How to get to Namsan Seoul Tower – all transport options & prices

One of Seoul’s landmarks, the N Seoul Tour is a must-see tourist attraction. If you are looking for the best free lookout point in Seoul, this is the one! Be ready to be mesmerized by the tall, office buildings, parks and hills seen from above.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting to Namsan Seoul Tower. There are many transport options but I’m going to walk you through each of them.

1. About the N Seoul Tower

Opened to the public in 1980, the N Seoul Tower now welcomes around 12 million visitors per year. Included in the “World Famous Towers” along with the Tokyo Tower, the Eiffel Tower and the Elisabeth Tower from Big Ben, the Seoul Tower has a height of almost 237 meters.

It was built as a radio wave tower but also as a tourist attraction. It is now one of the highlights of Seoul and a must-see attraction while in the city.

Opening hours

The observation decks at the base of the tower are opened 24/7. However, if you want to climb up to the observatory, the opening hours are the ones below:

• Sunday-Friday: 10:00-23:00
• Saturday: 10:00-24:00
  * Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
  * Operating hours are subject to change depending on weather or business schedules.

No time to read now? Pin it for later!

Tickets

The entrance to the N Seoul Tower observation decks is free. If you’re traveling on a budget, I recommend skipping the observatory. The view from the observation decks is incredible. However, if you want to climb to the top of the tower, at the observatory for the 360 degrees view, below are the entry fees. 

Good to know: If you want to save a few dollars, you can book your entry ticket online. 

Be prepared to see some jaw-dropping views. Out of all the lookout points in Seoul, this is the best one!

More AWESOME things to do in Seoul:

• Visit the coolest neighborhood, Hongdae
• Have fun at Lotte World Theme Park
• Take a trip to the North Korean border
• Feel like a princess in a traditional Korean dress

2. The best time to visit the Namsan Tower

Probably the best time to visit N Seoul Tower is during the sunset or at night. This is when the city is inundated by colorful, sparkly lights. Seeing how the night takes over Seoul can be a romantic moment to witness.

Don’t forget your camera home as you’ll want to capture this moment!

3. N Seoul Tower tourist attractions

There are many tourist attractions at the Namsan Tower. Apart from the wide selection of restaurants and cafes (there is even a Starbucks), here are the top things to do:

1) Rent a hanbok

One of the main attractions at Seoul Tower is renting a traditional hanbok. You can visit the museum and learn more about the Joseon Dynasty and, after the tour you can even take some photos dressed in a hanbok.

To book this experience, click here.

2) Visit the Ssentoy Museum & Show room

If you are a Marvel, DC or Disney fan, you shouldn’t skip this place! With a variety of toys, for all tastes, this place will definitely bring your inner child to life. Here you will find toys and figurines that are hard to find elsewhere in South Korea so make sure to take a look! Maybe you’ll find your perfect souvenir here.

Ssentoy Museum & Showroom entry fee: Adults 8,000 won / Children 7,000 won

3) Hello Kitty Island

The Hello Kitty Island at N Seoul Tower is the place to be for those in love with this cute Japanese character. Of course, everything here is pink and perfect for a quick photoshoot. If you want, you can also buy some Hello Kitty souvenirs.

Hello Kitty Island entry fee: Adults 8,000 won / Children 7,000 won

4) Panda Garden

You’ll find this garden filled with cute pandas right at the entrance of N Seoul Tower. Unfortunately, the pandas are not real but they are still perfect for a cute photo.

5) Love Padlocks Area

The N Seoul Tower Love Locks are very similar to the ones found in Paris and other parts of the world. If you want to show your feelings towards your loved one, you can make a romantic gesture and add your own lock here.

You can buy locks directly from the tower. If you’re traveling solo, you can still snap an awesome photo with them.

6) Namsan Octagonal Pavilion

During your visit, you’ll probably pass by the Namsan Octagonal Pavilion. If you are lucky enough, you can watch live performances here. We were lucky to see a Korean Martial Arts demonstration. We loved it!

