namsan seoul tower
“Embrace the City from Seoul’s Heart”
At the center of Seoul, there’s a place where you can take in the entire city at a glance – Namsan Seoul Tower. This isn’t just an ordinary observatory; it’s a special place where you can feel Seoul’s past, present, and future all at once.
1. Overview
overview Of
Namsan seoul tower
- What It’s Like
- At a Glance
What is n seoul tower Like?
Located in Namsan Park in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namsan Seoul Tower stands 236.7 meters tall and is a landmark and iconic tourist destination in Seoul.
Construction began in 1969 and was completed in 1975.
Originally built as a comprehensive broadcasting tower, it has now become a beloved multipurpose cultural space where visitors can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Seoul’s beautiful cityscape and experience various cultural activities.
The history of Namsan Seoul Tower is quite fascinating. It started as a transmission tower for TV and radio broadcasts, but from the late 1980s, it was opened to the public and became one of Seoul’s main tourist attractions.
In 2005, it underwent major renovations and was reborn as ‘N Seoul Tower’. The ‘N’ stands for Namsan, New, and Nature.
When you ascend the tower, Seoul’s beautiful landscape unfolds before your eyes. On a clear day, you can see as far as the shores of Incheon, boasting an unobstructed view.
The night view of Seoul, especially from dusk onwards, is truly fantastic. This is why many couples choose it as a romantic date spot.
Namsan Seoul Tower has evolved beyond a simple observatory to become a multipurpose cultural space offering various attractions. Inside the tower, there are various restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the magnificent view.
In particular, the revolving restaurant ‘N Grill’ offers a special experience of savoring gourmet cuisine while enjoying a panoramic view of Seoul.
Additionally, there’s a terrace famous for ‘love locks’ around the tower. This place, where couples write messages of love on padlocks and attach them, has now become an iconic spot of Namsan Seoul Tower.
Namsan Seoul Tower also hosts various festivals and events throughout the seasons. It offers diverse programs to entertain visitors, such as the cherry blossom festival in spring, outdoor concerts in summer, autumn foliage festival in fall, and illumination events in winter.
As you can see, Namsan Seoul Tower is a special place where you can see Seoul’s past, present, and future at a glance. If you’re visiting Seoul, make sure to stop by. You’ll create unforgettable memories!
N seoul tower at a Glance
2. Information
Visit Information :
Namsan seoul tower
- Operating Hours
- Admission Fee
- How to Get There
N seoul tower Operating Hours
Type | Weekday | Weekends / Holidays |
---|---|---|
Observatory | 10:00~22:30 | 10:00~23:00 |
N GIFT SHOP (5F) | 12:00~20:00 | 11:00~21:00 |
N GIFT SHOP (T1) | 10:30~22:00 | 10:00~22:30 |
N GIFT SHOP (T5) | 10:30~22:30 | 10:00~23:00 |
n.GRILL | 13:00~21:50 | 13:00~22:50 |
HANCOOK | 12:00~22:00 | 1st: 12:00~14:00 2nd: 14:00~16:00 3rd: 17:30~20:00 4th: 20:00~22:00 Breaktime: 16:00~18:00 |
THE PLACE DINING | 12:00~22:00 | 12:00~22:00 |
Cheiljemyunso | 12:00~21:00 | 12:00~21:00 |
N TERRACE | 12:00~20:00 | 11:00~20:00 |
N Burger | 12:00~21:00 | 11:00~21:00 |
N SWEET BAR | 12:00~20:00 | 11:00~20:00 |
Type | Weekday | Weekends / Holidays |
---|---|---|
Observatory | 10:00~22:30 | 10:00~23:00 |
n.GRILL | 13:00~21:50 | 13:00~22:50 |
THE PLACE DINING | 12:00~22:00 | 12:00~22:00 |
N TERRACE | 12:00~20:00 | 11:00~20:00 |
N SWEET BAR | 12:00~20:00 | 11:00~20:00 |
Opening hours may change depending on weather conditions and operating schedules. Entry to the Observatory is possible up to 30 minutes before closing time.
