Seoul Subway Line 3

Seoul Subway Line 3 is a core line connecting Seoul's city center from northwest to southeast, running from Daehwa Station to Ogeum Station.

Seoul Subway Line 3

Overview

Seoul Subway Line 3 is an urban rail line connecting Seoul, Goyang, Bucheon, and other areas of the Seoul Capital Area in South Korea. Unlike other lines with blue tones, it is marked in orange, and since its opening in 1985, it has established itself as one of Seoul's major transportation axes. The line starts at Daehwa Station in Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, and runs through Jongno, Chungmuro, Apgujeong, and other central Seoul areas before terminating at Ogeum Station in Songpa-gu.

Main Details

Line Information

Total length: approx. 38.2 km (Daehwa–Ogeum)
Number of stations: 34 (including 11 transfer stations)
Depots: Jichuk Depot, Suseo Depot
Operator: Korail (Korea Railroad Corporation) operates the Daehwa–Jichuk section, while Seoul Transportation Corporation operates the Jichuk–Ogeum section.
Line color: Orange (#EF7C1C)
Electrification: DC 1,500 V overhead catenary
At-grade/underground: In the Daehwa–Jichuk section, part between Hwajeong and Jichuk is at grade, while most of the line runs underground.

History

The construction of Line 3 was planned in the 1970s to address Seoul's rapid population growth and traffic congestion. Construction began in February 1980, and the Gupabal–Yangjae section first opened on October 18, 1985. The Yangjae–Suseo section was added in 1990, the Jichuk–Gupabal section was extended in 1993, and the Ilsan Line (Daehwa–Jichuk) was connected in 1996, completing the current full line. In 2010, the Suseo–Ogeum section was additionally opened, strengthening connections with the Songpa area.

Station List and Transfers

Major stations include Daehwa, Hwajeong, Wondang, Jichuk, Gupabal, Yeonsinnae, Bulgwang, Nokbeon, Hongje, Muaakjae, Dongnimmun, Gyeongbokgung, Anguk, Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Chungmuro, Dongguk University, Yaksu, Geumho, Oksu, Apgujeong, Sinsa, Jamwon, Express Bus Terminal, Seoul National University of Education, Nambu Bus Terminal, Yangjae, Maebong, Dogok, Daechi, Hangnyeoul, Daecheong, Irwon, Suseo, Garak Market, Police Hospital, and Ogeum. In particular, Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station offers transfers to Lines 1 and 5, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga Station to Line 2, Chungmuro Station to Line 4, Express Bus Terminal Station to Lines 7 and 9, and Seoul National University of Education Station to Line 2, playing a key role in downtown travel.

Characteristics and Operations

Line 3 is the only line that directly connects Seoul's northwestern and southeastern areas, and it serves as a gateway for residents of the Ilsan New Town to enter Seoul. Congestion is high during rush hours, and Seoul Transportation Corporation has continuously reviewed intensive service and express operation plans. Trains currently operate with 10-car formations, and new electric trains (3000-series) replacing aging rolling stock have been introduced since the early 2020s and are gradually being deployed across the entire line. In addition, platform screen doors are installed at all stations to ensure safety accident prevention.

Recent Developments

In 2024, Seoul Transportation Corporation implemented concentrated dispatch during morning rush hours to alleviate platform congestion on Line 3 and completed projects to improve air circulation systems at major transfer stations. From 2025, integrated transfer discount policies in the capital area will be strengthened, reducing fare burdens when transferring between Line 3 and GTX-A, Sinbundang Line, and other lines. Plans are also underway to maximize connectivity with SRT at Suseo Station through station-area development, and extension works at Daehwa Station in connection with new residential complexes are being discussed amid population changes in the Ilsan area. Efforts to improve accessibility continue, such as expanding the installation of moving walkways for the elderly and people with limited mobility to Ogeum, Daechi, and other stations.