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.

152 Bus

“Ranked No. 1 Nationwide for Rush Hour Ridership”

The route is quite long. Therefore, the last bus departs relatively early. It leaves around 10:00 PM from the starting terminal. This time is considered early for a major Seoul city bus line.

This route is in consistently high demand. It has historically ranked among the top three busiest city bus lines in Seoul. This is alongside Routes 143 and 272. While the exact rankings have occasionally shifted, these routes have consistently held positions within the top three in total ridership. In 2018, Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport released a press statement. They announced that Route 143 was second nationwide in total annual bus ridership. However, in terms of rush hour commuter volume, Route 152 recorded the highest number of passengers in the entire country.

Overview

• Course : 64.7 km
• The headways on this route can be quite irregular. Because it passes through several chronically congested areas and the route itself is very long, the schedule is frequently disrupted. It’s not uncommon to miss a bus heading toward Hwagyesa at Sungshin Women’s University and see the next one arrive in less than a minute. On the other hand, you might find that the following bus hasn’t even reached Dongdaemun yet.
• Interestingly, both the starting and ending points of the route are connected to Buddhism, particularly temples. The original starting point is Hwagyesa Temple in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, and the former terminal was Sammaksa Temple on Samseongsan in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province. Sammaksa itself sits on the mountainside, though the bus only reaches the nearby intersection. The route also passes by Hoapsa Temple in Siheung-dong, Geumcheon-gu, where the bus stops near the temple’s main entrance gate. Each year on Buddha’s Birthday, special destination signs are displayed to assist visitors heading to Hwagyesa, Hoapsa, and Sammaksa.
• The route also appears in the Korean film Life Is Beautiful. In one scene, the character Seyoun intends to take Bus 125 but mistakenly boards this bus instead and gets off midway. She finds herself near Jongno 3-ga, in front of the former Seoul Cinema, where she recalls memories of her husband. The song playing during that scene is titled “Early Bird Discount.” Route 152 does not pass directly through Jongno 3-ga. It runs along Euljiro 3-ga. Crossing Cheonggyecheon Stream will bring you to Donhwamun-ro. This is the street where the old Seoul Cinema once stood.
  
  

Route (Loop Course)

(Start) Hyehwa Girls’ High School – Miyang Elementary School – Samyang-dong Intersection / Raemian Trivera –( → via Gireum New Town → / ← Gireum Station / Donam Samsung Apartments ← ) – Mia Pass / Miare Arts Theater – Samseon-dong Community Center – Bomun Station – Sinseol-dong Station – Dongdaemun Station / Heunginjimun Gate –( → Jongno 6-ga / Dongdaemun Comprehensive Market → Bangsan Market → / ← Dongdaemun History & Culture Park ← Euljiro 6-ga / National Medical Center ← ) – Euljiro 3-ga – Namdaemun Market – Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center – Sookmyung Women’s Univ. Station – Samgakji Station / War Memorial of Korea – Sinyongsan Station – Hangang Bridge – Nodeul Station – Noryangjin Station – Sangdo Elementary School Entrance – Sindaebang Samgeori – Dangok Station – Sillim Byeolbit Street Entrance – Seowon Station – Seoul National University Venture Town Station – Samseongsan Holy Site – Gwanaksan Humensia Complex 2 – Sanbok Tunnel – Byeoksan Apartments Complex 1 / Hoapsa Entrance – Hoam Tunnel 1 – Hoam Tunnel 2 – Gyeongin National University of Education (Rear Gate)

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Neighborhood Highlights Along the Route 152

📍 Dongdaemun Station / Heunginjimun Gate

This is where you’ll find Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun Gate), part of the old Seoul city wall.
Right next to it is the massive Dongdaemun shopping district.

• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
• Night markets
• Fashion wholesale malls

This area perfectly blends old Seoul with modern architecture and nightlife

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📍 Dongdaemun History & Culture Park

Home to DDP, one of the most iconic modern buildings in Seoul. The architecture alone is worth seeing, especially at night when it’s beautifully lit.
It’s a mix of design exhibitions, fashion culture, and open public space.