N Seoul tower Admission Fee
Type | Adult | Children (3~12) Elderly (65~) |
---|---|---|
Observatory | 21,000 won | 16,000 won |
How to Get to N seoul tower
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Namsan Sunhwan
Shuttle Bus No. 01A
Closest subway stations :
– Chungmuro Station (Line 3, 4)
– Dongguk Univ. Station (Line 3)
Intervals : every 7~10 minutes
Operating hours : 06:30~23:00
Rates : 1,400 won
(transportation card only)
Namsan Sunhwan
Shuttle Bus No. 01B
Closest subway stations :
– Chungmuro Station (Line 3, 4)
– Dongguk Univ. Station (Line 3)
Intervals : every 15~18 minutes
Operating hours : 06:30~23:00
Rates : 1,400 won
(transportation card only)
Cable Car
Closest subway stations :
To reach the boarding place, walk for about 10~15 minutes following the street to the right side of the Pacific Hotel, after coming out of exit 3 of Myeong-dong Station (line 4).
Operating hours : 10:00~23:00
Type | Individuals |
---|---|
Adult return ticket | 15,000 won |
Adult one-way ticket | 12,000 won |
Children return ticket | 11,500 won |
Children’s one-way ticket | 9,000 won |
Website
Inquiries :
(day) 02-753-2403
(night) 02-757-1308
Namsan Orumi
Namsan Orumi is a slanted elevator connecting Namsan Tunnel 3 to the Namsan cable car.
Boarding place :
In front of the commemorative monument at the entrance of Namsan Tunnel 3. It takes 2 minutes to the cable car.
Operating hours : 09:00~23:00
※ Fore inspections, every Monday stops operations from 09:00 to 14:00.
※ It is also closed during strong winds and heavy rain.
Fare : Free
3. Highlight
Things to Do in
Namsan seoul tower
- Observatory
- Love Locks
- Rotating Restaurant
- Seasonal Festivals
- Octagonal Pavilion
- Cable Car
- Media Art
- Circular Trail
Admiring Seoul’s Panorama from the Observatory
The greatest attraction of Namsan Seoul Tower is undoubtedly the 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul. From the observatory at a height of 236m, the entire city of Seoul unfolds beneath your feet. On clear days, the view extends as far as the shores of Incheon.
The observatory features descriptions of Seoul’s major landmarks in each direction, helping visitors understand the city’s geography. You can also use the installed binoculars for a closer look at Seoul’s landscape.
The night view of Seoul, especially from dusk onwards, is truly fantastic. The twinkling lights of the city, shining like constellations among the forest of buildings, will create unforgettable memories.
There’s also joy in observing how Seoul’s appearance changes with each season and time of day. From spring blossoms to summer’s lush greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snow – capture the diverse faces of Seoul throughout the four seasons in one glance.
Attaching Love Locks
Another famous attraction of Namsan Seoul Tower is the ‘love locks’. Numerous padlocks hang on the viewing terrace around the tower, placed there by couples as a promise of love.
Writing a promise or wish with your loved one on a padlock and attaching it is believed to make that love eternal. It’s not just for couples – families and friends visit too.
Capture your precious memories with loved ones on these locks. Even if you’re alone, don’t worry. Many people write promises to themselves as well.
You can purchase locks from shops inside the tower. Choose from various shapes and colors to add your own special message.
Don’t forget to take a life-shot with the locks as a background. The sight of numerous locks with Seoul’s skyline in the background makes for a great social media photo.
Reading the love messages on other locks can also be an interesting experience. You might find yourself smiling at the sweet messages left by couples from all over the world.
Dining at the Rotating Restaurant ‘N Grill’
Another pleasure of Namsan Seoul Tower is enjoying fantastic views with delicious food. Located on the 7th floor, ‘N Grill’ is a rotating restaurant that completes one revolution every hour, allowing you to enjoy a 360-degree view of Seoul while dining.
N Grill offers modern fusion cuisine based on French cuisine. From authentic French course meals made with fresh ingredients to fusion dishes with a Korean touch, a variety of menus are available.
