If it’s your first time in Seoul, there’s one place you absolutely can’t skip. A spot where you can take in the entire city from above — that’s N Seoul Tower.
The tower is famous for its 360-degree observation deck, but honestly the whole experience — from the ride up to everything around the tower — is worth your time. No cable car, no car needed. Just hop on a bus.
How to Get There#
The easiest way is the Namsan Circular Bus 01A or 01B.
Start at Dongdaemun Exit 6 of Dongdaipgu Station on Subway Line 3. Step outside and you’ll see the bus stop right in front of you.
- Route 01A: Yejang Parking → Chungmuro → Dongdaipgu Station → N Seoul Tower → City Hall → Anguk Station (circular)
- Route 01B: Yejang Parking → Chungmuro → Dongdaipgu Station → National Theater → N Seoul Tower → Namsan Library → Namsan Cable Car
Both routes are just two stops from Dongdaipgu Station. Whichever bus comes first — take it.
Hours: 06:30 – 23:00 (daily)
Frequency: Every 9–18 minutes
Fare: Adults ₩1,400 / Youth ₩800 / Children ₩500
From the bus stop it’s about a 5-minute uphill walk to the tower. The slope is pretty steep, so wear comfortable shoes. You’ll already start catching views of the city on the way up.
Buying Tickets#
At the entrance you can buy at the ticket booth or a kiosk.
Mobile advance booking saves you around ₩2,600. You can book and use same-day, so it’s worth doing before you head out. After booking, go straight to the information desk inside the tower — not the ticket booth — to collect your ticket.
Observation Deck Hours
Weekdays: 10:00 – 22:30
Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 – 23:00
Up to the Observation Deck#
Before you reach the elevator, you pass through a media art corridor — immersive visuals of Namsan through the four seasons. People stop for photos here constantly. The elevator ride continues the show. You’ll reach the top in what feels like 2–3 minutes.
Once you step out, Seoul opens up like a painting. Walk the full 360 degrees and the view shifts completely with every direction.
- North: Inwangsan, Bugaksan, Bukhansan, former presidential palace
- East: Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Jongmyo Shrine
- South: Han River, Lotte Tower in Jamsil
- West: Yeouido, Mapo district
On a clear day you can see all the way to Gwanaksan beyond the Han River. The cable car and the bus stop far below look like tiny specks — that’s when the height really hits you.
The deck has great photo spots and a gift shop full of Korean souvenirs. Perfect for picking up something for a friend back home.
Love Locks — A Must-Do#
N Seoul Tower isn’t just about the view. The love locks are just as iconic.
From the cable car area to the old beacon site, the fences are covered in locks — reportedly hundreds of tons in total. Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic — you’ll find wishes written in languages from all over the world.
Pick up a lock from the vending machines on-site.
Price: around ₩10,000 – ₩20,000
The 5th floor gift shop also sells Sowon-dam — small wish plaques you write on and hang up. A meaningful keepsake whether you’re there with a partner, friends, or solo.
Some locks are weathered and faded, some are brand new and shiny. Every one carries someone’s wish. Seen from a distance, the whole wall looks like a field of flowers.
You Don’t Have to Go Up#
Plenty to enjoy even without a tower ticket.
Right next to the tower, the Palgakjeong Pavilion area has a free outdoor viewpoint overlooking central Seoul. Sitting on a bench in the shade, catching a breeze — already a pretty great afternoon.
The Namsan Trail runs 7.3km total — about 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace. The northern loop (~3.4km) has a gentle slope and is well-maintained, so regular sneakers are fine. City skyline and lush forest in the same view — that’s what makes this trail special.
Come evening, the whole atmosphere shifts. The tower lights up, Seoul’s skyline glows — honestly one of the most beautiful hours this city has to offer.
Final Thoughts#
N Seoul Tower isn’t just a “nice if you have time” kind of place — it’s a must.
You can get there entirely by public transit. The views are stunning day and night. The love locks, the trail, the free viewpoints — it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. Namsan is one of my favorite spots in Seoul — always showing the city at its very best.
Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (N Seoul Tower)
Getting there: Subway Line 3 → Dongdaipgu Station Exit 6 → Namsan Circular Bus 01A or 01B → Get off at N Seoul Tower stop