Autumn 2024. Ten years after my first trip to Seoul in 2014, I am returning to the Republic of Korea, better known as South Korea. Not solo this time, but with Oriol, who has never been to Korea. On the itinerary: flying with Qatar Airways to Incheon via Doha, the capital Seoul, the historic city of Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju Island and a second stint in Seoul, where we are joined by Sehyeon. We’re spending two weeks in South Korea. The ROK is such a popular destination now. Will we experience overtourism?  

As our first stint in Seoul came to an end, it was time to take a train to Busan, but get off at Gyeongju. For this, we went to to Seoul Station.

Seoul Station (서울역) is a major railway station in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The station is served by the Korail Intercity Lines and the commuter trains of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway.

Introduction

Seoul Station is one of South Korea’s most significant transportation hubs, playing a crucial role in the country’s rail and public transportation network. Located in the heart of Seoul, it serves as a gateway for millions of passengers traveling in and out of the capital. 

Over the years, Seoul Station has undergone numerous changes, evolving from a relatively small, regional train station to a modern transportation complex that integrates various modes of travel, including trains, buses, and subways. Its location is particularly strategic, situated at the convergence of several important districts within the city, such as Jung-gu and Yongsan-gu, making it easily accessible to both residents and visitors.

History

Seoul Station opened on 18 September 1925, during the Japanese colonial period. Originally named Gyeongseong Station, the station’s architecture was influenced by European designs, reflecting the colonial powers’ influence on infrastructure at the time. The station’s original building, which still stands today, features a red brick facade and a central dome, showcasing a blend of Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements. 

This iconic structure is now recognized as a historic site, offering a glimpse into Korea’s architectural and colonial history. The old station building was officially designated as Cultural Heritage Site No. 284 in 1981, underscoring its historical significance.

Initially, the station primarily handled domestic rail traffic, serving as a critical stop for trains traveling along the Gyeongbu Line, which connected Seoul with Busan, Korea’s second-largest city. 

As Korea’s economy began to grow in the post-war period, so too did the importance of Seoul Station. With the construction of more rail lines, including the Honam Line to Mokpo and the Jeolla Line to Yeosu, the station expanded its reach to the southern and southwestern regions of the country. 

By the 1970s and 1980s, Seoul Station had established itself as the primary hub for both passenger and freight rail services.

KTX

However, the station’s significance dramatically increased with the introduction of the Korea Train Express (KTX) in the early 2000s. The KTX is South Korea’s high-speed rail system, designed to reduce travel times between major cities across the country. 

Seoul Station became the main terminus for the KTX, connecting the capital to other urban centers at speeds of over 300 kilometers per hour. The first KTX service from Seoul Station began on 1 April 2004, marking a new era in South Korea’s transportation infrastructure. 

With the advent of high-speed rail, Seoul Station’s role expanded even further, facilitating faster connections between cities like Daejeon, Daegu, and Busan, making long-distance travel more accessible and convenient for both domestic and international travelers.

In addition to KTX services, Seoul Station remains a major hub for conventional rail services. The station is part of the Gyeongbu Line, which remains one of the most heavily traveled rail lines in the country. 

North Korea

It also services the Gyeongui Line, which provides access to North Korea and was historically used for inter-Korean travel and trade before the Korean Peninsula was divided. Although regular services between the two Koreas have been suspended due to ongoing political tensions, the station remains symbolically significant as a point of connection between the two nations.

Subway

Seoul Station also plays a vital role in South Korea’s urban transit system. The station is integrated into Seoul’s expansive subway network, offering connections to multiple subway lines. 

Line 1, the oldest subway line in the country, passes through Seoul Station, linking it with other key areas of the city. The station also connects to Line 4, which serves as a critical north-south axis within Seoul. 

AREX

In 2016, the station became a terminus for the AREX or Airport Railroad Express, a direct rail link to Incheon International Airport. This connection has greatly increased the station’s utility for international travelers, providing a fast and convenient route between the city center and the airport.

Network

The subway and rail systems at Seoul Station are supported by an extensive bus network, with several major city and intercity bus routes serving the station. 

This intermodal connectivity has made Seoul Station a key node in South Korea’s overall transportation infrastructure, allowing passengers to easily switch between different forms of transport. The station also accommodates express buses and taxis, further enhancing its accessibility.

Keeping up to date

Over the years, Seoul Station has been renovated and expanded to meet the growing demands of the city’s population. In 2004, alongside the launch of KTX services, a new station building was constructed adjacent to the original one. 

This modern building, made primarily of glass and steel, contrasts sharply with the historical architecture of the old station but complements its role as a high-tech transportation hub. 