Various courses including lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea are offered, so you can choose according to your preference. Especially, enjoying Seoul’s night view with the dinner course creates a more romantic atmosphere than any luxury hotel restaurant.
The biggest charm of N Grill is being able to appreciate Seoul’s gradually changing scenery while dining. Visit during the day to see Seoul spread out under blue skies, or in the evening to enjoy the twinkling night view.
If you want to enjoy a romantic atmosphere with a delicious meal on a special day, we recommend ‘N Grill’. Just remember, it’s very popular so reservations are essential!
Enjoying Seasonal Festivals
Namsan Seoul Tower hosts various festivals and events each season, offering special experiences depending on when you visit.
In spring, there’s a cherry blossom festival. It’s a special time when you can enjoy Seoul’s scenery along with the cherry blossoms in full bloom on Namsan. Stroll along the cherry blossom paths around the tower to soak in the spring atmosphere.
At night, cherry blossom illuminations create a romantic ambiance.
Summer brings outdoor concerts. You can enjoy various genres of music while feeling the cool evening breeze. From classical to jazz and K-POP, various performances are prepared. Concerts with Seoul’s night view as a backdrop will become unforgettable memories.
Autumn features a foliage festival. You can enjoy Seoul’s autumn atmosphere along with Namsan’s red foliage. A map introducing foliage spots is provided, so find the most beautiful autumn points and take your best shots.
Winter hosts an illumination festival. The tower and surrounding facilities decorated with brilliant lights brighten the winter nights. Especially during the Christmas season, various photo zones are set up along with a large tree, allowing you to enjoy a romantic atmosphere.
These festivals make Namsan Seoul Tower even more special. It’s a good idea to check in advance what festivals are happening during your visit. Visiting during festival periods will allow for an even more special experience.
Taking Photos at Namsan Octagonal Pavilion
Namsan Octagonal Pavilion, which you can reach by descending a bit from Namsan Seoul Tower, is another hidden gem in Seoul.
This beautiful pavilion, built in traditional Korean architectural style, shows a harmonious blend of Seoul’s modern appearance and tradition.
The history of the Octagonal Pavilion is quite deep. It was first built in 1925, destroyed during the Korean War, and rebuilt in 1960. The view from here is as profound as its history.
The Octagonal Pavilion is also famous as a photo spot. You can create a unique composition with traditional architecture and modern Seoul city in one frame. The sunset view of Seoul from the pavilion is especially fantastic.
Also, on weekends or holidays, traditional performances are sometimes held here. It’s an opportunity to experience Korean traditional culture while enjoying performances like samulnori or Korean classical music.
Namsan Octagonal Pavilion has a different charm from Namsan Seoul Tower. The experience of coming down from the modern tower and viewing Seoul from a traditional pavilion will surely be special. Make sure to drop by!
Riding the Cable Car
The journey to Namsan Seoul Tower itself can be a special experience. Especially if you use the cable car, you can comfortably ascend while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Namsan.
The cable car operates for about 3 minutes from the foot of Namsan to near the tower. Although it’s a short time, you can enjoy various views from Seoul’s urban landscape to Namsan’s dense forest during this time.
The view of Seoul from the cable car is a fantastic sightseeing experience in itself. Enjoy Seoul’s changing skyline as you go higher. You can have the unique experience of seeing the entire city of Seoul seemingly shrink.
Each season offers a different charm. In spring, you can see Namsan in full cherry blossom, and in autumn, Namsan dyed in fall colors. In winter, you might see Namsan covered in white snow.
Note that if you purchase a round-trip ticket, you can use it for your descent as well. However, lines can be long on weekends or holidays, so plan your time accordingly.
Media Art and Various Exhibitions – Inside Seoul
The “Inside Seoul” exhibition at Namsan Seoul Tower is a special space where cutting-edge technology and art meet to reinterpret Seoul’s image. This exhibition is an immersive media art space that goes beyond just viewing, allowing visitors to directly experience and feel the art.
