The “Samseong-dong” Challenge
Before trying to catch a taxi at Coex, your day at coex would be great.
you’ve had an amazing day at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center. You’ve taken the perfect Instagram photo at the famous Starfield Library, shopped until your feet hurt at the Hyundai Department Store, and maybe even attended a massive global exhibition.
Now, the sun has set, and you are exhausted. Your hands are full of shopping bags, souvenirs, and brochures. All you want to do is jump into a taxi and go back to your hotel to rest.
You walk out to the main street, raise your hand, and… nothing happens.
Or worse, you see dozens of taxis passing by, but their red lights show “Reserved” (예약), or they simply refuse to stop in the heavy traffic.
Welcome to the “Samseong-dong Traffic Nightmare.”
If you are struggling to find a taxi at Coex or near Coex, you are not alone. This area, Samseong-dong (often confused with the brand ‘Samsung’ but is a specific district name), is notorious among locals for being one of the hardest places in Seoul to hail a ride, especially during rush hour or weekends.
In this guide, I will explain why this happens, how to use the right tools, and most importantly, reveal the “Secret Spots” where smart locals go to catch a taxi effortlessly.
Why is it Impossible to Catch a Taxi at COEX?
Before we get to the solution, it helps to understand the terrain. COEX is located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, which is arguably the busiest commercial hub in Seoul. Here is why the traffic is often paralyzing:
1. The “Triple Threat” of Crowds
The World Trade Center Seoul complex isn’t just a mall. It concentrates three massive crowd-pullers in one single block:
- Starfield COEX Mall & Library: A global tourist landmark.
- COEX Exhibition Halls: Events here draw tens of thousands of business travelers daily.
- Hyundai Department Store: One of the most popular luxury department stores in Korea.
- Result: Everyone tries to leave at the same time (Dinner time implies rush hour).
2. Massive Construction (The GBC Project)
Currently, the area surrounding Samseong Station (Subway Line 2) and Bongeunsa Station (Line 9) is undergoing massive construction. This is for the new GTX (Great Train eXpress) lines and the upcoming Hyundai GBC center.
- Impact: This has significantly reduced the number of lanes available on the main roads (Yeongdong-daero and Teheran-ro), creating a permanent bottleneck. Taxis hate entering this gridlock because they lose time and money.
To be honest, these environment makes catching a taxi at coex a struggle even for Seoul locals. But for a tourist, being stuck outside on a freezing cold day or carrying heavy luggage with no way to leave can feel absolutely hopeless.
We are here to liberate you from that despair by sharing our pro-tip to catch a taxi at coex easily.
Step 1: The Essential Tool (Kakao T)
First things first: Do not rely on waving your hand at the street side. In 2025, almost 90% of taxis in Seoul are hailed via apps. If you don’t use the app, you are competing for the remaining 10%, which is nearly impossible in Samseong-dong.
You must use Kakao T.
New to Korean apps? Read our full guide here: [7 Essential Apps for Traveling in Korea You Must Download]
Briefly, here is why you need it:
- No Language Barrier: You input your destination in English, and the driver knows exactly where to go. You don’t need to explain your destination verbally to the driver.
- Payment: You can register a foreign credit card or select “Pay to Driver” (Cash/T-Money).
- Reliability: You can track where your taxi is.
However, here is the problem: Even with Kakao T, drivers might cancel on you if you set your pickup location to a confusing spot like “COEX East Gate.” The GPS signals bounce around due to the tall skyscrapers, and drivers avoid the main street traffic.
This leads us to the Pro Tip.
Step 2: The “Pro Tip” – Change Your Pickup Location
This is the secret that savvy locals and business expats know. Do not call the taxi to the main road sidewalk. The traffic flow is too fast or too jammed for them to stop safely.
Instead, you need to walk slightly to specific “Drop-off/Pick-up Zones” where taxis naturally congregate.
Here are the two best spots to catch a taxi at COEX.
Secret Spot A: The Trade Tower Main Entrance (트레이드 타워)
The Trade Tower is the tall, iconic skyscraper right next to the COEX mall (the building that looks like a staircase).
- Why here? This is an office building with a designated driveway. Taxis frequently drop off business executives here. It is much easier for a driver to pull into this quiet driveway than to stop on the chaotic Yeongdong-daero main road.
- How to find it:
- From inside the mall (near Starfield Library), follow the overhead signs for “Trade Tower”.
- Go to the ground floor (1F) main lobby.
- Exit through the revolving doors. You will see a circular driveway.
- GPS Setting: Set your Kakao T pickup point to “Trade Tower”.
- Find the exact Point : Click Here(Google maps)
Secret Spot B: Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas (Main Entrance)
This is my personal favorite recommendation for tourists. The Grand InterContinental Parnas is a luxury hotel connected to the mall near Samseong Station.
- Why here? Hotels have large, covered driveways (Porte-cochère).
- Availability: Taxis are always dropping guests off here, meaning there is a constant supply of empty taxis leaving the hotel.
- Comfort: It is covered (great for rain) and safe from street traffic.
- Assistance: Hotel staff or doormen are often outside and can help direct a taxi to you or communicate with the driver.
- How to find it:
- From the mall, walk towards the Samseong Station direction.
- Follow signs for “Parnas Mall” or “Grand InterContinental Hotel.”
- Go up to the 1F Hotel Lobby entrance (Not the basement entrance).
- GPS Setting: Set your pickup point to “Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas”.
- Find the exact Point : Click Here(Google maps)
⚠️ Important: There used to be two InterContinental hotels in Samseong-dong.
- Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas (Near Samseong Station) – Go here!
- There used to be InterContinental Seoul COEX (Near Bongeunsa Temple), now it has changed to Westin Parnas. Make sure you check the map! Both are better than the street, but the Parnas location is usually more convenient for shoppers.
Alternative: What if you absolutely can’t get a taxi at Coex?
If the weather is terrible (heavy rain/snow) or traffic is completely gridlocked (common on Friday evenings), even the Pro Tips might require a long wait. If you cannot wait any longer, the subway is your only reliable Plan B.
Unlike taxis, the subway never gets stuck in traffic. Choose your station based on your final destination:
Option A: Samseong Station (Line 2 – Green Line)
- Best for: Going to Gangnam Station, Jamsil (Lotte World), Hongdae, or City Hall.
- Location: Connected directly to the COEX Mall underground. Follow the green signs.
Option B: Bongeunsa Station (Line 9 – Gold Line)
- Best for: Going to Gimpo Airport, Yeouido, or Express Bus Terminal.
- Pro Tip: Line 9 operates both “All-stop” and “Express” trains. If you are traveling a long distance, make sure to board the Red Express Train for a much faster ride.
- Location: Located near the North Gate, closer to the Exhibition Halls and the Starfield Library.
Conclusion: Shop Smart, Travel Smarter
COEX in Samseong-dong is one of the most dynamic places in Seoul, offering everything from K-Pop attractions to world-class shopping. However, leaving the area can be a challenge if you don’t know the local rules.
Remember the winning formula for a stress-free exit:
- Open Kakao T.
- Walk to the Trade Tower or Grand InterContinental Parnas Hotel entrance.
- Ride in comfort.
Don’t let the traffic ruin your perfect day in Seoul. Plan your exit, and you’ll be back at your hotel relaxing while others are still waving at full taxis on the street!
Are you planning your trip to Korea? Make sure to check out our other guides on tripplankorea.com to navigate Seoul like a pro!
