Leave Your Luggage in a Coin Locker and Explore Light
Why you should store your luggage first
It is common when traveling to arrive in the morning even though check-in is in the afternoon, or to have several hours before a flight or train after leaving the hotel on departure day. If you drag a suitcase around, your route gets cut in half and every staircase becomes a stop. Store large luggage in a locker at a station or terminal, and you can move lightly and cover twice as much in the same amount of time.
| Section | Key summary |
|---|---|
| Why you should store your luggage first | If you drag a suitcase around, your route gets cut in half and every staircase becomes a stop |
| Set a standard for locker size and fees | Lockers are usually divided into three sizes |
| Storage steps: done in 3 minutes | Find an empty compartment, open the door, put your luggage in, and push it all the way inside |
| 7 things to move into your small bag | Short key point |
Set a standard for locker size and fees
Lockers are usually divided into three sizes. When you arrive, you can tell the size by the color or label on empty compartments. Fees increase by the day or by the hour.
| Size | Luggage that fits | Fee range (one use) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 1 backpack or small bag | 3,000~5,000 won |
| Medium | 1 carry-on suitcase | 5,000~7,000 won |
| Large | 1 or 2 large suitcases | 7,000~12,000 won |
Fees vary by region and location, so first check the locker instructions to see whether it accepts coins, transit cards, or app payment. Some lockers accept coins only, so it is useful to prepare a few 1,000-won and 500-won coins in advance.
Storage steps: done in 3 minutes
- Find an empty compartment, open the door, put your luggage in, and push it all the way inside.
- Close the door and pay the fee using an available method, such as coins, card, or app.
- Take a photo on your phone of the issued number, password, or receipt.
- Also note the locker number and location, such as next to which exit and which row.
7 things to move into your small bag
When storing large luggage, your day will be easier if you move only the following items into a small bag and carry it with you.
- Identity items such as passport, ID, and wallet
- Phone and 1 portable battery
- A bottle of water and a light snack
- An umbrella or 1 light outer layer
- Basic medicine and a few bandages
- A note with the locker number and a little change
- Valuables, which should never be left in a locker
Finally, set an alarm for your pickup time. Lockers may have a midnight cutoff or a fixed closing time, so if the last train time overlaps with the pickup deadline, you may not be able to retrieve your luggage. Set the alarm for 1 hour before departure so you can pick up your luggage and move on with time to spare.