For travelers heading to Hongdae (Hongik University area) from Incheon International Airport, the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) provides a quick and convenient way to get there. Hongdae is a popular area known for its vibrant culture, shopping, and nightlife, making it a frequent first stop for visitors arriving in Seoul.
Airport Railroad (AREX) Line Stations (in Reverse Order)
- Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 Station
- Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 Station
- Unseo Station
- Geomam Station
- Gyeyang Station
- Gimpo International Airport Station
- Digital Media City Station
- Hongik University Station
- Gongdeok Station
- Seoul Station
Here’s a guide on the two AREX train options to help you choose the best route from Incheon Airport to Hongdae.
AREX Train Options from Incheon Airport to Hongdae
| Train Option | Travel Time | Cost (Approx.) | Direct to Hongdae? | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AREX Express Train | 45 mins | 9,500 KRW | ❌ No, only stops at Seoul Station | Fast, non-stop to Seoul Station; requires transfer for Hongdae. |
| AREX All-Stop Train | 55 mins | 4,750 KRW | ✅ Yes | Affordable, stops directly at Hongdae, convenient for all travelers. |
1. AREX Express Train
The AREX Express Train is a non-stop service between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station, making it the fastest option to reach Seoul. However, it does not stop at Hongdae directly, so travelers must transfer at Seoul Station if heading to Hongdae.
- Travel Time: 45 minutes to Seoul Station.
- Transfer: At Seoul Station, transfer to Line 2 (Green Line) for two stops to reach Hongdae (Hongik University Station).
- Cost: Approximately 9,500 KRW.
Pros: Fastest option to Seoul, ideal for those continuing to other parts of Seoul. Cons: Not direct to Hongdae, requires a transfer.
| AREX Express to Seoul | Transfer | Final Stop |
|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport → Seoul Station | Line 2 (Green Line) | Hongdae (Hongik Univ. Station) |
2. AREX All-Stop Train
For a direct route to Hongdae, the AREX All-Stop Train is the best choice. This train stops at all major stations, including Hongdae (Hongik University Station), so there’s no need to transfer.
- Travel Time: 55 minutes from Incheon Airport to Hongdae.
- Cost: Approximately 4,750 KRW.
- Convenience: Direct to Hongdae with no transfer needed.
Pros: Direct, affordable, and easy for travelers with luggage. Cons: Slightly slower than the Express Train but provides a direct route.
| Route | Final Stop |
|---|---|
| Incheon Airport → All Stops | Hongdae (Hongik Univ. Station) |
Quick Comparison Chart
| AREX Train Option | Best For | Travel Time | Cost | Direct to Hongdae? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AREX Express | Fast travel to Seoul Station | 45 mins | 9,500 KRW | ❌ No |
| AREX All-Stop | Direct travel to Hongdae | 55 mins | 4,750 KRW | ✅ Yes |
For travelers heading straight to Hongdae, the AREX All-Stop Train provides a convenient, direct option. If speed is your priority and you don’t mind transferring, the AREX Express Train offers a faster alternative with a quick transfer at Seoul Station. Safe travels to Hongdae!
Leave a Reply