Yaksu Station

Yaksu Station Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide in Seoul, South Korea

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to Yaksu Station

Yaksu Station (약수역), centrally located in Jung-gu, Seoul, is an important hub in the city’s vast subway network. Its name, which translates to “medicinal water,” recalls the area’s once-famous healing springs and highlights the connection between Seoul’s modern landscape and its natural and cultural roots. Since opening in 1985 as part of Line 3 and becoming an interchange with Line 6 in 2001, Yaksu Station has grown into a bustling crossroads for daily commuters and a convenient entry point for visitors. The station offers modern amenities, multilingual signage, and easy ticketing through options like the T-money card. Nearby, you’ll find a wealth of cultural attractions, from traditional markets to historic sites such as Dongguk University and vibrant neighborhoods like Itaewon and Dongdaemun. This guide provides essential information on Yaksu Station’s history, facilities, nearby points of interest, and practical tips for an enriching visit to this key Seoul locale (Mapcarta, Lonely Planet, Wikiwand).

Yaksu Station sign on Seoul Subway Line 3

Yaksu Station underground subway platform with signage and passengers

View of Yaksu Station with entrance and signage

Yaksu Station platform with passengers and train

Origins and Naming of Yaksu Station
Development and Role in Seoul’s Transit System
Visiting Yaksu Station: Hours & Ticket Info
Station Architecture and Layout
Attractions Near Yaksu Station
Yaksu’s Role in Urban Mobility
Historical and Cultural Context
Notable Events and Recent Developments
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Visual & Media Recommendations
FAQ
Additional Resources

Origins and Naming of Yaksu Station

Yaksu Station takes its name from Yaksu-dong, inspired by a mineral spring formerly believed to offer healing benefits. “Yak” means medicine and “su” means water in Korean. This reflects the long-standing practice in Korean place-naming of honoring natural resources and the mutual shaping of the city’s development and its geography (Mapcarta).

Development and Role in Seoul’s Transit System

Opened on October 18, 1985, as part of Line 3, Yaksu Station quickly became essential for connecting Seoul’s central and southern districts. Its expansion as an interchange with Line 6 in 2001 significantly improved accessibility to previously underserved neighborhoods, transforming Yaksu into a vital transfer station and increasing its daily passenger volume. Today, it efficiently links key districts, supporting both local and citywide mobility.

Visiting Yaksu Station: Hours & Ticket Info

Operating Hours: Subway trains run from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight.
Tickets: Purchase single-journey tickets or use a rechargeable T-money card, available at station vending machines with multilingual instructions. T-money cards are valid across Seoul’s subways and buses.
Accessibility: Yaksu Station is equipped with elevators, escalators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms. Multilingual signage and helpful staff ensure smooth navigation for all visitors.

Station Architecture and Layout

Yaksu Station is an underground facility with multiple levels for Lines 3 and 6. Its design emphasizes clear signage, wide corridors, and practical layouts, with exits leading directly to main roads, residential complexes, and commercial areas. The station has modernized over time, incorporating digital information displays and improved lighting while maintaining the functional Metro style of the 1980s and early 2000s.

Attractions Near Yaksu Station

Dongguk University: A Buddhist-affiliated university with picturesque gardens and traditional architecture. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Dongguk University).
Jogye Temple: A major center for Korean Zen Buddhism, offering tranquility and cultural insight.
Dongdaemun Historic District: Famous for ancient city walls and Heunginjimun Gate, as well as lively markets and shopping complexes.
Itaewon & Hannam-dong: Accessible by Line 6, these neighborhoods are known for their multicultural vibe, trendy cafes, and dynamic nightlife.
Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower: Easily reached from Yaksu, these offer green spaces, observation decks, and panoramic city views (N Seoul Tower).

Yaksu’s Role in Urban Mobility

As a transfer hub between Lines 3 and 6, Yaksu Station is key for navigating Seoul. Line 3 connects northern districts to the affluent south, including Gangnam, while Line 6 links culturally rich areas such as Itaewon and Sangsu. Its Jung-gu location—an area blending residential, commercial, and governmental functions—makes Yaksu an essential transit point, enhanced by integrated bus connections (Seoul Metro Official Website).

