Standing 236 meters tall on Namsan Mountain, Namsan Seoul Tower (also known as N Seoul Tower) is one of Seoul's most recognizable landmarks. This iconic tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Seoul. Whether you visit during the day to see the sprawling cityscape or at night to witness the city lights, the tower provides an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of modern Seoul.
How to Get There?
There are several ways to reach Namsan Seoul Tower. The most popular option is to take the Namsan Cable Car from Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Metro Line 4, Exit 3). From the exit, walk for about 10 minutes to the cable car station. The cable car ride takes about 3 minutes and offers scenic views on the way up.
Alternatively, you can take a bus. Bus routes 02, 03, or 05 (Namsan Circular Bus) will take you directly to the tower. You can catch these buses from various locations including Chungmuro Station, Itaewon, or Myeong-dong.
For the more adventurous, you can hike up Namsan Mountain. There are several hiking trails that lead to the tower, with the most popular starting from the National Theater of Korea or from various points around the mountain. The hike takes about 30-60 minutes depending on your starting point and fitness level.
Tip: Use Google Maps to find the best route. The cable car is the easiest option for most visitors, especially if you're not used to hiking.
What to See?
Observation Deck
The main attraction is the observation deck, located at 236 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Seoul. On clear days, you can see as far as Incheon and the surrounding mountains. The observation deck features telescopes, interactive displays, and comfortable seating areas. There's also a digital observatory with augmented reality features that help identify landmarks in the distance.
Love Locks
One of the tower's most romantic features is the "Locks of Love" area, where couples attach padlocks with their names or messages to the railings. This tradition, similar to those in Paris and other cities, has become a symbol of eternal love. You can purchase locks at the tower or bring your own. The area is beautifully decorated and makes for wonderful photos, especially at sunset.
Restaurants & Cafés
The tower houses several dining options, including a revolving restaurant (N.Grill) that offers fine dining with a view, and a casual café. The revolving restaurant makes a full rotation every 48 minutes, providing constantly changing views. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner. There are also snack bars and a food court for lighter meals.
LED Light Show
At night, the tower features a spectacular LED light show. The tower's exterior is illuminated with colorful lights that change patterns and colors. This "Namsan Tower Light Show" creates a beautiful spectacle visible from throughout the city. The light show typically runs from sunset until midnight.
Digital Observatory & Exhibitions
The tower features various digital exhibitions and interactive experiences. The "Digital Observatory" uses augmented reality to provide information about landmarks visible from the tower. There are also rotating art exhibitions and cultural displays that showcase Korean history and culture.
Namsan Park
The area around the tower is part of Namsan Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of Seoul. Even if you don't go up the tower, the park itself is worth visiting. There are walking paths, gardens, and scenic spots throughout the park. It's a popular spot for locals to exercise and relax.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
- Observatory: 10:00-23:00 (Last admission 22:30)
- Cable Car: 10:00-23:00 (Operating hours may vary)
- Restaurants: 11:00-22:00 (Hours vary by restaurant)
- Note: The tower is open year-round, including holidays
Admission Fees
- Observatory (Adults 13+): 11,000 KRW
- Observatory (Children 3-12): 9,000 KRW
- Cable Car (Round trip): 14,000 KRW (Adults), 11,000 KRW (Children)
- Cable Car (One way): 10,000 KRW (Adults), 8,000 KRW (Children)
- Combined tickets (Observatory + Cable Car) are available at a discount
Services & Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the tower
- Restrooms on multiple floors
- Gift shops selling souvenirs and love locks
- ATM and currency exchange
- Wheelchair accessible (elevator available)
- Lockers available for storing belongings
Tips for Visiting
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset (around 18:00-19:00) offers the best views - you can see the city during daylight, watch the sunset, and then see the city lights come on. Evening visits are also magical when the city is fully lit up.
- Avoid Weekends: The tower gets very crowded on weekends, especially Saturday evenings. Weekday visits are much more pleasant with shorter lines.
- Weather Matters: Check the weather forecast before visiting. Clear days offer the best visibility. On foggy or hazy days, the views may be limited.
- Cable Car Lines: Cable car lines can be very long, especially in the evening. Consider arriving early or be prepared to wait 30-60 minutes during peak times.
- Bring a Lock: If you want to participate in the love locks tradition, you can bring your own lock and marker, or purchase one at the tower (though prices are higher there).
- Dress Warmly: The observation deck can be windy and cold, especially in winter. Bring a jacket even in summer.
- Photography: The observation deck has glass windows that can create reflections in photos. Try to find spots with less reflection, or visit during golden hour for better natural lighting.
- Combine with Myeong-dong: Since the cable car is near Myeong-dong, plan to visit this famous shopping district on the same day.
A Brief History
Namsan Seoul Tower was completed in 1971 and was originally built as a broadcasting tower for television and radio signals. At the time of its construction, it was the first general radio wave tower in Korea and played a crucial role in the country's broadcasting infrastructure.
Over the years, the tower evolved from a purely functional structure into one of Seoul's most popular tourist attractions. In 2005, the tower underwent a major renovation and rebranding, becoming "N Seoul Tower" (the "N" stands for Namsan, New, and Nature). The renovation included the addition of the observation deck, restaurants, and various entertainment facilities.
Today, Namsan Seoul Tower stands as a symbol of Seoul's modernity and progress, while also serving as a romantic destination for couples and a must-visit landmark for tourists. It represents the perfect blend of technology, culture, and natural beauty that defines modern Korea.