If you’re heading to Gwanghwamun Square for a big event, the “nearest station” advice is not enough.
What matters is which exit you take—because on crowded days, one exit can be smooth while another becomes a bottleneck.
This guide gives you an exit-by-exit plan (with simple walking directions), plus backup routes in case your usual exit is blocked or jammed.
Official references (use these maps/directions)
- Gwanghwamun Square (Official Seoul site) – subway directions: gwanghwamun.seoul.go.kr
- Visit Seoul (Official tourism guide) – nearest station + distance: english.visitseoul.net
- Jongno-gu (District official page) – how to get there: jongno.go.kr
Quick answer: the “best exit” depends on your goal
Fastest direct access (most common): Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) – Exit 7 (official route guidance points you this way).
Most comfortable in bad weather / fewer street crossings: Gwanghwamun Station – use the underground passage to Haechi Madang / Haechi Lounge (official guidance mentions this route).
Shortest simple walk (clear landmark route): Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) – Exit 6 (official guidance lists Exit 6 toward Government Complex/Gwanghwamun Gate).
Route 1: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) – Exit 7 (recommended “default” route)
Why this exit: The official Gwanghwamun Square site explicitly recommends walking from Line 5 Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 7) toward the square.
How to walk it:
Exit 7 → head toward Gwanghwamun Square direction (Sejong-daero) → follow the crowd flow along the central boulevard until you reach the plaza area.
When to avoid: If there’s a major event, Exit 7 can become the “main funnel.” If you see the exit area packed, jump to Route 2 (Haechi passage) or Route 3 (Line 3).
Route 2: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) – Underground passage to Haechi Madang / Haechi Lounge
Why this route: The official site mentions reaching the square via passageway to Haechi Lounge / Haechi Madang. This is useful if you want fewer street-level crossings and less weather exposure.
How to walk it:
Enter station concourse → follow signs toward Haechi (Haechi Madang / Haechi Lounge) → exit onto/near the plaza connection.
Event-day advantage: When street corners are blocked or police are directing flows, underground connections can be calmer. If one exit is closed, the passage route can still get you “near enough” to join the main entry flow.
Route 3: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) – Exit 2 (clear signage + official distance reference)
Why this exit: Visit Seoul (official tourism guide) lists Line 5 Gwanghwamun Station Exit 2 as an access point and even shows an approximate distance (about 235 m).
How to walk it:
Exit 2 → walk along Sejong-daero direction → keep Gwanghwamun/central boulevard on your line of sight → you’ll reach the square area within a few minutes.
When to use: If Exit 7 looks chaotic, Exit 2 is often a clean alternative because tourists commonly navigate by this “official tourism” route.
Route 4: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) – Exit 6 (best “landmark walk”)
Why this exit: The official Gwanghwamun Square site recommends Line 3 Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 6, walking toward Government Complex and Gwanghwamun Gate.
How to walk it:
Exit 6 → head toward Government Complex / Gwanghwamun Gate direction → continue straight until you reach the plaza corridor near Gwanghwamun Square.
Event-day advantage: If Line 5 station exits are overloaded, approaching from Line 3 spreads you out and can be noticeably less stressful.
Route 5 (backup): City Hall Station (Line 1/2) – walk toward Gwanghwamun
Why this route: The Jongno-gu district’s official page lists City Hall Station (Line 1/2) as an access option and describes walking in the direction of a major hotel landmark area.
How to walk it (simple version):
City Hall Station → head north toward the Sejong-daero corridor → continue toward Gwanghwamun area until you reach the square zone.
When to use: If you’re already staying near City Hall/Myeongdong side and want a single, easy walk—especially before the crowd peak.
Which route should YOU choose? (2-minute decision guide)
If you want the most “standard” route: Line 5 → Gwanghwamun Station Exit 7.
If you want a calmer approach on crowded days: Use the Haechi passage or come via Line 3 (Gyeongbokgung Exit 6).
If you’re navigating purely by official tourist info: Line 5 → Exit 2 (clear reference point with listed distance).
Practical tips for major events at Gwanghwamun Square
Arrive with “Exit flexibility.” Don’t commit to one exit. If the crowd is dense at your exit, walk inside the station to another exit/passage route.
Pick a meeting point that isn’t inside the tightest crowd. A good rule: meet one block away first, then walk in together.
Save offline navigation. Cellular congestion can slow maps. Screenshot the official direction page and your preferred exit route.