If you’re trying to reach Gwanghwamun Square on a busy day, approaching from Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) can be noticeably smoother than Line 5—especially when crowds pile up at Gwanghwamun Station.
This post gives you the simplest route from Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 6, using landmarks that are hard to miss: Government Complex Seoul and Gwanghwamun Gate.
Official references (use these)
- Gwanghwamun Square official directions (Line 3 route):
gwanghwamun.seoul.go.kr - Gwanghwamun Square – official tourism listing (context + location):
english.visitseoul.net - Gwanghwamun Gate (landmark reference):
english.visitkorea.or.kr
Quick answer: how long is the walk?
For most people, it’s roughly a 6–12 minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 6 to the main Gwanghwamun Square area, depending on crowd density, traffic lights, and whether you stop for photos.
On major event days, treat the “minutes” as flexible—your biggest time cost is usually crossing points + crowd funnels, not distance.
The official route (Line 3 → Exit 6 → Government Complex → Gwanghwamun Gate)
The Gwanghwamun Square official directions state:
Line 3: Walk from Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 6) in the direction of Government Complex and Gwanghwamun Gate.
Official source: Gwanghwamun Square – Directions (Train)
Step-by-step walking directions (simple, no guesswork)
Step 1) Exit at Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) – Exit 6.
If you’re inside the station, follow signs for Exit 6. This exit is commonly used for government buildings and the Gwanghwamun area.
Step 2) Once outside, orient toward “Government Complex” direction.
You don’t need perfect navigation—just commit to the direction that leads you toward the large government office area referenced by the official route.
Step 3) Keep moving toward Gwanghwamun Gate.
Gwanghwamun Gate is the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace and a major landmark in this zone, so it’s one of the easiest “north-star” targets to follow.
Landmark reference: Gwanghwamun Gate – Official description
Step 4) From the gate area, follow the boulevard flow into Gwanghwamun Square.
Once you’re near the gate corridor, the plaza area becomes obvious. You’ll see the wide public square zone and pedestrian movement along Sejong-daero.
Why Exit 6 is a smart choice on event days
Reason 1: You avoid the most common Line 5 crowd funnel.
Many people default to Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), especially Exit 7. Approaching from Line 3 spreads crowds out earlier.
Reason 2: The route is landmark-driven.
Even if your map is slow (which happens in dense crowds), “Government Complex → Gwanghwamun Gate → Square” is a route you can follow just by looking around.
Backup options if the route feels blocked or chaotic
Backup A) Use Line 5 but avoid the main exit crowd.
The official directions also mention reaching Gwanghwamun Square from Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), including an approach via an underground passageway (Haechi Lounge route). If surface crossings are restricted, underground connections can feel calmer.
Official source: Gwanghwamun Square – Directions (Line 5 + passageway)
Backup B) Choose a “meet first, then walk in” plan.
If you’re meeting friends, don’t try to find each other in the densest part of the square. Meet one block away near a clear landmark, then walk in together.
Mini checklist before you leave your hotel
- Screenshot the official directions page (signal can slow down in crowds).
- Write down: “Line 3 → Gyeongbokgung Exit 6 → Government Complex → Gwanghwamun Gate” in your notes.
- Plan a backup approach (Line 5 + passage route) in case your first route is blocked.
- Wear comfortable shoes—this area looks “close” on a map but event-day detours add steps fast.