Editor’s Tip

I strongly recommend avoiding rush hour. Between 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM, buses can be extremely crowded.
You might experience what feels like chaos, and it’s not ideal for sightseeing.
The best time to ride is generally after 10:00 AM, especially between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when traffic and passenger volume are lighter.

One important thing to remember: in Seoul’s fare system, transferring to another bus with the same route number does not qualify as a transfer. You won’t receive the transfer discount if you board the same numbered line again, so plan accordingly.

143 Bus

“The busiest route in Seoul, running north to south across the city.”

For many years, it was the busiest bus route in the entire country in terms of ridership.
The overall route forms an S-shaped line across the northern part of the Gangnam area.
It is widely used by both domestic and international tourists, as well as foreign residents living in Seoul.
Because a large number of buses operate on this line, the headways are very short.
Buses often arrive every 1 to 2 minutes, and unless traffic is severely congested, you can usually expect one within 5 to 8 minutes.

Overview

• Course : 59.8 km

Route (Loop Course)

(Start) Jeongneung Sanjang Apartments – Bukhansan Bogungmun Station – Jeongneung Post Office – Sungdeok Elementary School – (← via Gireum Station ←) – Donam Intersection / Sungshin Women’s Univ. Entrance – Samseongyo / Hansung University –

(→ Hyehwa Rotary / Site of Yeo Woon-hyung’s Activities → Changgyeonggung Palace / Seoul National University Hospital →
/ ← Hyehwa Station ← Hyoje-dong / Kim Sang-ok Memorial Site ←) –

Jongno 4-ga / Jongmyo Shrine – Jongno 2-ga – Namsan Tunnel No. 3 – Yongsan District Office – Banpo Bridge – Express Bus Terminal – Jamwon Catholic Church – Sinbanpo Le-EL Apartments – Sinsa Middle School – Hyundai Apartments – Hanyang Apartments / Apgujeong Rodeo Station – Cheongdam Community Service Center – Cheongdam Station – Bongeunsa Station – Samseong Station – Daechi-dong Hyundai Apartments – Daechi Station – Gaepo-dong Station – Gyeonggi Girls’ High School → The H Honor Hills → Raemian Blessstige Apartments → Gaepo Library → Gyeonggi Girls’ High School → then returns in reverse order.

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Neighborhood Highlights Along the Route

Bukhansan
Entrance of Bukhansan(mountain)

Jongno 4-ga
Home to Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and close to Gwangjang Market in Jongno 5-ga, one of Seoul’s most famous traditional markets.

Editor’s Comment

Gwangjang Market is packed with delicious food. While the street stalls selling tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and fried snacks are popular, overcharging can sometimes happen — and yes, even as a Korean, I’ve been overcharged here before. So it’s worth paying attention to prices before ordering.

If I had to narrow it down to a few must-try dishes at Gwangjang Market, they would be:

01. Mayak Gimbap
Small, bite-sized seaweed rice rolls served with a mustard dipping sauce. The word “mayak” means “addictive,” which is why it has such a strong name — but don’t worry, there’s nothing illegal about it. It’s just that good.

02. Yukhoe Bibimbap
Raw seasoned beef served over rice with vegetables and egg yolk. My personal go-to spot is Buchon Yukhoe, a restaurant that has been operating for over 60 years and is well known for its fresh, high-quality beef.

03. Glutinous Rice Twisted Donuts (Chapssal Kkwabaegi)
There’s one stand with an incredibly long line — I don’t even know the name. Just follow the longest queue and you’ll find it. The chewy texture and freshly fried sweetness make it worth the wait.

Jongno 3-ga
Near the popular tourist area of Insadong, known for traditional crafts and tea houses, as well as Ikseon-dong, a trendy neighborhood filled with stylish restaurants and boutique shops.

Woori Bank (near Cheonggyecheon)
Within walking distance of Cheonggyecheon Stream, a great place for a relaxing walk in the middle of the city.

Lotte Department Store (Myeongdong)
Myeongdong is a shopping and food paradise. In winter, many visitors gather to see the spectacular exterior light displays at Lotte and nearby Shinsegae Department Store.

Shinsegae Department Store
Ideal for department store shopping and also close to Namdaemun Market, where you can explore traditional market stalls.

Itaewon
A multicultural district filled with international restaurants, shopping streets, clubs, and independent fashion stores. One of the most diverse areas in Seoul.

Editor’s Comment

Many tourists come here to shop for souvenirs and clothing. Locals, however, tend to visit more for the food than for fashion. The area offers an impressive range of international cuisine — Turkish, Greek, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, and many more.
If you’ve been traveling in Korea for a while and start craving something closer to home, this is likely where you’ll end up.

Noksapyeong Station
Gateway to Gyeongridan-gil (once a trendy street, now quieter) and Haebangchon, which remains popular for its independent cafés, wine bars, and rooftop spots.

Editor’s Tip

At the entrance to Gyeongridan-gil, you’ll find a pedestrian overpass. If you walk up, you’ll get a beautiful view of N Seoul Tower — it’s a well-known photo spot and definitely worth a quick stop if you’re nearby.

Haebangchon is filled with stylish, “fancy” restaurants and many places that cater to international visitors, so ordering in English is usually not a problem. There’s a French restaurant in Haebangchon that I personally like, and I find myself going back there from time to time.

Banpo Bridge (South Side)
You can walk to Some Sebit (Sebitseom) from here, though it’s a bit of a distance. Alternatively, buses 405 or 740 will take you directly there.

Express Bus Terminal
A major transit hub connected to Central City Terminal, department stores, shopping malls, and even a large flower market.

Editor’s Comment

If you’re traveling from Seoul to another city by express bus, this is likely the terminal you’ll use.

The terminal is directly connected to department stores and a large shopping complex, where you’ll find excellent restaurants and plenty of shops worth browsing. It’s more than just a transportation hub — you could easily spend a few hours here before departure.

There’s also a historic wholesale flower market located within the complex. It opens early in the morning and closes relatively early as well, so if you’re interested in visiting, it’s best to go early in the day.

Sinsa-dong
Home to Garosu-gil, a popular street lined with fashion boutiques, cafés, and lifestyle shops.

Apgujeong
Known for luxury shopping, upscale restaurants, and stylish cafés.

Cheongdam
A high-end neighborhood filled with luxury brands, designer flagship stores, and premium select shops.

Bongeunsa Station
Near Bongeunsa Temple, a historic Buddhist temple located right in the heart of the city.

COEX
The largest exhibition and convention center in Seoul, featuring trade shows, a movie theater, aquarium, shopping mall, restaurants, and cafés all in one complex.