7) Wishing Pond

The Wishing Pond can be found at the second floor of the tower. People can throw a coin in the pond and make a wish. What would you wish for?

What I loved about the Wishing Pond at N Seoul Tower was its purpose. The money is used to build schools in China and Southeast Asia, especially in underdeveloped areas.

8) Secondary Viewing Platform

When going back to the city, choose the stairs heading to the Seoul walls and you will pass by another incredible viewing platform. The view is great since the city seems to be closer. You can find this platform on Google Maps as “Jamdubong Photo Island”.

4. Namsan Seoul Tower – transport options and prices

Let’s talk about how to get to N Seoul Tower. There are many transport options to choose from and there is an option for every budget. I’ll list below the details about each option, including the price.

Are you planning to stay 3 days in Seoul? Read this awesome itinerary!

1) Take the Namsan Cable Car to N Seoul Tower

In order to get to the Namsan Cable Car you will have to take the subway, Line 4 and get off at Myeong-dong Station. Make sure to take Exit 3. After that you have three options:

• walk for about 15 minutes to the Namsan Cable Car
• take the free hourly shuttle bus with the sign “Namsan Cable Car Shuttle”
• take the Namsan Outdoor Escalator for free (9:00-23:00, closed on Mondays 9:00-14:00 for maintenance)

Once you get to the cable car, buy your ticket and in a few minutes you will be at the N Seoul Tower.

Namsan Cable Car entry fee: 

2) Bus to N Seoul Tower

There are three shuttle buses to go to the Namsan Seoul Tower: No. 02, No. 03 and No. 05.

Bus opening hours: 07:00 – 23:30

Bus price: 1,200 won/ 1,100 won with transportation card

Apart from these shuttle buses, you can also book online a seat in one of the Klook buses. To check the schedule, click here. 

Bus No. 02

• Closest subway station: Chungmuro Station (line 3 & 4), Exit 2
• Intervals: every 15 minutes
• Bus map: click here
• Bus route: Namsan Seoul Tower → Namsan Public Library → Seoul Education Research & Information Institute → Seoul Animation Center, Soongeui Women’s College → Teogyero 3-ga, Hanok Village, Korea House → Chunngmuro Exit 2, Daehan Cinema → Teogyero 5-ga, Cheil General Hospital → Ambassador Hotel → Jangchung Gymnasium → Dongguk University Station → National Theater of Korea → Namsan Northern Circuit Entry → Namsan Seoul Tower

Bus No. 03

• Closest subway station: Seoul Station (line 1 & 4) Exit 9, Itaewon Station (line 6) Exit 4 or Hangangjin Station (line 6) Exit 2
• Intervals: every 20 minutes
• Bus map: click here
• Bus route: Namsan Seoul Tower → Namsan Public Library → Baekbeom Square → Huam Intersection → Namdaemun Polic Station → Seoul Square → Namdaemun Market → Namsan Tunnel 3 → Yongsan Hanshin Apartment → Haebangchon → Itaewon Yongsan-gu Office → Hamilton Hotel → Itaewon Fire Branch Office → Hannam-dong Community Center → Hangangjun Station, Blue Square → Beoti Gogae → Songdo Hospital → Yaksu Station Exit 7 → Yaksu Station Exit 1 → Dongguk University Station, Janchung-dong → National Theater of Korea → Namsan Northern Circuit Entry → Namsan Seoul Tower

Bus No. 05

• Closest subway station: Myeong-dong Station (line 4) Exit 3, Chungmuro Station Exit 2
• Intervals: every 15 minutes
• Bus map: click here
• Bus route: Namsan Seoul Tower → Namsan Public Library → Baekbeom Square → Hilton Hotel → Namdaemun Market Accessory Arcade → Namdaemum Market → Myungdong → Teogyero 3-ga, Hanok Village, Korea House → Chungmuro Station Exit 2, Daehan Cinema, Teogyero 5-ga, Cheil General Hospital → Teogyeori 6-ga → Gwanghui-dong Crossroads → Chungmu Art Hall, Jungbu Fire Station → Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town → Sindang-dong, Cheongu Station → Yaksu Station Exit 2, Jungu Library → Dongguk University Station → Jangchung-dong → National Theater fo Korea → Namsan Northern Circuit Entry → Namsan Seoul Tower

3) Seoul Sightseeing Bus to N Seoul Tower

Take the Seoul hop on & hop off bus and enjoy all the city has to offer. You can hop on & off as many times as you want to visit all the tourist attractions in Seoul.

