Airport Hubs:
GMP → Seoul City Center (Hongdae, Myeongdong & Gangnam) Updated for 2026

How to Get from Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) to Hongdae & Myeongdong

Distance 18 km
Fastest 14 min
From ₩1,650 (~$1.25)
Top Pick AREX All-Stop Train
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

Gimpo Airport is substantially closer to central Seoul than Incheon. The AREX All-Stop train reaches youth hub Hongdae (Hongik Univ.) in just 14 minutes (₩1,650) and Seoul Station in 22 minutes (₩1,750). To reach Gangnam, take Metro Line 9 Express in just 27 minutes. For Myeongdong, take AREX to Seoul Station and transfer to Line 4 (approx. 30 min total).

Gimpo International Airport (GMP) serves major regional flights from Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Kansai, Taipei Songshan, and Beijing, as well as domestic routes to Jeju. Located only 18 km west of downtown Seoul, transit into town is exceptionally swift and inexpensive.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
AREX All-Stop Train Fastest
14–22 min
₩1,650 - 1,750
~$1.25 - $1.30 / €1.15 - €1.20
 Every 5-10 min Travelers heading to Hongdae, Sinchon, Seoul Station, and Myeongdong Get Korea T-Money Card
Seoul Metro Line 9 (Express Service) Best Overall
27–35 min
₩1,850
~$1.40 / €1.30
 Every 6-10 min Anyone staying in Gangnam, Sinnonhyeon, Express Bus Terminal, or COEX See Boarding Steps ↓

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Fastest

AREX All-Stop Train

₩1,650 - 1,750 ~$1.25 - $1.30 / €1.15 - €1.20
Travel time 14–22 min
Frequency Every 5-10 min
Operating hours 05:35 - 23:55 daily
Where to buy tickets Tap T-money card, WOWPASS, or buy single ticket at automated machines.
Main advantage: Incredible speed (14 min to Hongdae, 22 min to Seoul Station); rock-bottom price; frequent departures; immune to traffic.
Keep in mind: Requires transfer at Seoul Station for Myeongdong or Dongdaemun.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Follow the clearly marked "Airport Railroad / Subway" signs down to the B1/B2 station concourse.
  2. Tap your T-money card at the AREX turnstiles.
  3. Board the train towards Seoul Station.
  4. Disembark at Hongik Univ. (14 min) or Seoul Station (22 min).
Get Korea T-Money Card
Option #2 Best Overall

Seoul Metro Line 9 (Express Service)

₩1,850 ~$1.40 / €1.30
Travel time 27–35 min
Frequency Every 6-10 min
Operating hours 05:30 - 23:45 daily
Where to buy tickets Tap T-money or WOWPASS card at subway turnstiles.
Main advantage: Direct one-seat connection straight to Gangnam without transfers in under 30 minutes.
Keep in mind: Express trains are very crowded during morning rush hours.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Head to the subway concourse and follow signs for Line 9.
  2. Ensure you board an EXPRESS train (marked with red indicator on platform displays).
  3. Ride directly to Yeouido, Express Bus Terminal, or Sinnonhyeon (Gangnam).
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Kakao T / Uber (UT) / Tada & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Kakao T / Uber (UT) / Tada pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get South Korea eSIM on Airalo →Compare South Korea Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Seoul (GMP) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Seoul Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Tap a rechargeable **T-money**, **WOWPASS**, or **Climate Card** at the subway turnstiles. Cards can be purchased and loaded at convenience stores inside the airport arrival concourses.

Traveling with Suitcases

AREX trains have wide aisles and baggage areas. If taking Metro Line 9 Express during peak hours (07:30-09:00), trains get extremely packed—opt for the local train or AREX instead.

Arriving After Midnight

The last AREX train departs Gimpo around 23:55. Taxis to Hongdae cost ~₩20,000 ($15) and to Myeongdong/Gangnam ~₩30,000-40,000 ($23-$30) and take 25-35 minutes at night.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Booking an expensive Klook Express Train voucher meant for Incheon Airport—the Non-Stop Express does NOT stop at Gimpo, only the AREX All-Stop train serves Gimpo.
  • Boarding the local Line 9 instead of the Rapid/Express Line 9 if heading to Gangnam or Sinnonhyeon.
  • Getting into unofficial taxi touts inside the terminal instead of the official taxi rank.
  • Official taxis queue outside arrivals with clearly marked orange/silver regular taxis and black deluxe taxis. Never take private ride offers inside the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get from Gimpo Airport to Myeongdong?

Take AREX to Seoul Station (22 min), then transfer to Metro Line 4 and ride 2 stops to Myeongdong Station (5 min)—total travel time around 32 minutes for ₩1,750.

Can I take the subway directly from Gimpo to Gangnam?

Yes, Metro Line 9 departs directly from Gimpo Airport Station; the Express train reaches Sinnonhyeon / Gangnam in just 27 to 30 minutes.