The exhibition space, covering about 660㎡ (200 pyeong), features 40 projectors casting images on the walls and floor. This vividly expresses various aspects of Seoul, including its four seasons, traditional culture, and modern appearance. The realistic visuals make you feel as if you’re standing in the heart of Seoul.
The exhibition is divided into three main parts. ‘Seoul’s Landscape’ shows the view of Seoul from Namsan, ‘Seoul’s Daily Life’ depicts the lives of citizens, and ‘Seoul’s Future’ presents Seoul as a future city. Each section takes about 3 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the entire exhibition in about 8-10 minutes without feeling overwhelmed.
An interesting feature is that the visuals react to visitors’ movements. For example, when you walk on the flower petal images on the floor, they scatter as if blown by the wind. These interactive elements make it popular with children too.
You can also enjoy media visuals inside the elevator going up the tower. During the short ascent, a video showing a compressed day in Seoul is played, which is impressive in itself.
The “Inside Seoul” exhibition is becoming another reason to visit Namsan Seoul Tower. How about experiencing Seoul’s various aspects through this special exhibition before viewing the actual Seoul from the observatory? It will surely enrich your Seoul trip.
Walking the Namsan Circular Trail
Taking a walk along the Namsan Circular Trail around Namsan Seoul Tower is a great option. You can enjoy Seoul’s nature while walking through the lush forest trails.
The Namsan Circular Trail is about 7.5km long, typically taking 2-3 hours to complete a full circuit. However, even walking just a part of it is enough to experience the charm of Namsan.
As you walk the trail, you can feel Seoul’s nature up close. Finding such a dense forest in the middle of the city is an amazing experience in itself. As you walk listening to birdsongs and the sound of the wind, you’ll feel your mind becoming peaceful.
Each season offers a different charm. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossom-lined paths, in summer, cool shaded forest trails, in autumn, paths lined with red foliage, and in winter, scenery covered in white snow.
Benches and viewpoints along the trail allow you to rest and look down on Seoul city. Especially if you walk at sunset, you can enjoy a romantic atmosphere as you watch Seoul’s night view gradually light up.
When walking the trail, it’s good to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. There are benches along the way for resting, so take your time going up.
It’s a win-win method that’s good for your health and allows you to appreciate Seoul’s beauty. How about calming your body and mind by walking the trail before ascending the tower?
Insider Tips for
N seoul tower Like a Local
- Visit Time
- Observatory Restrooms
Choose Your Visit Time Wisely
Timing is crucial when enjoying Namsan Seoul Tower. The best time to visit is around sunset. Why? Because you can enjoy both daytime and nighttime views during this period.
If you arrive at the tower around sunset, you can witness Seoul’s beautiful twilight. The cityscape unfolding beneath the reddening sky is truly spectacular. As time passes, you’ll see the sky gradually darken and the city lights turn on one by one. This scene, like stars waking up, is incredibly charming.
It’s best to arrive 1-2 hours before sunset. This way, you can see the daytime view, sunset, and night view. Since sunset times vary by season, check the sunset time before your visit.
Note that this time is the busiest. So it’s advisable to buy tickets in advance or arrive a bit early to wait comfortably. You can spend the waiting time strolling around the tower.
Enjoy the View from the Observatory Restrooms
Let me introduce you to a hidden gem in Namsan Seoul Tower – the observatory restrooms! Surprisingly, these are sometimes called ‘one of the most beautiful restrooms in the world’.
The Seoul cityscape visible through the restroom windows is truly fantastic. The view from the windows in front of the urinals in the men’s restroom is particularly famous as a photo zone among visitors. Of course, remember to respect others’ privacy when taking photos.
The women’s restroom also boasts beautiful views. You can enjoy the Seoul cityscape through the mirrors above the sinks. It’s like peeking into another world through the mirror.
Is Namsan seoul tower
Worth Visiting?
Embrace the City from Seoul’s Heart
At the center of Seoul, there’s a place where you can take in the entire city at a glance – Namsan Seoul Tower. This isn’t just an ordinary observatory; it’s a special place where you can feel Seoul’s past, present, and future all at once.
