Getting Here & Around
Your journey to Seoul starts here
Getting to Seoul by Air
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is Seoul’s main international airport, consistently rated one of the best in the world. It’s about 50-60 minutes from the Hongdae area where SBDF venues are located.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP) handles domestic flights and some international routes from Japan, China, and Taiwan. It’s much closer — only 14-16 minutes to Hongdae by AREX train.
Airport to Hongdae
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX All-Stop | 53 min | ₩4,750 | Direct to Hongik Univ. Station. Every 12-15 min. Best value. |
| Airport Bus 6002 | 60-80 min | ₩17,000 | Stops at Hapjeong & Hongdae. Every 15 min. |
| Taxi | 60-90 min | ₩60,000-80,000 | Convenient for groups. Late-night surcharge after midnight. |
| AREX Express | 43 min to Seoul Stn | ₩9,500 | Nonstop to Seoul Station. Transfer to Line 2 for Hongdae. |
Pro Tip
- The AREX All-Stop train goes directly to Hongik University (홍대입구) Station — the heart of SBDF territory. No transfers needed!
- First train from T1: 05:24 / Last train: 23:38
- From Gimpo Airport: AREX to Hongdae is only 14 min, ₩1,350
Visa & Entry Requirements
K-ETA Exemption (through December 31, 2026)
Great news for SBDF attendees! South Korea has extended the K-ETA exemption through the end of 2026. Nationals from 67 exempt countries (including USA, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, Japan, and more) do NOT need to apply for a K-ETA before traveling.
e-Arrival Card (Mandatory from 2026)
- The paper arrival card is discontinued. Submit the digital e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within 72 hours before arrival.
- Fill in: passport info, flight number, Korean address (your hotel), arrival date
- A QR code is generated — screenshot it or save the PDF
- Show the QR code to immigration on your phone. No printout needed.
Getting Around Seoul
T-money Card — Your Essential Transit Pass
Buy at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven). Card costs ₩3,000-5,000. Top up at stores or subway machines.
| Transport | Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Subway | ₩1,550 base fare | Covers most of Seoul. Signs in Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese. |
| Bus | ₩1,500 | Free transfer from subway within 30 min. |
| Taxi (Kakao T) | ₩4,800 base | App available in English. Cards accepted. |
| Seoul Bike (따릉이) | ₩1,000/hour | Download “Seoul Bike” app. Great for Han River paths. |
Subway Stations Near SBDF Venues
| Station | Lines | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hongik University (홍대입구) | Line 2, AREX, Gyeongui-Jungang | Main Hongdae hub, direct airport access |
| Hapjeong (합정) | Line 2, Line 6 | Transfer point, close to Mangwon |
| Sangsu (상수) | Line 6 | Southern Hongdae area |
| Mangwon (망원) | Line 6 | Mangwon Market, Han River access |
Important
- Do NOT use Google Maps in Korea — it has very limited data. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap instead.
- T-money can now be added to Apple Wallet / Samsung Wallet on supported devices.
- Download Kakao T or K-RIDE (designed for foreigners) for taxi hailing.