The advantage of a sightseeing bus is that it is comfortable, convenient and it combines more tourist attractions.

Seoul Sightseeing Bus price: around 18,000 won

4) Walk to N Seoul Tower

Walking to the Namsan Seoul Tower doesn’t require you to be in great shape. The walking road is accessible to anyone, no matter the age or physical shape. The easiest way to get to the tower is to take a taxi or a bus to the Namsan Public Library.

Right near this library, you will see the path that will take you to the tower. The walk is no longer than 20 minutes and it’s quite enjoyable. There are many trees and from time to time you will see glimpses of the city.

You can also get to the tower by climbing the Sam-soon steps. First, you’ll have to get to the Namsan Baekbeom Square. From there, make your way up to the stairs and finally to the tower. On the way up you will pass by the amazing viewing platform called “Jamdubong Photo Island” (that’s how you can find it on Google Maps).

My recommendation: Walk to the N Seoul Tower using the road starting from the Namsan Public Library and take the Sam-soon steps down.

5) Taxi to N Seoul Tower

Taking a taxi to the N Seoul Tower is probably not the best idea since cars are not allowed to the top. The taxi can take you to the Namsan Public Library but you will still have to walk to get to the top or it can take you to the Namsan Cable Car directly.

Taxi prices in Seoul are usually the following: 3000 won for starting and then an additional 1000 won for each kilometer.

6) Car to N Seoul Tower

Since 2005, the access of cars to N Seoul Tower is prohibited. If you’re planning to go with your car or with a rented car to N Seoul Tower, you can park in one of the parking places below. From the parking places you can take either the bus, cable car or walk to the Namsan Seoul Tower.

You can find a map with all the parking places if you click here.

Namsandong Public Parking Lot

• Address : Pacific Hotel, 2, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Namsan Cable Car Parking Lot

• Address : 1-19, Hoehyeon-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Rate : 2,400 won for the first 30 minutes (800 won for each 10 minutes after the first 30 minutes)

Namsan Park Parking Lot

• Address : 46, Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Rate : 300 won for 10 minutes

National Theater of Korea Parking Lot

• Address : 59, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Rate : 1,000 won for the first 30 minutes (500 won for each 10 mins after the first 30 mins)

Signus Parking Tower

• Address : 128, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Rate : 2,000 won for the first 30 minutes (1,000 won for each 10 mins after the first 30 mins)

5. Where to stay in Seoul

I’ve searched for the best accommodation in Seoul for each budget. Find below the best options:

• Budget – JM Guesthouse Hongdae – excellent location, clean rooms, friendly staff
• Mid-budget – Orbit – good location, stylish interior, spacious rooms
• Luxury – Ryse Hotel – excellent location, comfortable, excellent breakfast

6. Final thoughts

N Seoul Tower is an iconic tourist attraction in Seoul. Don’t hesitate to visit it! With its love padlocks, a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, live performances and crazy views over the city, the Namsan Seoul Tower should be on your itinerary!

I hope that this article helped you find the best transport option to the tower. Below is a summary of the transport options to the N Seoul Tower to make your decision easier:

• Namsan Cable Car – convenient, fast
• Bus – affordable, comfortable
• Seoul Sightseeing Bus – perfect if you want to explore the rest of the city too
• Walk – free, relaxing
• Taxi – comfortable but you still need to walk or take the cable car
• Private Car – comfortable but you still need to walk or take the cable car

Which transport option to the Namsan Seoul Tower will you choose? Let me know in the comments section below!

May the travel bug bite you!

Aurelia Teslaru

Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!