
Seoul Subway Line 1 (Dark Blue) — the original metro line connecting Seoul Station, Jongno-ga, Dongdaemun, and the historic city center. Ideal for old-Seoul sightseeing.
Seoul Subway Line 1 (Dark Blue) is the city's oldest metro line, opened in 1974. It runs through the historic heart of Seoul — connecting Seoul Station, Jongno, Dongdaemun, and Cheongnyangni — and extends far beyond the city to Incheon, Suwon, and Soyosan. For tourists, Line 1 is the key to old Seoul: traditional markets, ancient gates, and heritage districts.
Watch out: Line 1 has multiple branches north of Seoul (to Uijeongbu, Yangju) and south (to Incheon, Suwon, Cheonan). Always check the destination sign.
The main transit hub of Korea. Transfer to AREX (to Incheon Airport), Line 4, and KTX high-speed rail. Exit 2 connects to Lotte Mart, duty-free shops, and Seoullo 7017 skywalk park. Exit 9a goes to the historic 1925 Culture Station building.
Old downtown Seoul. Jonggak Exit 3 for Bosingak Belfry and the Cheonggyecheon stream. Jongno 3-ga transfers to Lines 3 and 5 — three subway lines meet at Pimatgol, a historic alley with traditional eateries. Exit 15 puts you at Insadong's start.
Dongdaemun Gate — one of the Joseon Dynasty's Four Great Gates — stands outside Exit 6. This area transforms after dark: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) by Zaha Hadid glows like a spaceship, and the wholesale fashion malls are open until 5 AM.
Exit 3 leads to Dongmyo Flea Market — one of Asia's best vintage markets, with military surplus, vinyl records, and '90s K-pop memorabilia. Best visited Saturday afternoons.
Transfer to Gyeongchun Line (toward Chuncheon for Nami Island trips) and Suin-Bundang Line. The Cheongnyangni Fruit Market outside Exit 2 is where locals buy seasonal Korean fruit.
Tip: Line 1 has a mix of local and express trains. Express trains (빨간색 급행) skip small stations — great for reaching Incheon fast, but ensure your stop is served. Local (all stops) trains have blue indicators.

Seoul Subway Line 9 (Gold) is Seoul's only express subway line — faster than Line 2 from Gimpo Airport and Yeouido to Gangnam. Cherry blossom hotspot and COEX access.

Seoul Subway Line 8 (Pink) is the shortest line in Seoul — a focused 17 km stretch connecting Jamsil, Seokchon Lake cherry blossoms, Lotte World Tower, and Moran Market.

Seoul Subway Line 7 (Olive) runs from Dobongsan in the north to Bupyeong in the west, passing through Konkuk University, Cheongdam, Gangnam, and Express Bus Terminal.

Seoul Subway Line 6 (Brown) runs through Itaewon's multicultural dining, HBC hipster alleys, Hapjeong's indie cafes, and Eunpyeong's World Cup Park.