
Yongdap Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide in Seoul, South Korea
Date: 15/06/2025
Introduction: Yongdap Station’s History and Visitor Significance
Yongdap Station, located in Seoul’s Seongdong-gu district, is more than just a convenient transit point on Seoul Subway Line 2 and the Jungang Line. It stands as a symbol of Seoul’s evolution—bridging its industrial past, creative present, and vibrant future. Its location beside the Han River, once vital for agriculture and transportation during the Joseon Dynasty, has greatly influenced the area’s historical and urban landscape (Academia.edu). Today, Yongdap Station is a hub that offers visitors easy access to scenic parks, cultural spaces, and trendy neighborhoods, including the nearby Seoul Forest and Seongsu-dong.
What truly sets Yongdap apart is its role in Korean popular culture, most notably as a filming location for the hit tvN drama “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin).” This connection has turned its pedestrian bridge into a must-visit destination for K-drama fans worldwide (Trippose). Whether you’re drawn by history, riverside leisure, or cultural tourism, Yongdap Station provides a unique and accessible experience.
Contents
- Introduction
- Practical Visitor Information
- Visiting Hours and Ticketing
- Getting There
- Accessibility
- Historical Foundations and Urban Development
- Key Attractions and Photo Spots
- Guided Tours and Special Events
- K-Drama Tourism: Yongdap’s Pop Culture Appeal
- Local Life: Dining, Markets, and Community
- Essential Travel Tips
- Seasonal Highlights
- FAQs
- Visuals and Links
- Conclusion and Recommendations
- Sources
Practical Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Ticketing
- Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to midnight daily, following Seoul Metro’s schedule.
- Ticketing: Purchase single-journey tickets at station vending machines, or use a rechargeable T-money card for seamless travel across subways, buses, and some taxis. Fares start from 1,350 KRW and increase with distance (SeoulMetro).
- Pedestrian Bridge: No separate ticket or admission fee; open 24/7 for public access.
Getting There
- By Subway: Yongdap Station is on Line 2 (Seongsu Branch) and the Jungang Line, connecting easily to key districts like Gangnam, Dongdaemun, and Hongdae without transfers (ExploreMetro).
- By Bus/Taxi: Well-served by local bus routes and taxi stands for convenient transit.
Accessibility
- Facilities: Elevators, ramps, tactile paving, accessible restrooms, and escalators ensure inclusivity for all visitors.
- Signage: Bilingual Korean/English signage throughout the station.
Historical Foundations and Urban Development
Yongdap Station and the Seongdong-gu district have long been shaped by the Han River’s strategic importance. The riverbanks were central to agricultural production and trade routes during the Joseon Dynasty. Post-Korean War, the area became an industrial hub, with rapid urbanization transforming land use and demographics (Seoul Solution). In recent years, urban renewal policies have revitalized old factories into residential, cultural, and creative spaces, reflecting Seoul’s adaptive and sustainable development (Environment & Urbanization).
Key Attractions and Photo Spots
Han River and Salgoji Park
- Han River Park: Accessible by foot from the station, this riverside park offers walking and cycling paths, picnic areas, and panoramic city skyline views. Seasonal blooms and festivals enhance the scenic beauty.
- Salgoji Park: Direct access to riverside walks, bike rentals, and regular local events.
Seoul Forest
One of Seoul’s largest urban parks, Seoul Forest features gardens, art installations, deer enclosures, and eco-learning centers. Open 5 AM to 10 PM, admission is free (KoreaToDo).
Yongdap Station Pedestrian Bridge
Famed for its appearance in “Goblin,” the bridge is a magnet for photographers and K-drama fans. Its vantage point offers sweeping views of the Han River and cityscape (Trippose).
Seongsu-dong: Creative District
Just one stop away, Seongsu-dong is celebrated for its repurposed warehouses, indie galleries, artisanal cafés, and vibrant street art—a must for culture seekers (KoreaToDo).
Eungbongsan Mountain
A favorite for sunrise and sunset views, especially during the spring azalea season. Trails are beginner-friendly and offer panoramic city vistas.
Guided Tours and Special Events
While official guided tours from Yongdap Station are rare, local operators sometimes offer walks around Seongsu-dong and Seoul Forest. Seasonal festivals, pop-up markets, and art installations frequently occur in nearby parks and creative districts. Check community boards or official tourism sites for current events (Visit Seoul).
