How to Get from Jongno 3-ga to Myeongdong
If you are staying near Jongno 3-ga Station and planning to visit Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s most popular shopping districts, you have several convenient transportation options.
The two areas are relatively close, but choosing the right route depends on whether you want to reach Myeongdong Station, the main shopping streets, or a specific hotel.
The most straightforward subway route is to take Line 3 from Jongno 3-ga to Chungmuro, then transfer to Line 4 for one stop to Myeongdong Station.
However, if you are traveling light and enjoy exploring Seoul on foot, walking may be just as appealing.
This guide explains the subway route, transportation costs, walking directions, taxi options, and practical tips for first-time visitors.
Jongno 3-ga to Myeongdong: Quick Travel Guide
| Transportation | Estimated Time | Approximate Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subway | 10–15 minutes | ₩1,550 with a transportation card | Reliable public transportation |
| Walking | 20–30 minutes | Free | Sightseeing and exploring |
| Taxi | 5–15 minutes, depending on traffic | Approximately ₩6,000–₩9,000 | Luggage or small groups |
| Bus | Depends on route and stop | Fare depends on bus type | Travelers near a convenient bus stop |
Travel times are approximate and do not include every possible delay, walking detour, or waiting period.
Our recommendation: Take the subway if your destination is Myeongdong Station. Consider walking if you want to explore the northern part of Myeongdong or visit Myeongdong Cathedral.
1. How to Get from Jongno 3-ga to Myeongdong by Subway
The subway is an excellent option for travelers who prefer a predictable route with clear station signage.
There is no direct train between Jongno 3-ga Station and Myeongdong Station.
You will need to make one transfer at Chungmuro Station.
Step 1: Board Subway Line 3 at Jongno 3-ga
Start at Jongno 3-ga Station (종로3가역).
The station connects three subway lines:
- Line 1 (dark blue)
- Line 3 (orange)
- Line 5 (purple)
Follow the signs for Line 3 toward Ogeum (오금).
Do not take the train heading toward Daehwa, as that is the opposite direction.
Step 2: Travel Two Stops to Chungmuro
Your train will pass through the following stations:
| Stop | Station | Line |
|---|---|---|
| Starting station | Jongno 3-ga (329) | Line 3 |
| 1 | Euljiro 3-ga (330) | Line 3 |
| 2 | Chungmuro (331) | Line 3 |
Get off at Chungmuro Station.
The journey between these stations takes only a few minutes.
Step 3: Transfer to Subway Line 4
At Chungmuro Station, follow the transfer signs for Line 4 (light blue).
Take the northbound train toward Myeongdong and Seoul Station.
Myeongdong is the next station.
Step 4: Get Off at Myeongdong Station
| Stop | Station | Line |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer station | Chungmuro (423) | Line 4 |
| Destination | Myeongdong (424) | Line 4 |
After arriving at Myeongdong Station, follow the exit signs for your destination.
For the main shopping area, Exits 6, 7, and 8 are useful starting points.
Total journey: Approximately 10–15 minutes under favorable conditions. Allow extra time for train waiting, transfers, and walking through the stations.
2. How Much Does the Subway Cost?
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s published transportation fare information, the standard adult subway base fare is:
| Ticket Type | Adult Fare |
|---|---|
| T-money or compatible transportation card | ₩1,550 |
| Single-journey ticket | ₩1,650 |
These fares apply to normal short-distance subway journeys within the base-fare distance.
The Jongno 3-ga–Chungmuro–Myeongdong journey falls within that distance.
Is the Transfer at Chungmuro Free?
You do not pay a separate full fare simply because you change from Line 3 to Line 4 inside the station’s transfer area.
The journey is treated as one continuous subway trip under the standard fare system.
Important: Follow the transfer signs and remain inside the designated subway transfer area. Exiting through the ticket gates and entering again can result in another fare.
Can Tourists Use a T-money Card?
Yes.
T-money is a widely used transportation card in Seoul.
Visitors can use it on many subway and bus services and do not need to purchase a separate ticket for every journey.
Cards can be obtained and recharged through supported retailers and transportation facilities.
Some fare machines and reload methods have payment restrictions, so having Korean won available can be useful.
3. Can You Walk from Jongno 3-ga to Myeongdong?
Yes. Walking is a practical alternative, particularly when the weather is pleasant.
The approximate walking distance from the Jongno 3-ga area to Myeongdong Station is around 1.6–2 kilometers, depending on the exact starting point and route.
Most travelers should allow approximately 20–30 minutes.
However, Myeongdong covers a larger area than the subway station itself.
If your destination is Myeongdong Cathedral or the northern shopping streets, you may not need to walk all the way to Myeongdong Station.
Suggested Walking Route
- Leave Jongno 3-ga Station and head toward Euljiro.
- Continue in the direction of Euljiro 3-ga.
- Walk southwest toward Myeongdong Cathedral.
- Continue into the main Myeongdong shopping district.
Use a pedestrian navigation app to choose safe crossings and find the correct street for your destination.
What Can You See Along the Way?
Depending on your route, you can explore parts of Euljiro, a neighborhood known for older commercial buildings, small businesses, restaurants, and distinctive cafés.
You can also visit Myeongdong Cathedral before entering the busiest shopping streets.
Walking is particularly appealing for travelers who want to experience the city rather than move directly from one subway station to another.
When Is Walking Not the Best Choice?
Walking may be less convenient when:
- You are carrying heavy luggage.
- The weather is extremely hot, cold, or rainy.
- You have limited mobility.
- You need to reach your destination quickly.
- You are traveling with young children who may become tired.
In these situations, the subway or taxi may be more comfortable.