The new Seoul Station building features multiple floors dedicated to ticketing, passenger lounges, shopping, and dining facilities. The station’s interior has been designed with passenger convenience in mind, offering ample seating, digital signage, and clear navigation paths to minimize congestion.

Seoul Station Plaza

The development of Seoul Station Plaza in front of the new station building has also contributed to the station’s growing importance as a public space. 

This large open area serves as a gathering point for travelers, locals, and tourists alike. The plaza often hosts various events, exhibitions, and performances, further enhancing the cultural and social role of the station within the city. 

Surrounding the station are numerous hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, catering to the needs of both domestic and international travelers. 

The nearby Lotte Mart, for example, is one of the largest supermarkets in Seoul, offering a wide range of goods, including Korean food products, electronics, and clothing, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Keeping up to date (2)

In recent years, Seoul Station has also been involved in several urban renewal projects aimed at enhancing the surrounding area. One of the most notable is the Seoul Station Overpass Project, also known as Seoullo 7017. This project involved the transformation of a disused elevated highway into a pedestrian-friendly walkway that connects Seoul Station to nearby neighborhoods. 

Opened in 2017, Seoullo 7017 is lined with greenery, art installations, and small cafes, offering a unique perspective on the city and serving as an example of Seoul’s efforts to create more sustainable and people-centric urban spaces. The name ‘7017’ refers to both the original construction of the overpass in 1970 and its transformation into a public park in 2017.

Old and new

The old Seoul Station building has also been repurposed in recent years to serve as a cultural venue. Known today as Culture Station Seoul 284, the building hosts various exhibitions, performances, and cultural events. 

The restoration of the old station was completed in 2011, and the venue now plays a key role in the city’s cultural life, offering a space where art, history, and contemporary urban culture intersect. The building’s historical significance, combined with its new cultural role, has made it a popular destination for both history buffs and art enthusiasts.

Buses

Seoul Station’s role as a transportation hub is not limited to trains and subways. It is also an essential part of the country’s bus network, with a large bus terminal adjacent to the station offering routes to various parts of Seoul and the greater metropolitan area. The terminal handles both local buses that circulate within the city and long-distance buses that travel to other regions in South Korea. This multi-modal connectivity ensures that travelers can easily access the station no matter where they are coming from or where they are going.

Expansion

As part of the broader vision for the future of Seoul’s transportation infrastructure, Seoul Station is expected to continue evolving. The station has been identified as a key component in South Korea’s plans for expanding its rail network, including potential connections to future high-speed lines and even international rail links. 

Additionally, efforts to make the station more environmentally sustainable are underway, with initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption and improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

Landmark

Seoul Station is more than just a transportation hub; it is a reflection of the city’s history, development, and ambitions for the future. Its evolution from a colonial-era train station to a modern transportation complex symbolizes South Korea’s rapid modernization and economic growth. 

At the same time, the preservation of the old station building and the creation of public spaces like Seoullo 7017 show a commitment to blending the old with the new, honoring the city’s past while embracing the future.

Today, Seoul Station remains a central part of life in the capital, serving millions of commuters, tourists, and international travelers every year. Its strategic location, comprehensive transportation services, and cultural significance make it one of the most important landmarks in Seoul, connecting people not only to different parts of South Korea but also to the wider world. 

As the city continues to grow and change, Seoul Station is poised to remain at the heart of Seoul’s transportation and cultural landscape for many years to come.

Seoul Station in real life

What dies that all mean in real life? Seoul Station, with its intercity train section, its subway section, the AREX, the commercial areas and kilometres and kilometres of corridors is vast. 

As with any train or metro station in South Korea, make sure to know which exiit you need or you will be stuck forever. 

South Korea 2024

1. QUESTION | Should you be scared of travelling to South Korea?.
2. REVIEW | Qatar Airways – economy – Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – Brussels to Doha.
3. QATAR | Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.
4. REVIEW | Qatar Airways – economy – Airbus A350 – Doha to Seoul / Incheon.
5. SOUTH KOREA | Landing at Incheon, retrieving the Wowpass and taking the AREX to Seoul Station.
6. REVIEW | Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul near City Hall.
7. SEOUL | Deoksugung Palace by day.
8. SEOUL | Admiral Yi Sun-sin – King Sejong the Great – Gyeongbokgung Palace – National Folk Museum SEOUL | Admiral Yi Sun-sin – King Sejong the Great – Gyeongbokgung Palace – National Folk Museum.
9. SEOUL | Bukchon Hanok Village – Insadong Culture Street – Jogyesa Temple – Gwangjang Market – Cheonggyecheon Stream.
10. SEOUL 2024 | Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
11. SHOPPING IN SEOUL | Myeongdong – Lotte Young Plaza – Avenuel – Lotte Department Store.
12. SEOUL | Namsan Mountain Park and N Seoul Tower.