35–40 minutes from Gimpo to Gangnam on Line 9
Line 9 runs straight from Gimpo International Airport Station to key business districts like Yeouido and Gangnam in about 35–40 minutes, with trains running roughly every 5–8 minutes in the daytime. The Line 9 station sits directly under the International Terminal, connected by escalators and elevators from the arrivals level, so you’re on the platform within about 5 minutes of exiting customs.
A standard single-journey ticket to Yeouido or Gangnam usually lands in the ₩1,450–₩1,650 range if you tap in with a T-money or Cashbee card. You can buy a T-money card at convenience stores like CU or 7-Eleven in the terminal for about ₩4,000 before heading down to the gates. Fares debit automatically on exit, so keep at least ₩5,000 loaded if you’re planning a return or a transfer to another line.
Airport signage points you to “Subway Line 5/9” in English and Korean from both the International and Domestic terminals, with a 5–10 minute indoor walk from Domestic via the passageway. Line 9 runs two patterns: all-stop trains and express trains, and both use the same platforms at Gimpo. Express services skip several stations and cut a few minutes off the trip to Yeouido and Gangnam, so check the digital boards for the red “Express” label before boarding.
Trains usually start around 05:30 and run until about 00:00, but the exact last departure to Gangnam shifts by a few minutes depending on the day. Cars often go standing-room-only between Gimpo and Gayang in the morning peak (around 07:30–09:00) and again in the evening (around 17:30–19:30). If you’re carrying a 23 kg checked bag, aim for the first or last car where you’ll find a bit more floor space near the doors.
Transfers from Line 9 to Line 2 at Nambu Bus Terminal or to Line 3 at Express Bus Terminal take about 5–10 minutes of underground walking, with plenty of stairs and some elevators. All stations on Line 9 use platform screen doors, and train interiors show upcoming stops in English, Korean, and Chinese on LED displays. If you’re heading to a Yeouido office tower, getting off at Yeouido Station (exit 3 or 4) usually keeps the total door-to-door time under 50 minutes from the airport.
Quick step-by-step from arrivals
- 1. Clear arrivals in the International Terminal and follow signs for “Subway / Line 5·9,” a 3–5 minute walk down one level.
- 2. Buy a T-money card at the CU or 7-Eleven near the entrance and load at least ₩5,000 at the ticket machine.
- 3. Tap in at the Line 9 gates, then check the overhead board for the next red-labeled express train toward “VHS Medical Center” or “Gangnam” if timing fits.
- 4. Board near the front or rear car to leave more space for luggage during the 35–40 minute ride.
- 5. Tap out at Yeouido, Sinnonhyeon, or your final station and follow exit numbers that match your office or hotel address.
One last tip: if your flight lands after 23:00, check the Line 9 first and last train times at the station screens before you buy a ticket so you’re not stuck re-routing to a taxi at 23:50.