4. How to Get from Jongno 3-ga to Myeongdong by Taxi
A taxi is convenient if you are carrying shopping bags, traveling with family members, or heading directly to a hotel.
The driving distance is relatively short, but traffic conditions can significantly affect the journey.
Taxi Travel Time and Cost
| Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Distance | Approximately 1.5–3 km, depending on route |
| Travel time | Around 5–15 minutes in ordinary conditions |
| Estimated fare | Approximately ₩6,000–₩9,000 |
| Nighttime | Additional surcharges may apply |
| Payment | Card and other supported payment methods vary |
The estimated fare is not a guaranteed quote. Traffic congestion, pickup location, time of day, and surcharges can change the final price.
How to Tell the Driver Your Destination
If you want to go to Myeongdong Station, you can show the following Korean phrase:
명동역으로 가주세요.
English meaning: Please take me to Myeongdong Station.
If you are going to a hotel or specific store, showing its Korean address is usually more useful than giving only the neighborhood name.
Taxi Apps
Kakao T is widely used for taxi booking in Korea.
Check the payment options available to you before requesting a ride.
5. What About Taking a Bus?
Buses are another possibility, but they are not always the simplest option for this short journey.
The best bus stop and service depend on which part of Jongno 3-ga you are leaving and where you want to arrive in Myeongdong.
For example, traveling toward a bus stop near the northern edge of Myeongdong may be convenient, while reaching Myeongdong Station itself could require extra walking.
Bus routes can change over time.
Instead of relying on an unverified route number, enter your exact start and destination points into a local transit app shortly before departing.
Naver Map and KakaoMap are useful for checking current bus routes, stops, and walking connections.
6. Which Route Is Best for Your Destination?
Myeongdong is not limited to the area immediately around its subway station.
Different destinations may be easier to reach by different routes.
| Destination | Suggested Route |
|---|---|
| Myeongdong Station | Line 3 → Chungmuro → Line 4 |
| Main Myeongdong shopping streets | Subway to Myeongdong Station or walk directly |
| Myeongdong Cathedral | Walk through Euljiro or use a nearby subway station |
| Hotel near Myeongdong Station | Subway or taxi |
| Northern Myeongdong shopping area | Compare walking and nearby station exits |
| Traveling with large suitcases | Taxi or accessible subway route |
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Myeongdong is famous for beauty stores, fashion shops, restaurants, and Korean street food.
The central shopping streets are pedestrian-oriented and can become crowded.
If you are visiting for shopping, allow extra time to explore beyond the station entrance.
Myeongdong Cathedral
Myeongdong Cathedral is one of Seoul’s best-known Catholic landmarks.
It is located toward the northern side of the Myeongdong area.
Travelers coming from Jongno 3-ga may find a direct walk more convenient than taking the subway all the way to Myeongdong Station and then walking back toward the cathedral.
7. Useful Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Check the Direction Before Boarding
When taking Line 3 at Jongno 3-ga, select the train heading toward Ogeum.
At Chungmuro, transfer to Line 4 in the direction of Myeongdong and Seoul Station.
Stay Inside the Subway Transfer Area
Chungmuro is an interchange between Lines 3 and 4.
Follow the Line 4 transfer signs without leaving through the station’s exit gates.
Consider Walking If Your Destination Is Near Euljiro
If your destination is on the northern side of Myeongdong, compare the walking route before purchasing a subway ticket.
Walking can sometimes eliminate unnecessary station transfers and backtracking.
Check Your Return Journey
Subway schedules differ by direction, destination, weekday, weekend, and public holiday.
If you plan to return late at night, check the final train that will actually reach your destination.
Use Local Navigation Apps
Useful travel tools include:
- Naver Map for pedestrian and public transportation directions.
- KakaoMap for local maps and transit planning.
- Seoul Metro for official subway information.
- Kakao T for checking taxi booking options.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a direct subway from Jongno 3-ga to Myeongdong?
No. Take Line 3 from Jongno 3-ga to Chungmuro and transfer to Line 4 for one stop to Myeongdong Station.
2. How many subway stops are there from Jongno 3-ga to Myeongdong?
The journey involves three station-to-station segments: Jongno 3-ga to Euljiro 3-ga, Euljiro 3-ga to Chungmuro, and Chungmuro to Myeongdong. One transfer is required.
3. How much does it cost to travel from Jongno 3-ga to Myeongdong?
The published standard adult subway base fare is ₩1,550 with a transportation card or ₩1,650 with a single-journey ticket. Confirm the latest fare before traveling.
4. Can I walk from Jongno 3-ga to Myeongdong?
Yes. The walk generally takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on your starting point, destination, and walking speed.
5. Is it better to take a taxi or the subway?
The subway is generally more predictable during busy traffic periods. A taxi may be more comfortable if you have large luggage, are traveling with others, or need to reach a specific address directly.
9. Final Thoughts: The Best Way from Jongno 3-ga to Myeongdong
Getting from Jongno 3-ga to Myeongdong is relatively simple once you understand where you want to arrive.
For travelers heading directly to Myeongdong Station, the most reliable general route is:
Jongno 3-ga → Euljiro 3-ga → Chungmuro → Myeongdong
Take Subway Line 3 toward Ogeum, then transfer to Line 4 at Chungmuro.
If you are visiting Myeongdong Cathedral or the northern shopping streets, consider walking instead.
A taxi can also be convenient when carrying luggage or traveling with family.
The most important travel tip is to choose your route based on your exact destination rather than assuming that every location in Myeongdong is closest to Myeongdong Station.
Last reviewed: October 13, 2026. Fares, train schedules, and traffic conditions may change. Confirm live transport information before traveling.