Where to Store Luggage in Korea : KTX vs Subway Lockers

You have just checked out of your Airbnb in Hongdae at 11:00 AM, but your flight out of Incheon isn’t until 9:00 PM. This is the classic traveler’s dilemma: How do you squeeze every last drop of joy out of your trip without dragging a 20kg suitcase through the crowded streets of Myeongdong? As a local, I see this happen every day—tourists struggling up subway stairs with giant bags, sweating through their nice clothes.

Here is the thing: Korea has one of the best luggage storage in Korea infrastructures in the world. From high-tech IoT lockers in subway stations to manned travel centers at KTX hubs, there is absolutely no reason for you to carry your bags while you explore. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly where to find these lockers, the specific pricing (updated for late 2025), and the “Hub Strategy” I recommend to friends visiting Seoul so they can travel hands-free.

1. The Smart Traveler’s Strategy: “Drop & Roam”
2. Subway Stations: T-Locker (4-Hour Base)
3. KTX Stations: Train Lockers (2-Hour Base)
4. The “Cheat Code”: T-Luggage Delivery
5. Airports: Long-term Storage Solutions
6. Step-by-Step: How to Operate Digital Lockers

The Smart Traveler’s Strategy: “Drop & Roam”

Before we get into the prices, let’s talk strategy. The biggest mistake travelers make is dragging their luggage to their final sightseeing spot. Instead, you need to use a “Transportation Hub” strategy.

The logic is simple: Identify the station where you will eventually catch your ride to the airport (usually Seoul Station for the AREX Express Train or Hongik University Station for the All-Stop Train).

• Step 1: Check out of your hotel and go immediately to your chosen “Hub Station.”
• Step 2: Secure a locker there.
• Step 3: Explore the city freely with just your phone and wallet.
• Step 4: Return to the Hub, grab your bags, and hop directly onto the airport train.

Subway Stations: T-Locker (4-Hour Base)

If you are using the subway (Lines 1-9), you will likely use the T-Locker (Tota Locker) system. These are unified across the Seoul Metro network. The key thing to remember is that T-Locker charges by a 4-hour block.

T-Locker Pricing (Lines 1-9)

Prices vary slightly between weekdays and weekends. If you exceed the initial 4 hours, you are charged an hourly “add-on” fee.

Size	Base Fee (4 Hours)	Extra Charge (Per Hour)	Dimensions (Approx)
Small (S)	Weekday: 2,200 KRW Weekend: 3,100 KRW	500 KRW	50cm x 30cm x 60cm (Backpack, Shopping bags)
Medium (M)	Weekday: 3,300 KRW Weekend: 4,600 KRW	800 KRW	50cm x 45cm x 60cm (Carry-on 20″)
Large (L)	Weekday: 4,400 KRW Weekend: 6,100 KRW	1,000 KRW	50cm x 90cm x 60cm (Suitcase 24-28″)

💡 Pro Tip: Download the “T-Locker” App. You can check real-time availability at any station and even book/pay in advance. This is a lifesaver in busy spots like Myeongdong where lockers fill up by noon.

KTX Stations: Train Lockers (2-Hour Base)

If you are at a major railway hub like Seoul Station, Busan Station, or Yongsan Station, the lockers are managed by KORAIL or private operators. These are distinct from the subway lockers and often have a different pricing structure.

Crucial Difference: Unlike the subway’s 4-hour base, train station lockers typically have a 2-hour base rate. They are cheaper for very short stops but can get expensive if you leave them for days.

Standard KTX Locker Pricing (Example: Seoul Station)

The following rates are based on the standard lockers found at Seoul Station (see Seoul Station Locker Fee Guide).

Size	Base Fee (First 2 Hours)	Hourly Add-on (2h ~ 12h)	Long-term Add-on (Every 12h thereafter)
Small	1,000 KRW	+200 KRW / hour	+1,000 KRW / 12h
Extra Large	3,000 KRW	+500 KRW / hour	+2,500 KRW / 12h

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: While these prices are standard for Seoul Station and similar major hubs (like Busan Station), pricing policies can vary slightly by region or specific machine operator. Always check the screen before paying, but you can expect costs to be in this general range.

The “Cheat Code”: T-Luggage Delivery

What if your bag is too big for a locker? Or what if you don’t want to come back to the station at all? Enter T-Luggage. This is a manned service available at key stations (Seoul Stn, Hongik Univ, Incheon/Gimpo Airport, Myeongdong, Jamsil).

Services & Estimated Costs

• Storage: They accept odd-sized items (surfboards, huge trunks).
  • Small (20″): ~3,000 KRW (4h)
  • Large (24-27″): ~6,000 KRW (4h)
  • Extra Large (28″+): ~9,000 KRW (4h)
• Delivery (The Real Magic): You can drop your bag at Hongik Univ. Station in the morning and pick it up at Incheon Airport in the afternoon.
  • Station-to-Airport Delivery: Approx. 20,000 ~ 29,000 KRW depending on size and weekend rates.

Airports: Long-term Storage Solutions

Many travelers arrive at Incheon Airport and expect to find banks of coin lockers in the arrival hall. These do not exist for security reasons. Instead, you must use manned “Travel Centers” or logistics counters.

Where to Go

• Incheon Terminal 1 & 2: Look for Hanjin Express, CJ Logistics, or the “Travel Store” located on the Departure (3F) and Arrival (1F) levels.
• Gimpo Airport: Located near the subway entrance or the departure hall (T-Luggage Center).

Cost & Duration: These services charge by the day (24 hours), not by the hour. Expect to pay around 7,000 to 10,000 KRW per bag per day. They are perfect for storing heavy winter coats while you fly to a tropical destination.

Step-by-Step: How to Operate Digital Lockers

Don’t be intimidated by the Korean screen. Almost every locker system has an “English” button. Here is the standard process:

Storing Your Goods

1. Touch the screen and select “Store” (보관).
2. Select an available locker number (usually highlighted in blue).
3. Create a Passcode: Enter a 4-6 digit PIN, or scan your fingerprint (at KTX stations). Memorize this!
4. Payment: Insert your credit card or T-Money card. (Note: Most KTX lockers require the base fee upfront).
5. The door will pop open. Put your bag in, close it tight, and ensure it clicks locked.

Retrieving Your Goods

1. Touch the screen and select “Retrieve” (찾기).
2. Select your locker number.
3. Enter your PIN or scan your fingerprint.
4. If you exceeded the base time (2h for KTX, 4h for Subway), the screen will ask for the extra payment now.
5. The door opens. Grab your stuff and go!

Korean Culture portal KCulture.com

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