Seoul Station isn't just a stopover to catch a train. After work, I sometimes stroll along Seoullo 7017 and grab a light drink at a wine bar on Mallijae-ro. If you're using the KTX Seoul Station or the Airport Railroad Express, don't just stay inside the station – venture out a little! As a Seoul native, I'm sharing my personally vetted recommendations for Seoul travel itineraries and Seoul Station restaurant info. You can have a great Seoul tour just by making good use of your train waiting time.
Essential Tips to Grab First After Arriving at Seoul Station
Upon arriving at Seoul Station, it's best to check the location of the lockers and parking information first. Lockers are located near the transfer passages for Line 1 and Line 4, and throughout the KTX waiting area. For parking, using weekend discount tickets for nearby buildings is economical.
Seoul Station Locker Locations and Parking Tips
Seoul Station locker locations are largely divided into three areas, with the easiest to find being next to Lotteria in the 2nd-floor waiting area. On weekends, these fill up quickly, so a tip is to aim for the lockers near the Airport Railroad on basement level 2 or near the Seoul City Air Terminal. For a Seoul Station parking tip, parking within the station is quite expensive, so using the Lotte Mart Seoul Station parking lot right next door or purchasing a day pass for Seoul Square through the "모두의주차장 (Parking All)" app is much cheaper. Leave your luggage and enjoy the start of your Korea trip with a light heart.
Seoul Station Restaurant List to Suit Every Time of Day
Near Seoul Station, there's a wide variety of options, from lunch spots for office workers to atmospheric date courses. Visit according to your situation, from restaurants open early for those traveling early in the morning to wine bars open late into the night.
Great Spots for Breakfast and Solo Dining at Seoul Station
For breakfast at Seoul Station, using the restaurants within Connect Place on the 3rd floor of the station is the cleanest option. Many places open from 8 AM, so you can fill your stomach nicely. If you're looking for a Seoul Station solo dining restaurant, I recommend the underground restaurant street in Seoul Square, connected to Seoul Station Exit 9-1. There are many Japanese restaurants and salad shops with well-equipped single tables, so it's good for eating without feeling self-conscious. If you're short on time, the food court in Lotte Mart is also a cost-effective option.
Lunch Spots Where Office Workers Line Up and Seobu Station Restaurants
During lunchtime, the Seobu Station restaurant street, where nearby office workers flock, is bustling. The nopo (old establishment) vibe noodle shops and baekban (Korean set meal) restaurants in Seogye-dong are reasonably priced between ₩8,000 ($6) and ₩10,000 ($7.50). If you want a more sophisticated atmosphere, head towards Jungnim-dong. Near Jungnim-dong Yakhyeon Catholic Church, old seolleongtang (ox bone soup) restaurants and modern cafes coexist, making it perfect for a walk and a meal. Namdaemun Market's food alley is also a 10-minute walk away, making it an easy distance to go for braised cutlassfish or barley rice.
- Connect Place: With a collection of neat franchises and famous restaurants, the chances of failure are low.
- Seoul Square Basement: You can eat comfortably without going outside on rainy or hot days.
- Seogye-dong/Jungnim-dong: A local spot where you can feel both the old charm and sophisticated sensibility of Seoul.
Seoul Travel Itinerary to Utilize Train Waiting Time 200%
If you have about 1-2 hours left before your train, take a light walk around the station and enjoy Seoul's night view or city scenery. The walking path that starts right in front of the Seoul Station Transfer Center offers a special experience connecting Seoul's past and present.
From Seoullo 7017 to Mallijae-ro Wine Bars
Seoullo 7017 is a former overpass turned into a walking path and is also famous as a Seoul Station night view spot. If you walk along it, it connects to the Mallijae-ro wine bar street towards Seobu Station, and at night, the lights turn on, creating a European atmosphere. It's also popular as a date course, so it's hard to get a seat without a reservation on Friday evenings. A light snack and a glass of wine make you feel like the fatigue of the trip is gone.
Huam-dong Cafe Street and Yakhyeon Catholic Church Walk
If you have more time, go to Huam-dong Cafe Street across from Seoul Station. The uphill road may be a bit tough, but the view of downtown Seoul from the rooftop cafes is truly fantastic. Also, Jungnim-dong Yakhyeon Catholic Church, Korea's first Western-style brick church, is a great place to walk quietly and contemplate. While the flashy Seoul tourist attractions are good, you can discover the real charm of Seoul in these simple alleyways.
Key Checklist for Seoul Station Users
Check the items below in advance to use Seoul Station more smartly.
- If the lockers are full, check the Airport Railroad basement level 2 or the Lotte Mart lockers.
- If you check in in advance at the Seoul City Air Terminal, you can travel lightly without luggage.
- Many Mallijae-ro wine bars open after 5 PM, so check the time before visiting.
- Seoullo 7017 has little shade, so it's better to go at sunset or to see the night view than during the day.
- Many stores in Namdaemun Market are closed on Sundays, so keep that in mind when visiting on weekends.
Seoul Station is more than just a transportation hub; it's a great travel destination in itself. Next time you travel to Seoul, instead of rushing because you're pressed for time, have a delicious meal at the Seoul Station restaurants I've told you about, enjoy the night view of Seoullo 7017, and spend a relaxing time. The downtown walk that starts from Seoul Station Exit 9-1 will make your trip more fulfilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seoul Station restaurant recommendations?
I recommend Mallijae-ro and the area near Seoullo 7017 for Seoul Station restaurants. There are many sophisticated wine bars and restaurants, making it popular as a date course, and it's easily accessible on foot from KTX Seoul Station, making it good to visit before or after boarding the train.
Seoul Station restaurant prices?
Seoul Station restaurant prices are mostly between ₩10,000 ($7.50) and ₩20,000 ($15) per person. You can enjoy nopo restaurants for office workers' lunches for under ₩10,000 ($7.50), and the atmospheric Mallijae-ro restaurants are priced around ₩20,000 ($15) per menu item.
Where to eat solo at Seoul Station?
For solo dining, use the KTX Seoul Station 3rd floor Connect Place or the underground Airport Railroad restaurant street. Single seats are well-equipped, and the turnover rate is fast, making it the most suitable place for travelers waiting for trains to have a meal without feeling burdened.
Seoul Station restaurant waiting time reviews?
Seoul Station restaurants on weekends often have long waiting times, so advance reservations are essential. If you're worried about the waiting time, using the restaurant street inside Seoul Square or the food court inside the station with a fast turnover rate is an efficient way to save time.
Seoul Station quiet cafe recommendations?
If you want a quiet atmosphere, I recommend the Huam-dong Cafe Street near Seoul Station. It's a 10-minute walk from the station, and there are more cozy individual cafes than franchises, making it good to enjoy the Namsan view while relaxing during your train waiting time.