How to Get from Incheon to Hongdae, Myeongdong, Gangnam (and Other Places in Seoul)

You’ve landed at Incheon Airport. You’ve picked up your luggage. Now what?

If you’re asking yourself “How do I get to my hotel from here?” or “Which train or bus should I take to Myeongdong or Hongdae?”—you’re in the right place.

This guide will help you find the easiest and most affordable way to get from Incheon Airport to the main areas in Seoul like Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Gangnam, step by step. No stress, no confusion.

First, What Are My Options?

From Incheon Airport, you can get to Seoul by:

1. AREX Train (Express or All-Stop)
2. Airport Limousine Bus
3. Taxi or rideshare

Each option has its own pros and cons, depending on your budget, luggage, and where you’re going.

For a full breakdown of all transport choices from the airport, this Incheon to Seoul guide covers everything in detail

Getting to Hongdae from Incheon Airport

• Best Option: AREX All-Stop Train
• Travel Time: ~55 minutes
• Cost: ₩4,150 (around USD 3)

If you’re staying near Hongdae (a favorite for youth, cafes, nightlife), the AREX All-Stop Train is your best bet. It goes directly from Incheon Terminal 1 or 2 to Hongik Univ. Station, which is right in the heart of Hongdae.

Steps:

1. Follow signs to the AREX All-Stop Train.
2. Buy a ticket from the vending machine (credit card OK).
3. Get off at Hongik Univ. Station (7 stops from Terminal 1).

Have big luggage? The Airport Bus 6002 also goes to Hongdae. It’s slower (around 70 mins) but more comfortable if you don’t want to deal with stairs.

Not sure how the train system works? Here’s a full step-by-step guide to using AREX — perfect for first-timers.

Getting to Myeongdong

• Best Option: Airport Limousine Bus 6015
• Travel Time: ~70 minutes
• Cost: ₩15,000 (around USD 11)

Bus 6015 goes directly to the heart of Myeongdong with stops along the main street. Super convenient if you have luggage and want to avoid stairs.

Want to see how to buy tickets and find your bus? Check out our full guide to the Airport Limousine Bus.

Steps:

1. Buy ticket at bus counter or machine.
2. Board 6015 outside Gates 5B or 11B (T1) or Gates 28 or 6A (T2).
3. Get off at Myeongdong Station or a stop near your hotel.

Alternative Route (cheaper):

Take AREX All-Stop → Transfer to Subway Line 4 at Seoul Station → Get off at Myeongdong Takes a bit longer and involves stairs.

Getting to Gangnam

• Best Option: AREX All-Stop Train + Subway Transfer
• Travel Time: ~80–90 minutes
• Cost: ₩4,750–₩5,150 (around USD 3.50–4)

From Incheon, take AREX to Seoul Station, then transfer to Line 2 (Green). Get off at Gangnam Station, Samseong, or wherever your hotel is in Gangnam area.

This route is best if you’re comfortable using the subway system.

Want more comfort?
Take Bus 6009 or 6703 from the airport straight to Gangnam.
About 80–90 minutes, but no transfers
Costs around ₩17,000 (USD 13)

Other Places You Might Be Going

Tips Before You Go

• Download Naver Map or KakaoMap to plan your trip in real-time (Google Maps isn’t accurate in Korea).
• If you have a lot of luggage or kids, consider taking the Limousine Bus instead of subway.
• If your flight lands late at night, double-check what transport is still running.
• You can also buy a T-Money card, SIM card, or exchange money right at the airport to make your arrival smoother.
  

Still unsure which method is best for you? Here’s a detailed comparison between AREX, Bus, and Taxi from Incheon.