Seoul’s subway line number 2 is unique from the city’s other metro lines as it loops around the city in a circle. It also happens to be the most heavily-used of the Seoul metro lines and it’s not hard to see why as it takes you around some of the city’s most popular attractions and neighborhoods.
Starting off at City Hall Station, one can get off here to see popular attractions like the Deoksugung Palace, Namdaemun Market, the historic Jeongdong neighborhood, and, of course, both the former and new Seoul city hall buildings. Within the old Seoul city hall building is the Seoul Metropolitan Library which is open to the public and also houses a substantial collection of foreign language books and media.

Most use Myeongdong Station of subway line 4 to get to the popular shopping neighborhood but you can just as easily access the area from the north via Euljiro 1-ga station. Euljiro 3-ga and Euljiro 4-ga station houses a lot of small specialty shops for industrial supplies and interior goods such as lighting fixtures, furniture, and electric tools. Bakers will want to check out Bangsan Market near Euljiro 4-ga station for a great range of baking supplies and equipment. The Dongdaemun History & Culture Park is where you’ll want to get off to visit the popular Dongdaemun Market as well as the futuristic-looking cultural center, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Sindang station is famous for its tteokbokki alley, home to numerous shops selling the addictive Korean favorite dish of spicy rice cakes which can be customized with add-on ingredients here.

Ttukseom Station will get you to the beautiful Seoul Forest which is stunning throughout the year and a wonderful natural refuge in metropolitan Seoul. Seongsu Station is close to the rising-in-popularity Seongsudong neighborhood which is home to quaint cafes, shops, and restaurants that have opened up in this sleepy residential neighborhood. The area around Konkuk University is a popular “college town” with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops while Gangbyeon Station is home to the Dongseoul Bus Terminal which can easily get you to, and from, the eastern parts of Korea.

Jamsil is probably best-known as being home to the popular amusement park, Lotte World as well as the new Lotte World Tower which is currently the tallest building in Korea with a mall, massive aquarium, movie theaters, concert hall, and, soon, observation deck. The Sports Complex Station is home to many venues that are used for K-Pop concerts and events while Samseong Station connects with Coex, Seoul’s main convention center and home to the largest underground shopping mall in Asia. The royal tombs of Seolleung at Seoulleung Station provides a refreshing natural break while Yeoksam and Gangnam Stations are business districts and also home to some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods south of the river.

Sillimdong around Sillim Station is also a hangout neighborhood and home to the famous stir-fried sundae alley, or blood sausage. To get to the popular indoor mall of D Cube City, get off of Sindorim Station and get off at Mullae Station to get to the rising artistic Mullae neighborhood where many factories have been converted into shops and cafes.

Hongik University Station, Sinchon Station, and Ewha Woman’s University Station are among the most popular subway stops on the subway line as they encompass major college towns of Seoul with everything from hair salons to night clubs. The area around Hongik University is particularly a top draw for nightlife lovers, especially on weekends, while the area around Ewha is well known for the many womens fashion and accessory shops, hair and nail salons.