Anam Station & Korea University Station: Neighborhood Guide for Korea University Students
The neighborhoods around Anam Station (안암역) and Korea University Station (고려대역) make up the main student district for Korea University. Both sit on Subway Line 6, within walking distance of campus — but they have slightly different characters and suit different living preferences. This guide covers what each area is actually like to live in, how to get around, and what to expect on housing prices.
Anam Station vs Korea University Station : What's the Difference?
📍 Anam Station (안암역) — Line 6 · South side of campus
- Main gate area — most student traffic
- Chamsari-gil & Gaeunsa-gil — lively food and cafe strip
- More restaurants, bars, and convenience options
- Better for students who want to be in the thick of it
📍 Korea University Station (고려대역) — Line 6 · North side of campus
- Quieter, more residential feel
- Closer to natural science and engineering buildings
- Slightly lower rent in some pockets
- Better for students who want a calmer base
💡 Both stations are just one stop apart on Line 6 — the real difference is lifestyle preference, not distance. Most daily amenities are accessible from either station.
Getting to Campus
From Anam Station (안암역)
| Destination | 🚶 Walk | 🚗 Car |
|---|---|---|
| KU Main Gate (정문) | 5–10 min | ~3 min |
| Liberal Arts / Law Campus | 12–17 min | Multiple bus routes |
From Korea University Station (고려대역)
| Destination | 🚶 Walk | 🚗 Car |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Science Campus | 5–10 min | ~3 min |
| KU Main Gate (정문) | 10–15 min | KU Shuttle available |
Getting Around Seoul from Anam / Korea University Station
| Destination | Travel time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Itaewon (이태원) | ~15 min | Line 6 |
| Hapjeong (합정) / Hongdae area | ~25 min | Line 6 |
| Gangnam (강남) | ~40 min | Line 6 → Line 2 or Line 7 |
| City Hall / Myeongdong | ~30 min | Line 6 → Line 1 or Line 2 |
| Incheon Airport | ~80–100 min | Line 6 → AREX (transfer at Seoul Station) |
💡 Line 6 is less of a direct express line than Line 2 or Line 1, so getting to Gangnam or the airport takes a bit longer. That said, Itaewon and Hapjeong are very accessible — handy for international grocery shopping or a night out.
What's It Like to Live in the Anam Area?
- 🎓 Entire neighborhood built around KU — strong campus-town feel
- 🍽️ Lively food and cafe scene — Chamsari-gil, Gaeunsa-gil, Goryeo Street
- 🔒 Good safety — CCTV surveillance, regular police patrols
- 🏥 Community center, health clinics, pharmacies all nearby
- ⛰️ Bukhansan Mountain and Gaeun Mt. Park within reach
- 🏪 Convenience stores, laundromats, coin laundry close by
- 🚇 Line 6 only — fewer direct routes than Line 2 areas
- ⛰️ Hilly terrain throughout — expect slopes on daily walks
- 🔊 Chamsari-gil and Gaeunsa-gil can get noisy at night
- 🏚️ Some older building stock, especially near Anam elementary school
Food, Cafes & Nightlife
Chamsari-gil (참살이길) and Gaeunsa-gil (개운사길) are the heart of the KU student scene — affordable Korean set meals, trendy cafes, craft beer spots, and the occasional late-night street food stall. Goryeo Street (고려대길) near the main gate is the main strip and usually busy on weekday evenings. It's livelier than the SNU area but less overwhelming than Hongdae — a good middle ground.
Daily Amenities
Multiple convenience stores (CU, GS25), coin laundry facilities, pharmacies, and a post office are all within easy walking distance of either station. Anam Market (안암시장) nearby is a traditional market useful for fresh produce at lower prices. For larger shopping, you'll need to travel to Cheongnyangni or central Seoul.
Green Space
Gaeun Mt. Park (개운산공원) offers walking trails right next to campus — a convenient escape for a study break. For more serious hiking, Bukhansan Mountain (북한산) is accessible within 30–40 minutes.
Anam Area Housing Price
| Area / Street | Room type | Monthly rent (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Near Anam elementary school (quieter, older buildings) | One-room | ₩400,000 – ₩600,000 |
| Gaeunsa-gil (개운사길, close to both campuses) | One-room / Studio | ₩600,000 – ₩800,000 |
| Chamsari-gil (참살이길, livelier, more amenities) | One-room / Studio | ₩600,000 – ₩800,000 |
| Goshiwon (고시원, throughout the area) | Compact private room | ₩350,000 – ₩700,000 |
※ Deposit typically ₩3–20 mil for studios; goshiwons usually require little to no deposit. 2025 market estimates.
Whether you settle near Anam Station for the liveliest part of the student scene, or near Korea University Station for a quieter base closer to the science buildings, the Anam area is one of the most self-contained university neighborhoods in Seoul. Everything you need is within walking distance — and Bukhansan is never far away.
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