Editor’s Comment

Twenty years ago, Dongdaemun was one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts, packed with tourists around the clock. It was known as a 24-hour shopping destination where fashion markets stayed open late into the night.
Today, however, the area feels somewhat dated, and prices are no longer as competitive as they once were. It’s no longer the go-to place for shopping. Instead, most visitors come to see Dongdaemun Gate and DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza). DDP hosts not only fashion events but also a wide range of exhibitions throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance before visiting.

From my perspective, Dongdaemun isn’t a place most Seoul residents go out of their way to visit anymore.

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📍 Euljiro 3-ga

One of the trendiest neighborhoods in Seoul right now.

• “Hipjiro” (hipster + Euljiro) vibe
• Rooftop bars
• Retro printing alley atmosphere
• Unique wine bars and cafés

If you want to experience Seoul’s industrial-retro charm, this is your stop.

Editor’s Comment

Euljiro is a neighborhood where old, decades-long businesses coexist with newly opened retro-inspired cafés and bars. It’s a place where generations overlap — the spots popular with people in their 20s and 30s are often different from the places frequented by those in their 50s and 60s who come back for nostalgia. On weekday evenings, you’ll see office workers stopping by after work, mixing with younger crowds over drinks. The atmosphere feels lively but still distinctly local.

There are plenty of excellent restaurants and bakeries in the area, making it well worth a visit if you want to experience a more layered, authentic side of Seoul.

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📍 Namdaemun Market

The oldest traditional market in Seoul.

• Street food
• Souvenirs
• Noodle alleys
• Local market energy

It’s crowded, chaotic, and very authentic — exactly what many visitors are looking for.

Editor’s Tip

Many shops in Namdaemun begin closing after 5:00 PM, and by early evening, only a handful of restaurants remain open.

In my opinion, the best experience in Namdaemun is buying glasses or sunglasses.
Optical shops in Korea are incredibly efficient. You take an eye exam on the spot. You get the results immediately. Based on that prescription, your glasses are made right away. The whole process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Getting prescription glasses that quickly is almost unheard of in Europe or the United States. On top of that, the prices are very reasonable. The eye exam is typically free, and most frames start around 100,000 KRW, with prices increasing depending on the design and brand.

If you need glasses, this is absolutely something worth experiencing while you’re in Seoul.

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📍 Seoul Station

The main transportation hub of the city.

• AREX (airport train)
• KTX high-speed rail
• Seoul-ro 7017 Skywalk
• Easy access to Namsan

If you’re visiting Seoul for the first time, you’ll likely pass through here.

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📍 Samgakji Station / War Memorial of Korea

A large museum dedicated to Korean War history and military exhibitions.

• Free admission
• Outdoor displays of aircraft and tanks
• Surprisingly extensive collection

It’s quiet, spacious, and well curated.

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📍 Hangang Bridge / Nodeul Station

As the bus crosses the Han River, the view from the window is excellent.
Nodeul Island is a small cultural complex with exhibitions and occasional performances.

This stretch offers one of the best “cityscape moments” on the route.

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📍 Noryangjin Station

Famous for its large seafood market.

• Fresh sashimi
• King crab
• Choose your seafood and have it prepared upstairs

It’s more of a local experience, but adventurous travelers often enjoy it.

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📍 Samseongsan / Hoapsa Area

Not a mainstream tourist destination, but ideal if you’re looking for:

• Light hiking
• Temple visits
• A quieter, residential side of Seoul

This is where the city begins to feel closer to nature.

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✈️ If You Only Ride Part of the Route

The most interesting section for visitors would be:

Dongdaemun → Euljiro → Namdaemun → Seoul Station → Samgakji → Han River Crossing

On this stretch, you’ll experience:

✔ Historic Seoul
✔ Traditional markets
✔ Trendy neighborhoods
✔ Han River views
✔ Modern architecture

All in one above-ground ride.