The encore is over, the purple lights are fading, and now comes the final mission: getting back to your hotel safely and efficiently. With 40,000 fans exiting Goyang Stadium at the same time, the “standard” way home might take hours.
Here is Koodeep’s guide on how to escape the crowds and get back to your bed as quickly as possible.
🚀 The “Express” Route: Shuttle Bus to GTX-A
Best for: Seoul Station, Myeongdong, and Central Seoul
Just as you arrived, the GTX-A remains your best friend for heading back to central Seoul.
- The Plan: Take the official paid shuttle bus from Goyang Stadium back to Kintex Station. From there, the GTX-A will whisk you away to Seoul Station in under 20 minutes.
- Why it works: It bypasses the massive bottleneck at Daehwa Subway Station and avoids the surface-level traffic jams entirely.
🚍 The Classic Route: Daehwa Station (Line 3 & Red Buses)
Best for: Gangnam, Jongno, and Sinchon/Hongdae
If your accommodation is along the Orange Line (Line 3), you’ll likely head to Daehwa Station.
- Subway Line 3: Expect long queues just to enter the station. If you aren’t in a rush, grab a snack at a nearby convenience store and wait 30–40 minutes for the initial wave to pass.
- Red Express Buses: Buses like the M7731 (to Hongdae/Hapjeong) or 1000 (to DMC/Seoul Station) depart near Daehwa Station. They are great if you manage to snag a seat, but they can get stuck in concert-related traffic.
🚶 The “Secret” Escape: Gyeongui-Jungang Line
Best for: Hongdae, Digital Media City (DMC), and Yongsan
If the crowds at Daehwa Station look overwhelming, consider walking a bit further or taking a short local bus to Ilsan Station on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line.
- The Advantage: This line is significantly less crowded than Line 3. It goes directly to major hubs like Hongik Univ. (Hongdae), DMC, and Yongsan, making it a much more “breathe-able” journey home.
🚕 Koodeep’s Pro-Tips for Taxis
Taxis will be in high demand, and traffic right in front of the stadium will be at a standstill. Do not try to catch a taxi directly in front of Goyang Stadium.
- Avoid the “Fixed Price” Scams: Some taxis waiting right outside the venue may try to offer a “flat rate” instead of using the meter. This is usually much more expensive. Avoid these.
- Walk First, Call Later: Walk 10–15 minutes toward Juyeop Station or Madu Station. Once you are away from the stadium’s immediate gridlock, use the KakaoTaxi app to call a ride. You’ll get a fair, metered price and a much faster pickup.
- The “Transfer” Strategy: If you can’t get a taxi all the way to Seoul, take a bus or subway a few stops out and then call a cab from these “Taxi Hubs”:
- Jeongbalsan Station: Near the broadcasting stations; taxis are usually patrolling here.
- Madu or Baekseok Stations: Established taxi stands are located near these exits.
- Hwajeong Station: A busy commercial area where taxis are plentiful even late at night.
- Kintex Station: A good spot to try if you are coming from the shuttle bus.
Koodeep Summary: Your best bet is the GTX-A for speed or the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to avoid the crowds. If you must take a taxi, walk away from the stadium first!
Travel safe, ARMY!
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