation card) is listed as ₩1,550 as of Jun 28, 2025.
Official fare table: Seoul Metropolitan Government – Subway fares
Event-day tips (Itaewon crowd + downtown crowd combo)
1) Leave earlier than you think.
Itaewon is fine. The slowdown happens near Gwanghwamun exits and the final walking funnel.
2) Don’t meet “inside the square.”
Meet at Exit 7 / Exit 2 / Haechi passage connection. Then walk in together.
3) Screenshot the official directions page.
If data slows down, you still have the exit plan.