Which Hongik University Station Exit Is Best for Hongdae Street, Hotels and Luggage?

QUICK ANSWER

Use Exit 9 for Hongdae's main shopping and nightlife area if you do not have heavy luggage. Exit 7 is a more practical alternative when you need an elevator or escalator. For Yeonnam-dong and Gyeongui Line Forest Park, check Exits 3 or 4. Always search your exact hotel in NAVER Map because Hongik University Station is large and the wrong exit can add a long walk.

Why does the exit matter at Hongik University Station?

Hongik University Station connects Seoul Subway Line 2, the AREX All-Stop Train and the Gyeongui–Jungang Line. Its passages are long, and the most popular exit is not always the easiest exit with a suitcase.

This guide covers the street exit after you arrive. If you need instructions for transferring from AREX to Line 2, use the separate transfer guide on this blog.

Best exits by destination

Destination	Suggested exit	Important note
Main Hongdae shopping and nightlife streets	Exit 9	Direct and popular, but stairs and crowds can be difficult with luggage
Elevator or escalator alternative	Exit 7 area	Useful when avoiding Exit 9 stairs; verify the final walking route
Yeonnam-dong and Gyeongui Line Forest Park	Exit 3 or 4	Confirm which side of the park is closest to your destination
AK Plaza Hongdae and nearby buildings	Exit 4 area	Follow building signs because indoor connections can vary
A specific hotel or guesthouse	NAVER Map result	Use the Korean hotel name and road address

Exit 9: best for the main Hongdae streets

Exit 9 is widely used for the central shopping, restaurant and nightlife area. It is convenient for travelers carrying only a small bag. The stairs and heavy pedestrian traffic can make it uncomfortable with a large suitcase, especially during evenings and weekends.

Exit 7: a luggage-friendly alternative

If you are heading toward the Exit 9 side but want to avoid stairs, follow signs toward Exit 7 and available elevator or escalator access. This may add some street-level walking, but it can be easier than carrying luggage up a crowded staircase.

Accessibility equipment can be temporarily unavailable. Check station signs and follow any temporary elevator notice posted inside the station.

Exits 3 and 4: Yeonnam-dong and the forest park

These exits are useful for destinations around Yeonnam-dong and Gyeongui Line Forest Park. The park is long, so “near the park” is not precise enough. Search the exact café, hotel or address before choosing between the exits.

How to choose the correct exit in NAVER Map

1. Copy the exact Korean hotel or destination name.
2. Search it in NAVER Map.
3. Select walking directions from 홍대입구역.
4. Check the recommended exit number.
5. Confirm whether the route uses stairs and look for an elevator alternative if needed.

OPEN HONGIK UNIVERSITY STATION IN NAVER MAP

Coming from Incheon Airport with luggage

Take the AREX All-Stop Train, not the AREX Express Train that runs to Seoul Station. After arriving at Hongik University Station, follow signs for your exit rather than automatically following the largest crowd. Allow extra time because the AREX platform is deep and the station corridors are long.

Common mistakes

• Choosing Exit 9 only because it is famous, even when the hotel is on the opposite side.
• Searching “Hongdae hotel” instead of the exact property name.
• Assuming every exit has an elevator.
• Confusing Hongik University Station with nearby Sinchon Station.
• Using a route to Hongik University itself when the destination is Hongdae shopping street.

Useful Korean searches

• Hongik University Station: 홍대입구역
• Hongdae Street: 홍대거리
• Gyeongui Line Forest Park: 경의선숲길
• Yeonnam-dong: 연남동
• Hongik University: 홍익대학교

Final recommendation

Choose the exit for your actual destination, not for the word “Hongdae.” Exit 9 is best for the main busy streets, Exit 7 can be easier with luggage, and Exits 3 or 4 are generally more useful for Yeonnam-dong and the forest park. Recheck the live walking route before leaving the station.