Historical and Cultural Context

The Yaksu-dong neighborhood has evolved from a site famed for medicinal springs to a modern urban district, balancing high-rise apartments, small businesses, and traditional markets. The station’s presence has spurred economic activity and helped preserve local culture, supporting a vibrant community that bridges Seoul’s history with its cosmopolitan present (Wikiwand).

Notable Events and Recent Developments

Yaksu Station’s development mirrors Seoul’s rapid modernization, especially during the 1980s and the run-up to the 1988 Olympics. The addition of Line 6 in 2001 addressed transport gaps and sparked infrastructure upgrades. Recent years have seen Yaksu adopt digital ticketing, enhanced security, and improved accessibility, reflecting Seoul Metro’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and convenience.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Get a T-money card for ease of travel.
Check station exits to quickly reach your destination.
Visit attractions during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
Enjoy local food: Nearby markets and eateries offer authentic Korean cuisine.
Ask for help: Staff are available for guidance, and English signage is present.

Visual & Media Recommendations

Use virtual tours and interactive maps from the Seoul Metro website to familiarize yourself with the station layout. Capture photos of Yaksu’s platforms, nearby markets, or N Seoul Tower, and use descriptive image tags like “Yaksu Station platform Seoul” for better online sharing.

FAQ

Q: What are Yaksu Station’s operating hours?
A: Daily from about 5:30 AM to midnight.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: At automated machines or with a T-money card.

Q: Is Yaksu Station accessible?
A: Yes—elevators, tactile paving, and barrier-free restrooms are available.

Q: Are there attractions nearby?
A: Yes, including Dongguk University, Jogye Temple, Dongdaemun, and Namsan Park.

Q: Is it possible to transfer between subway lines?
A: Yes, between Line 3 and Line 6 at Yaksu.

Additional Resources

Exploring the Yaksu Neighborhood: Attractions & Local Tips

Local Atmosphere

Yaksu is a residential area offering a calm, authentic Seoul experience, with apartments, local shops, and family-run restaurants. Its community vibe and walkable streets set it apart from busier tourist districts (Wikiwand).

Shopping & Dining

You’ll find a variety of local cafes, bakeries, and affordable Korean restaurants. While Yaksu lacks a major traditional market, Gwangjang Market—a short subway ride away—is renowned for its classic street food and vibrant atmosphere (Lonely Planet).

Points of Interest

Dongguk University: Open daily, hosts cultural events.
Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower: Open 10:00 AM–11:00 PM; panoramic city views (N Seoul Tower).
Local Alleys: Discover murals, small eateries, and hidden shops.

Cultural Experiences

Yaksu occasionally hosts community events and seasonal markets. Nearby Insadong (reachable by subway) is famed for traditional tea houses and Korean desserts (Seoul Korea Asia).

Practical Tips

Transport: Yaksu Station is on Lines 3 and 6, with elevators and escalators for accessibility.
Safety: The area is safe and suitable for solo travelers and families.
Best Seasons: Visit in spring or autumn for pleasant weather.

FAQ

Q1: What are N Seoul Tower’s hours?
A1: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM daily. (N Seoul Tower)

Q2: Is Dongguk University free to visit?
A2: Yes, during regular hours (9:00 AM–6:00 PM).

Q3: How to reach Gwangjang Market?
A3: Take Line 6 from Yaksu to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, then transfer to Line 1; or take a taxi for a short ride.

Q4: Are guided tours available?
A4: Some city walking tours include Yaksu; inquire with local providers.

Q5: Is Yaksu accessible for mobility-impaired visitors?
A5: Yes, though some alleys may be narrow or uneven.

Sample Itinerary

Morning: Coffee at a local café and a neighborhood stroll.
Midday: Visit Dongguk University or hike in Namsan Park, ending at N Seoul Tower.
Afternoon: Lunch at a neighborhood eatery; explore alleys and local life.
Evening: Experience Itaewon or Insadong for dining or cultural activities.

Summary & Final Tips

Yaksu Station is more than a transfer point; it’s the gateway to a blend of historical, cultural, and modern experiences. Explore the area’s tranquil neighborhoods, sample local cuisine, and enjoy the seamless connectivity to Seoul’s must-see sites. For real-time transit updates and personalized travel planning, download the Audiala app.