The Most Searched Cafes: 1st Shillim Station, 2nd Seoul National University Entrance Station... Why?

Gwanak-gu Offers Affordable Monthly Rent with High Accessibility to Gangnam, Preferred Residential Area for Young Professionals

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] Real estate platform Dabang announced on the 24th that among the 320 subway stations in Seoul, Sillim Station on Line 2 ranked first in search volume according to data collected through its application.

From January to March, Sillim Station (Line 2) accounted for the highest share of total subway searches on the Dabang app at 7.51%, followed by Seoul National University Station (Line 2) at 3.88%, ranking second. Both stations are located in Gwanak-gu, an area favored by young people such as university students and early career workers as a residential area due to its relatively low monthly rent despite its high accessibility to Gangnam. According to Dabang’s property big data, the average monthly rent in Gwanak-gu (as of April 15) is 430,000 KRW, the second lowest among Seoul’s 25 districts after Guro-gu (380,000 KRW).

The third most searched station was Suyu Station (Line 4) in Gangbuk-gu, recording 3.62%. Dabang explained, “This station, near Sungshin Women’s University and Duksung Women’s University, has seen an increase in searches due to the recent rise in newly built officetels in the area.” Last year during the same period, Suyu Station ranked eighth in popular searches.

Following were ▲Gangnam Station (Line 2, Shinbundang Line) in Seocho-gu at 3.48%, ▲Konkuk University Station (Lines 2 and 7) in Gwangjin-gu at 3.35%, ▲Sadang Station (Lines 2 and 4) in Dongjak-gu at 3.3%, ▲Gasan Digital Complex Station (Lines 1 and 7) in Geumcheon-gu at 2.89%, ▲Wangsimni Station (Lines 2, 5, Suin-Bundang Line, Gyeongui-Jungang Line) in Seongdong-gu at 2.61%, ▲Hwagok Station (Line 5) in Gangseo-gu at 2.57%, and ▲Dangsan Station (Lines 2 and 9) in Yeongdeungpo-gu at 2.54%, all ranking within the top 10.

Notably, Wangsimni Station rose from 16th place last year to 8th place this year, entering the top 10 for the first time. Wangsimni Station is a multi-line station served by four lines and has recently developed commercial areas popular among people in their 20s and 30s, which is believed to have increased its appeal as a residential area. Regarding the rise in preference for Wangsimni Station, Dabang stated, “With nearby universities such as Hanyang University and Hanyang Women’s University, and transportation benefits like the upcoming Dongbuk Light Rail Transit connecting Wangsimni and Sanggye Stations (scheduled to open in 2025), the area is expected to emerge as a new commercial hub, attracting attention.”

Meanwhile, when examining by subway line, stations on Line 2 accounted for 62.16% of total search volume. Line 2 is a circular line passing through major Seoul areas such as Gangnam, Hongdae, and City Hall, and is favored by young people who primarily use public transportation. According to the Seoul Metro’s ‘2020 Passenger Analysis Results’ released earlier this year, Line 2 had the highest number of subway passengers, accounting for 29.1% of total line ridership.