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  • Writer's pictureLittlelamb

Express bus terminal underground mall / GOTO Mall & Rainbow Bridge

Updated: Aug 12, 2022


If you want to mix shopping and sight seeing, Express bus terminal also known as Goto mall is a good place to go. This underground mall is said to have the best prices in Seoul. It contains over 600 shops forming a long shopping aisle connecting Banpo station and Express Bus Terminal station, making it the largest mall of it's kind.


You can get there by taking the Seoul subway line 3,7 and 9 to Express bus terminal station. Take exit 8 to get to the mall. However if you exit at other exits don't worry, its likely you'll just ended up at one of the many shopping/mall areas. It can get quite confusing as there are at least 3 different malls (Shinsagae Department store, Famille Station and Central city terminal) and Seoul express bus terminal itself.


You can find the latest fashion, accessories, cosmetics, interior products and even wholesale flowers. It also houses a multiplex theater and various restaurants and cafes. All within what seems like 1 huge building, as all the connecting walkways are underground.


Shopping at Korea's underground malls can be overwhelming. What i like to do is start at 1 end and go up and down the rows. It's easier to keep track of where you've been in Goto mall as it's basically comprises of 2 straight hallways. If you have the time, it's best to first browse the shops and take note of the shop numbers if you see something you like, before buying. As more often than not you may find the exact same thing cheaper else where or a pattern you like better. I found that most shops allow you to take pictures of the clothes, especially if your alone. I take pictures of them so that i can decide later or send them to friends to get an opinion :)




Take a picture of the shop number, so that you can find it again.

When you want a break, there is a food court at the end of Goto Mall. It's really convenient, as you do not have to leave the mall at all. Prices are also pretty reasonable.



After shopping you can take a walk to Rainbow bridge. It's a short walk from Goto mall. All you need to do is exit at one of the exits at Goto mall, there is a sign marked clearly to Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain (반포대교 달빛무지개분수). There are signs mounted on the lamp posts indicating the direction of the bridge along the way. It's pretty high up though so make sure to look up. At the exit turn left and go down the street until you reach a traffic light. Cross the road go straight and take the underpass. There should be a stream of people walking the same way, so you can just follow them.



From April to October there are food trucks and little craft shops set up along the Han river. You can get dinner from the food truck and have a little picnic while enjoying the view of the river with the colours, music and water show from the bridge. The Rainbow bridge fountain operates 4 to 6 times a day for 20 minutes. (it's a bout 30 min intervals).


Hangang park has cycling paths, picnic area, bubble play ground, in-line skating track, soccer field and a basket ball court. Connected to the Banpo Hangang river park by 3 bridges is an artificially created island, Seoraeseom island. The island has a migratory bird habitat, flower garden, water ski site, and etc.


You can visit the Seocho city site for more on the surrounding area.


Have fun :)


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