Attraction
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The first and largest royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, founded in 1395 and home to the throne hall Geunjeongjeon and the Gyeonghoeru banquet pavilion.
N Seoul Tower
A 236-metre broadcasting tower on the summit of Namsan, opened to the public in 1980, with observation decks giving 360-degree views over Seoul.
At a glance
- Type
- Observation tower
- Area
- Namsan, Seoul, South Korea
- Official site
- nseoultower.co.kr
Good to know
- Open daily
- Lift access
- Wheelchair rental
- Restaurants
- Cable car nearby
Why we recommend it
N Seoul Tower stands on the summit of Namsan, the wooded hill in the middle of the city, and is visible from most of central Seoul. It was built as the country's first combined television and radio transmission tower and opened to the public in 1980. The tower itself is 236 metres tall, and because of the hill beneath it the observation level sits at about 480 metres above sea level, high enough to see the whole basin of the city, the Han River and the ring of mountains around it.
The lower floors, known as Seoul Tower Plaza, hold shops, cafés and exhibition space, while the observatory floors above give a full 360-degree view with direction markers naming the districts and landmarks. The roof terrace and the fences around the base are covered with padlocks left by couples, a custom that started here in the 2000s and has become one of the best-known sights of the tower. There are also restaurants higher up for a meal with a view.
The tower suits first-time visitors who want to understand the layout of Seoul, couples coming for the evening lights, and families combining it with a walk in Namsan Park. Sunset is the most popular time, when you can see the city by day and by night in one visit; weekday evenings are usually calmer than weekends. The observatory is open every day, with weekday hours of 10:00 to 22:30 and weekends to 23:00, and last entry 30 minutes before closing. Allow an hour or so at the top, plus travel time up the hill.
You can reach the summit in three ways. The Namsan cable car, Korea's first, runs from a lower station near Myeongdong; the Namsan circular bus 01 stops near the top and can be caught from Chungmuro or Dongdaemun stations; or you can walk up one of the park trails, which takes 30 to 45 minutes from the bottom depending on your route. Private cars are not allowed to drive to the summit.
Namsan Park has walking paths, a restored section of the Seoul City Wall and the old Mongmyeoksan beacon mounds near the top. Myeongdong, Namsangol Hanok Village and the Haebangchon and Itaewon areas are all at the foot of the hill.
N Seoul Tower FAQs
What are the opening hours?
The observatory opens every day from 10:00 to 22:30 on weekdays and 10:00 to 23:00 at weekends, with last entry 30 minutes before closing.
How do you get to the top of Namsan?
Take the Namsan cable car, the Namsan circular bus 01 from Chungmuro or Dongdaemun stations, or walk up one of the park trails.
Can you drive to the tower?
Private cars cannot drive to the summit, so use the bus, cable car or walking trails.
When is the best time to visit?
Sunset is the most popular time, as you see the city in daylight and then lit up at night; weekday evenings are usually quieter.
Where are the love locks?
Padlocks are fixed in designated areas around the base and terraces of the tower, including the roof terrace.
Is the tower accessible?
Yes. There are lifts, accessible toilets and paths, and wheelchairs can be borrowed.
How long should you allow?
About an hour at the tower itself, plus the time it takes to get up the hill.
What else is on Namsan?
Namsan Park has walking trails, a section of the Seoul City Wall and old beacon mounds, and Namsangol Hanok Village is at the foot of the hill.