This Seoul subway travel guide offers three scenic, easy-to-follow routes for visitors who want to enjoy brunch, shopping, and unique bites—all within walking distance from the subway.
Unlike the free-flowing spontaneity I often see in the U.S., daily outings in Korea tend to follow a more structured rhythm—whether you’re catching up with a friend, spending time with your mom, or out on a date. A typical day together usually begins with a hearty brunch or a cozy café stop, followed by some shopping or a walk, and ends with drinks or dinner at a bar or a spot known for great food and atmosphere.
What’s more, these plans are often pre-shared between friends—carefully curated, timed, and of course, designed with photo ops in mind. In this post, I’ll walk you through three Seoul subway-friendly routes that reflect this very flow: brunch, shopping, and evening bites. Every place is up and running, Instagram-active, and easily accessible by train. My hope is that this little guide adds a bit of sparkle to your own Korean adventure.✨
📍 Route 1: Jongno 3-ga — Seoul Subway Travel Guide to Tradition & Trend
Start your journey by hopping off at Jongno 5-ga Station, Exit 8. First, head into the bustling Gwangjang Market to kick off with brunch at a hidden coffee haven, then take a stroll through the market’s alleyways filled with vintage shops and delicious snacks. Wrap up the day with a chill beer and burger combo just a few stalls away.
☕ Brunch Café: Ilho Sanghoe (일호상회)
Image Source: Naver SmartPlace
Address: Inside Gwangjang Market, 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:00–21:00
Instagram: @ilho_market
Recommended Item: Hand-drip Coffee ₩6,000
Subway: Jongno 5-ga Station, Exit 8. 3-minute walk into Gwangjang Market.
Phone: N/A
💬 Visitor Note: I usually don’t like fruity acidity in coffee, but the pour-over here was so good I ended up loving it. Long lines, but the staff kindly explained each coffee profile. Great spot for both beginners and coffee lovers alike.
🛍️ Shopping: Gwangjang Market
Image Source: Naver SmartPlace
Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 09:00–18:00
Highlight: Mayak Gimbap Set ₩5,000
Phone: 02-2267-0291
💬 Visitor Note: Market can feel crowded, but food is great. Expect higher prices due to tourist popularity and some wait time for popular snacks.
🍽️ Bar/Food: Diceworks
Image Source: Naver SmartPlace
Address: Inside Gwangjang Market, 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 17:00–23:00
Instagram: @diceworks_gwangjang
Menu Pick: Draft beer + Fried Octopus ₩18,000
Phone: 0507-1316-0267
💬 Visitor Note: Young, hip burger spot with quality ingredients and great service. The double burger is a must—don’t forget to stir the Gentle Latte!
📍 Route 2: Hangangjin — Modern Chic in Hannam
Take Line 6 to Hangangjin Station, Exit 1. After a scenic 10-minute walk, enjoy brunch at a high-ceiling café with artistic vibes. Spend the afternoon browsing boutique stores in Hannam-dong before heading to Itaewon for hearty Taiwanese beef noodles to end your day.
☕ Brunch Café: Cercle Hannam (세르클 한남)
Image Source: Naver SmartPlace
Address: 4F, Union Town, 13 Itaewon-ro 54-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Hours: Wed–Sun 11:00–14:00 (Closed Mon–Tue)
Instagram: @cercle__hannam
Menu Pick: Bacon Pain d’œuf ₩16,000
Subway: Hangangjin Station, Exit 1. 10-minute walk.
💬 Visitor Note: Stunning mix of vintage and modern design. The space feels like a café museum. Spotless, delicious, and atmospheric—definitely one of Seoul’s finest.
🛍️ Shopping: Hannam-dong Boutique Street
Image Source: Naver SmartPlace
Location: Between Itaewon-ro 54-gil and Hannam-daero 20-gil
Best Time: 14:00–18:00 for a relaxed walk
Highlight: WOOYOUNGMI Select Shop, Worksout Lifestyle Brand
💬 Visitor Note: Whether you’re shopping or window-browsing, this area is a trendsetting gem—perfect for photos, fashion lovers, and café-hoppers alike.
🍽️ Bar/Food: Wooyukmien Itaewon (우육미엔 이태원)
Image Source: Naver SmartPlace
Address: 26-8 Itaewon-ro 55ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:30–21:00 (Break 15:00–17:00)
Phone: 02-790-1533
Menu Pick: Taiwanese Beef Noodles ₩12,000
Subway: Itaewon Station, Exit 4. Walk 5 minutes straight.
💬 Visitor Note: Possibly the best Taiwanese eatery in Itaewon. Every dish is solid, but the signature beef noodles are a must. Time your visit to avoid peak hours!
📍 Route 3: Gyeongbokgung — Hanok Vibes in Seochon
Begin your day at Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 2. Head west toward Seochon to enjoy a calm morning brunch at a quiet hanok-style café. Stroll through the nostalgic alleyways of Tongin Market, and finish with specialty coffee at a beautifully designed culture-meets-coffee space tucked in a basement.
☕ Brunch Café: The Cream (더크림)
Image Source: Naver SmartPlace
Address: 1F, 11 Ogin-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:00–19:00
Instagram: @thecream_official
Phone: 02-733-4433
Menu Pick: Cream Sand ₩7,500 / Pancakes ₩9,000
Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 2. 6-minute walk via Tongin Market.
💬 Visitor Note: The desserts are lightly sweet and well-balanced. Discovered this place by chance after checkout—superb pancakes and one of the best brunch spots in the area!
🛍️ Shopping: Tongin Market (통인시장)
Image Source: Naver SmartPlace
Address: 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 09:00–18:00
Instagram: @tonginmarket
Phone: 02-722-0911
Highlight: Yeopjeon Coin Lunchbox ₩8,000
💬 Visitor Note: A nostalgic walk through alleys full of local vendors. From tteok to hotteok, every bite feels homemade. A great place to explore Korean snacks with history.
🍽️ Café: Typica Seoul (티피카 서울)
Image Source: Naver SmartPlace
Address: B1, 43 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 12:00–20:00 (Closed Mon)
Instagram: @typica
Phone: 0507-1400-0212
Menu Pick: Seasonal Pour-Over ₩6,500
Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 2. 8-minute walk uphill through Seochon alley.
💬 Visitor Note: A fresh newcomer that coffee lovers will adore. Minimal yet warm interior, deep flavor from handpicked beans, and true attention to detail. A peaceful way to end the trail.
Related Posts You’ll Love:
- 🫘 5 Must-Try Gopchang Restaurants in Seoul — For a savory end to your subway trail!
- 🍵 Seoul’s Best Hanok Dessert Cafes — Perfect for a calm break during your travels.