Seoul Station to KINTEX in 17 Minutes: GTX-A Route + Bus & Subway Backups

The fastest and most reliable way to travel from Seoul Station (서울역) to KINTEX (킨텍스) is using the GTX-A high-speed rail line to KINTEX Station (킨텍스역). With the opening of KINTEX Station on December 28, 2024, the travel time from central Seoul has been dramatically cut.

Whether you are visiting for a weekend convention or a major concert, this is the recommended route to bypass heavy traffic.

Route Comparison at a Glance#

Route	Details	Est. Time	Pros	Cons
GTX-A Direct (Recommended)	Seoul Station → GTX-A KINTEX Station → Walk	Approx. 25–30 min (17 min on train)	No road traffic, extremely fast	Higher fare than regular subway
Line 3 to Daehwa (Regular Subway)	Line 4 Seoul Station → Chungmuro transfer → Line 3 Daehwa → Walk	Approx. 70–80 min	Standard transit fare, familiar transfers	Long travel time, transfer required
Bus 1000 from Sungnyemun	Sungnyemun stop → Bus 1000 → Daehwa Station → Walk	Approx. 70–80 min	No transfers, late-night service	Subject to highway traffic delays
Yeongdeungpo Detour (Bus 1500/9707)	Line 1 to Yeongdeungpo → Times Square stop → Bus 1500/9707 → Daehwa	Approx. 75–90 min	Bypass Line 3 crowding, easy to get a seat	Extra transfer at Yeongdeungpo

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1. Recommended Route: GTX-A Direct Train#

Taking the GTX-A from Seoul Station gets you to KINTEX Station in just about 16 to 17 minutes without any intermediate transfers.

1. Head down to the GTX-A platforms inside Seoul Station. (Please note that walking from the regular subway platforms to the GTX-A deep-level platform takes about 10 to 15 minutes, so factor this walk into your timing.)
2. Board the GTX-A bound for Unjeong-jungang (운정중앙).
3. Get off at KINTEX Station (킨텍스역).
4. Leave via Exit 4 or Exit 5 and follow the signs toward Exhibition Hall 1 or Hall 2. The walk to the entrances takes about 10 minutes.

• Fare: 4,200 KRW between Seoul Station and KINTEX Station (based on a weekday single-use transit card; basic fare starts at 3,300 KRW. Check detailed fares on the official GTX-A website. Capital area transfer discounts apply when using a standard transit card).
• When to use: This should be your default choice. It is highly reliable on weekends and during rush hours when roads around the Ilsan area are heavily congested.

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2. No Transfers & Heavy Luggage: Bus 1000 from Sungnyemun#

If you prefer to stay seated and avoid navigating subway stairs with heavy bags, the Bus 1000 express is a great alternative.

1. Walk from Seoul Station to the Sungnyemun (숭례문) bus stop (approx. 5 minutes from Seoul Station Exit 3 toward the Sungnyemun gate).
2. Board Bus 1000 heading to Daehwa-dong (대화동).
3. Get off at Daehwa Station (대화역).
4. Walk from Daehwa Station to KINTEX (Hall 1: 10–15 min walk, Hall 2: 5 min walk) or take a quick taxi.

• Upside: No transfer walking inside subway stations. The last bus departs central Seoul late — around 1:05 AM on weekdays and 12:40 AM on Saturdays — making it a reliable backup if you miss the last GTX-A train.
• Downside: Travel time can stretch significantly during rush hours due to congestion on the Gangbyeonbuk-ro (강변북로) and Jayu-ro (자유로) expressways.

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3. Budget Option: Subway Line 3 via Chungmuro#

A budget-friendly path using the classic Seoul metropolitan subway network.

1. Take Subway Line 4 from Seoul Station to Chungmuro Station (충무로역), then transfer to Line 3. (Alternatively, take Line 1 and transfer at Jongno 3-ga Station.)
2. Ride the Line 3 train bound for Daehwa to the terminus, Daehwa Station (대화역).
3. Walk from Daehwa Station Exit 2 to KINTEX, or catch a short local bus ride from the exit.

• Travel Time: Approx. 50 minutes on the train, totaling about 70 minutes including walking to KINTEX.
• Note: While it is the cheapest option, the long subway ride and transfer walks can be tiring.

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4. Crowding Bypass: Detour via Yeongdeungpo Station#

This is a smart bypass route if GTX-A KINTEX Station or Subway Line 3 are completely overwhelmed with crowds after a large concert or exhibition.

1. Take Subway Line 1 from Seoul Station to Yeongdeungpo Station (영등포역) (approx. 10 minutes).
2. Exit via Exit 3 and walk to the bus stop in front of Times Square (opposite Shinsegae Department Store).
3. Board Bus 1500 or Bus 9707.
4. Get off at Daehwa Station (대화역) and proceed to KINTEX.

• Seating Tip: Since Yeongdeungpo is the turnaround hub for these routes, buses starting here are usually empty, giving you a very high chance of getting a comfortable seat for the ride to Ilsan. It is a highly effective way to escape a paralyzed transit station near the venue.

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5. Detour via Bus M7731 (Gongdeok/Hongdae)#

This is a convenient and comfortable rail-to-bus detour. You take the subway or AREX to Gongdeok Station or Hongdae Entrance Station, then transfer to the red rapid express bus M7731 which drops you off directly in front of the KINTEX exhibition halls.

1. From Seoul Station, take the AREX (Airport Railroad) or Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Gongdeok Station (공덕역) or Hongik University Station (홍대입구역).
2. Board Bus M7731 from the bus stop near Gongdeok Station Exit 1, or the center lane bus stop near Hongik University Station Exit 2.
3. The bus runs via Hapjeong Station, takes the Jayu-ro highway, and drops you off right at the KINTEX Exhibition Hall 1 or Exhibition Hall 2 stops.

• Seating Tip: Hongik University Station is extremely crowded, and buses often pass by full. Boarding at the turnaround starting point near Gongdeok Station Exit 1 is highly recommended as it is much quieter and virtually guarantees you a seat.

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6. Bus Stops and Route Numbers#

Bus routes passing by KINTEX stop at different locations. Choose the stop closest to your destination hall:

• KINTEX Stop (킨텍스 정류장 - close to Exhibition Center 1): Bus 55, 89, 1100, M7731
• KINTEX Center 2 Stop (킨텍스 2전시장 - in front of Exhibition Center 2 lobby): Bus 33-1, 83, 98, 062
• Hillstate Ilsan / Hyundai Motorstudio (힐스테이트 일산 · 현대모터스튜디오고양): Bus 33-1, 83, 98, 062

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Related Guides#

• Venue overview: Visiting KINTEX
• Heading home: How to Return to Seoul Station from KINTEX (Daehwa)
• Crowd bypass: Avoiding the Daehwa Station Crowd After a Show
• Luggage storage: KINTEX Luggage Storage Locations & Fares