Gimpo Airport to central Seoul
Gimpo is Seoul's in-city airport, much closer to the centre than Incheon. Flights from Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Kansai, Taipei Songshan, Shanghai Hongqiao and a few other cities arrive here. The airport railroad and two subway lines stop at the airport, and the best one depends on where you are staying.
Last checked: October 2026
Best route by area
| Staying in | Take | Time (approx.) | Fare with a transit card (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hongdae · Yeonnam | AREX all-stop train to Hongik Univ. | 15 min | ₩1,550 |
| Seoul Station · Myeongdong | AREX to Seoul Station → Line 4 | 20 min + transfer | ₩1,650–1,750 |
| Gwanghwamun · Jongno · Dongdaemun | Subway Line 5 (no transfer) | 35–45 min | ₩1,750–1,950 |
| Yeouido | Line 9 express | 15 min | ₩1,650 |
| Gangnam (Express Bus Terminal, Sinnonhyeon) | Line 9 express | 30–35 min | ₩1,850 |
From the international terminal to the station
Leave the arrivals hall and follow the "Airport Railroad" and "Subway" signs downstairs. Gimpo Airport Station sits between the international and domestic terminals, about a 5–10 minute walk.
The station also serves the Gimpo Goldline and Seohae Line, and each line has its own platform. Follow your line's colour — blue for AREX, purple for Line 5, gold for Line 9. You can buy a T-money card at the convenience stores inside the terminal.
Line 9 express gets very crowded
The Line 9 express is the quickest way to Yeouido and Gangnam, but on weekday mornings and evenings it is famously packed. With a big suitcase, take the slightly slower all-stop train or avoid rush hour.
Check the platform signs for "급행" (express) and "일반" (all-stop) before you board.
By taxi
The taxi rank is just outside arrivals. Myeongdong or Gwanghwamun takes 30–50 minutes depending on traffic, typically ₩20,000–30,000 — far cheaper than from Incheon, and a good option with lots of luggage or two or three people.
The k.ride app, made for visitors, lets you type in your destination, so there is no language barrier. A late-night surcharge applies from 22:00.
On your departure day
Gimpo is smaller than Incheon and departure formalities are usually quick, but aim to arrive about two hours before an international flight. Allow extra time if you need to collect duty-free purchases or claim a tax refund.
In My Trip Plan, enter your return flight time and the last day is planned around the trip to the airport.
Fares and times are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Check official sources for the latest information.
FAQ
What is the easiest way from Gimpo to Myeongdong?
Take AREX to Seoul Station and change to Line 4 for Myeongdong Station. With lots of luggage, a taxi costs roughly ₩20,000–30,000.
Can I buy a transit card at Gimpo Airport?
Yes — convenience stores in the terminal sell and top up T-money cards. Top-ups are often cash only, so keep some won handy.
More guides
- Incheon Airport to central SeoulThree ways from Incheon Airport into Seoul — AREX train, limousine bus and taxi — with times, fares and how to choose.
- Entering Korea: K-ETA and the e-Arrival CardWho needs a K-ETA, which countries are exempt until 31 December 2026, how to submit the e-Arrival Card, and what to know about customs before you fly to Seoul.
- Money in Korea: cards, cash and currency exchangeCards work almost everywhere in Seoul, but street food, markets and transit-card top-ups still need cash. Where to exchange, prepaid travel cards like WOWPASS, and mobile payments.
- Staying connected in Korea: eSIM, SIM card or pocket Wi-FiYou will need mobile data for maps and translation apps. eSIMs, Korean SIM cards, pocket Wi-Fi and home-carrier roaming compared, and how to choose.
- Transit cards: T-money and the Climate Card passYou need a transit card for Seoul's subway and buses. How to buy and top up T-money, and prices for the unlimited Climate Card tourist pass.
- How to ride the Seoul subwayTelling lines apart, transferring, how fares work, first and last trains, and etiquette — a beginner's guide to the Seoul subway.
- Taking taxis in Seoul and booking appsTypes of Seoul taxi, fares, the late-night surcharge, how to pay, and using the visitor-friendly k.ride app.
- Seoul palace guide: closing days, fees and free entry in hanbokClosing days and fees for Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Jongmyo and more, free entry in hanbok, the combination ticket, and Bukchon's visiting hours.
- Tax refunds in Korea: how to get VAT backShopping for K-beauty or fashion? How much you need to spend, instant refunds at the till, and claiming your refund at the airport.
- Seoul weather by season and what to packSeoul has cold winters and hot, humid summers. Average temperatures by season, what to wear, and weather to watch for — monsoon rain, yellow dust and fine dust.