Hello again, global time-travelers! It’s your elegant, Hanbok-wearing feline guide, Kiki ๐พ.
Today, we are diving deep into the very soul of the city by riding Subway Line 1 (The Dark Blue Line).
Opened in 1974, Line 1 is the oldest subway line in South Korea. Because of its deep roots, this line does not show you the glossy, futuristic side of Seoul. Instead, it offers a raw, unfiltered, and deeply authentic look into the city's history, its working-class heroes, and the most legendary traditional markets in the country. It even stretches far beyond Seoul, taking you on incredible day trips!
Let's pack light, grab our transportation cards, and set off to fully enjoy the antique charm and diverse flavors of the deep blue line!
๐ 1. Seoul Station (Station 133): "The Grand Gateway"
๐ Why Visit
This is the central nervous system of South Korea's transit. While the massive modern station handles KTX bullet trains, right next to it stands the Culture Station Seoul 284—the beautiful, red-brick former train station built in 1925, which now hosts free art exhibitions.
๐ Kiki’s Hidden Gem
- Seoullo 7017: Do not miss this! It is an old, abandoned highway overpass that has been magically transformed into an elevated pedestrian park, heavily inspired by New York’s High Line. Walking here at night offers a breathtaking view of the bustling city traffic below.
[Seoullo 7017 : 432 Cheongpa-ro, Jung District, Seoul]
๐ฝ️ Must-Eat
- Malli-dong Food Street: Instead of eating inside the crowded station, cross Seoullo 7017 to the Malli-dong neighborhood. This quiet street is lined with trendy craft beer pubs, wine bars, and modern Korean bistros housed in retro 1970s buildings.
- Namdaemun Market Galchi-jorim Alley: You will arrive at Namdaemun Market by crossing to the other side of Seoul Station via Seoullo 7017 Bridge. As you explore the market, you will come across its famous "Braised Hairtail Alley." It might be difficult to find, so look for a guide wearing a red uniform on the street! They will kindly show you the way. Also, since Sungnyemun Gate is right next door, wouldn't it be even better to visit both at once.
[Namdaemun Market Galchi-jorim Alley : 16-17 Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung District, Seoul]
๐ฅ 2. Jongno 5(o)-ga Station (Station 129): "The Street Food Legend"
๐ Why Visit
If you only visit one market in Seoul, it must be Gwangjang Market. Featured on Netflix’s Street Food, this over 100-year-old market is a chaotic, loud, and incredibly delicious paradise.
๐ Kiki’s Hidden Gem
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: Gwangjang Market is intense and crowded. Once you are full, grab a traditional Korean sweet drink (Sikhye) and walk one block south to the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Sit by the water to digest and enjoy the peaceful urban nature.
[Cheonggyecheon Information : A Perfect Cheonggyecheon Stream Walk in Seoul: Gwanghwamun to Samilgyo (Part 1)]
๐ฝ️ Must-Eat (The Holy Trinity of Gwangjang)
- Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes): Watch vendors grind fresh mung beans with stone millstones and deep-fry them into thick, crispy pancakes.
- Yukhoe (Beef Tartare): The market has a dedicated "Yukhoe Alley" serving incredibly fresh, sweet, and savory raw beef topped with a raw egg yolk and sliced Asian pear.
- Mayak Gimbap (Drug Kimbap): Tiny, bite-sized seaweed rice rolls that are so addictive (served with a mustard dipping sauce) that locals jokingly call them "drug" rolls!
๐ฟ 3. Jegi-dong Station (Station 125): "The Healing Herbal Market"
๐ Why Visit
Step off the train here, and you will immediately smell the rich, earthy scent of ginseng and medicinal roots. Welcome to the Seoul Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Market, which handles over 70% of all herbal medicine traded in Korea. It is a deeply unique, sensory experience that most foreign tourists completely miss!
๐ Kiki’s Hidden Gem
- Seoul K-Medi Center: Hidden inside this traditional market is a massive, modern Hanok building. For a very small fee, you can experience traditional Korean medicinal foot baths, herbal face masks, and relaxing massages. It is the ultimate healing spot!
[Seoul K-Medi Center : 26 Yangnyeongjungang-ro, Dongdaemun District, Seoul] - Gyeongdong Market: Located right next to Jegidong Station, it is a famous traditional market in Seoul visited by many people, including celebrities, and is a traditional Korean market where you can purchase a variety of food at affordable prices.
[Gyeongdong Market : 3 Gosanja-ro 36-gil, Dongdaemun District, Seoul]
๐ฝ️ Must-Eat
- Ssanghwa-tang (Traditional Herbal Tea): Find a traditional teahouse in the market and order a hot, dark bowl of Ssanghwa-tang. Boiled with dozens of medicinal roots and topped with an egg yolk and pine nuts, it is guaranteed to cure any travel fatigue or cold!
๐ฐ 4. Suwon Station (Station P155): "The Royal Day Trip"
๐ Why Visit
Did you know Line 1 goes all the way to another major city? Stay on the train heading south for about an hour, and you will reach Suwon. This city is home to the majestic Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a massive, brilliant UNESCO World Heritage site built by King Jeongjo in the 18th century.
๐ Kiki’s Hidden Gem
- Flying Suwon (Hot Air Balloon): You can actually ride a tethered helium balloon that rises 150 meters into the air, offering a spectacular bird's-eye view of the entire ancient fortress and the modern city.
๐ฝ️ Must-Eat
- Suwon Wang Galbi (King Ribs): Suwon is historically famous for its cattle market. You absolutely must try their signature massive, marinated beef ribs grilled over charcoal.
- Suwon Fried Chicken Street: Made famous by the movie Extreme Job, this street serves massive portions of Korean fried chicken cooked in giant traditional cast-iron cauldrons!
๐พ Kiki’s Subway "Pro-Tips" for the Dark Blue Line (CRITICAL!)
Line 1 is the most confusing line for foreigners. Read these survival tips carefully:
- The "Y" Split Destination Trap: Line 1 is massive and splits into multiple directions. When heading SOUTH, trains go to either Incheon OR Cheonan/Sinchang/Seodongtan. If you are going to Suwon, you MUST board a train heading to Cheonan, Sinchang, or Seodongtan. Do NOT get on an Incheon-bound train! Check the overhead screens carefully.
- The "Express" (๊ธํ) Factor: Because it connects to outer cities, Line 1 has various Express trains. If you are just traveling within central Seoul (like Seoul Station to Jongno), take the All-Stop (์ผ๋ฐ) train to avoid accidentally skipping your stop.
- Respect the Elders: Line 1 connects to many historic parks and markets loved by the older generation. It is highly respected culture to quickly offer your seat to the elderly on this specific train line.
Which historic stop are you excited to explore? Let your guide Kiki know in the comments below! ๐พ
๐ Keep the Journey Going!
Mix Seoul's deep history with its modern vibes by exploring our other guides:
- ๐ [Read: Seoul Subway Line 9 Guide - The Gold Line of Speed & Gangnam]
- ๐ [Read: Seoul Subway Line 8 Guide - Theme Parks & Mega Markets]