K-Drama Tourism: Yongdap’s Pop Culture Appeal
Yongdap Station’s pedestrian bridge achieved international recognition as a filming location for “Goblin,” where it became a symbolic backdrop for pivotal scenes. The station is now a pilgrimage site for fans, with visitors often recreating iconic moments and sharing them on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, fueling the rise of K-drama tourism (Trippose). This trend encourages “slow tourism,” inviting travelers to experience everyday Seoul in depth.
Local Life: Dining, Markets, and Community
Food and Dining
While Yongdap is not a major food destination, its proximity to Seongsu-dong and Wangsimni expands dining options. Enjoy Korean BBQ, noodle shops, street food stalls (tteokbokki, hotteok), and trendy cafés serving specialty drinks and desserts.
Markets and Shopping
Traditional markets near Yongdap offer fresh produce and household goods. For larger shopping, Wangsimni Station boasts a major shopping complex with international brands and entertainment.
Daily Rhythms
Experience authentic Seoul life as commuters, families, and elderly residents frequent the station and nearby parks throughout the day.
Essential Travel Tips
- T-money Card: Purchase/recharge at convenience stores and stations for discounted travel and convenience (TornTackies).
- Subway Etiquette: Respect priority seating, avoid peak hours (7–9 AM, 6–8 PM), and queue orderly.
- Navigation: Use bilingual station maps and apps like “Subway Korea” for schedules. Free Wi-Fi is common; a local SIM aids navigation.
- Safety: The area is safe, well-lit, and monitored.
- Payments: Credit cards are widely accepted; cash preferred in local markets.
- Language: English signage at major stations; translation apps are helpful.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Cherry blossoms, azaleas, and festivals.
- Summer: Riverside cycling, outdoor events.
- Autumn: Vibrant foliage and mild weather.
- Winter: Snowy park landscapes and serene riverside walks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are Yongdap Station’s operating hours?
A: 5:30 AM to midnight daily; first and last trains posted onsite and online.
Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Use vending machines or T-money cards, available at stations and convenience stores.
Q: Is the station accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.
Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Occasional tours in nearby Seongsu-dong and Seoul Forest; check local listings.
Q: Is the pedestrian bridge open all the time?
A: Yes, 24/7 and free to access.
Q: Are there souvenirs or merchandise for “Goblin”?
A: Not at the station, but themed shops in Seoul may offer items.
Visuals and Media Suggestions
- Yongdap Station pedestrian bridge at sunset
- Han River park near Yongdap Station
- Themed gardens in Seoul Forest
- Creative spaces and cafés in Seongsu-dong
- Panoramic views from Eungbongsan
ExploreMetro: Yongdap Station Photos and Info
Internal and External Links
- Official Seoul Tourism Website
- Seoul Metro Official Site
- Seongsu-dong Guide
- Seoul Subway Line 2 Guide
- Yongdap Station Pedestrian Bridge Overview
Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations
Yongdap Station is a microcosm of Seoul’s transformation: a meeting point of history, community, and pop culture. Its accessible transit links, practical amenities, and proximity to urban nature and creative districts make it an ideal starting point for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Seoul. Whether you’re a K-drama fan, urban explorer, or local culture enthusiast, Yongdap offers a rewarding experience year-round.
Pro Visitor Tips:
- Use a T-money card for easy transit.
- Visit outside peak hours for comfort.
- Explore nearby Seongsu-dong for food and culture.
- Download the Audiala app for real-time updates and curated guides.
Plan your next Seoul adventure from Yongdap Station and discover a hidden gem that seamlessly blends the city’s dynamic past and present.
Sources and Further Reading
- Visiting Yongdap Station: Hours, Tickets, and Exploring Seoul’s Historic Seongdong-gu District, 2024, (VisitSeoul)
- Yongdap Station Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Attractions: Your Complete Guide, 2024, (ExploreMetro)
- Yongdap Station Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Its Role in Korean Drama Tourism, 2024, (Trippose)
- Yongdap Station Guide: Visiting Hours, Attractions, Tickets, and Local Tips Near Seoul’s Hidden Gem, 2024, (Visit Korea)
- Seoul Historical and Urban Development, 2024, (Academia.edu)
- Seoul Solution on Urbanization, 2024, (SeoulSolution)
- Megacity Seoul: Urbanization and Development in Modern South Korea, 2024, (Environment & Urbanization)
- Seoul Metro Official Site, 2024, (SeoulMetro)