When you ascend Namsan Seoul Tower, you’ll feel as if you’re standing right in the heart of Seoul. The 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul is truly overwhelming. The sparkling waves of the Han River, the endless forest of buildings, and the distant mountain ridges – all of this unfolds beneath your feet.
But the charm of Namsan Seoul Tower isn’t limited to its view. It’s also a romantic spot where couples promise their love, and a joyful space where families create memories. How about making your own special memories on the terrace filled with love locks?
Moreover, Namsan Seoul Tower is a place where you can experience Seoul’s history and culture. Through various exhibitions and experiences within the tower, you can encounter Seoul’s old appearance to its future vision. Especially in the ‘Inside Seoul’ exhibition, you can vividly experience Seoul’s image realized through cutting-edge technology.
Namsan Seoul Tower offers different charms with each season and time. You can enjoy Seoul with cherry blossoms in spring, lush green forests in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and white snow in winter. And the night view of Seoul from dusk to night is more beautiful than any other scenery.
Namsan Seoul Tower is not just a place to see and enjoy. It’s a place where you can feel Seoul’s breath, sense the rhythm of the city, and experience Korean culture.
Make sure to include a visit to Namsan Seoul Tower in your Seoul trip. The experience here will surely make your journey more special and meaningful.
Embrace the entire city from the heart of Seoul. Namsan Seoul Tower is waiting for you. The memories you create here will surely remain in your heart for a long time.
Well then, shall we set off for Namsan Seoul Tower now?
Frequently Asked Questions
4. Review
What Travelers Are Saying
4. Near by
Top Spots to Explore
Near N seoul tower
- Namsangol Hanok Village
- Myeong-dong
- Namsan Park
- National Theater of Korea
Namsangol Hanok Village
Located about 1km from Namsan Seoul Tower, Namsangol Hanok Village is a special place where tradition and modernity coexist. There are five hanoks (traditional Korean houses) from the Joseon Dynasty, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of old Seoul.
Inside the Hanok Village, you can enjoy various traditional cultural experience programs. Activities like trying on hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), traditional tea ceremonies, and hanji (Korean paper) craft are available. On weekends, special events such as traditional wedding ceremonies or Korean classical music performances are often held.
Namsangol Hanok Village is beautiful all year round, but it’s especially stunning when cherry blossoms bloom in spring and when the leaves turn color in autumn. The sight of flowers and trees harmonizing with the hanoks is truly picturesque.
It takes about 20-30 minutes on foot from Namsan Seoul Tower to Namsangol Hanok Village. Walking along the Namsan Circular Trail allows you to leisurely move while enjoying Seoul’s beautiful scenery. You can get there faster by bus. Take Namsan Circular Bus No. 02 or 04.
Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong is one of the closest shopping districts to Namsan Seoul Tower. It’s about 1.5km north of the tower, a 15-20 minute walk from the cable car station.
In Myeong-dong, you can find various cosmetics stores, clothing brand shops, and restaurants. If you’re interested in Korean cosmetics, this is a must-visit place. You can find products from various brands, from road shops to department stores.
Myeong-dong is also a food paradise. You can enjoy a variety of cuisine from Korean street food to high-end restaurants. There are many famous restaurants like Myeongdong Kyoja, so keep that in mind.
It gets very crowded on weekends. If you want to enjoy the lively atmosphere, visit on weekends; if you prefer a more leisurely look around, weekdays are recommended.
There are various ways to get to Myeong-dong from Namsan Seoul Tower. You can walk down, use the Namsan Circular Bus, or take the cable car down and exit from Myeong-dong Station (Line 4) Exit 3 to reach Myeong-dong street directly.
Namsan Park
Namsan Park, where Namsan Seoul Tower is located, is a vast green space in the heart of Seoul. It’s a great place to take a walk around the tower and enjoy nature.
There are various walking trails in the park. Walking along the Namsan Circular Trail, you can enjoy beautiful views of Seoul and relax in the fresh air amidst the lush forest. The cherry blossom path in spring and the autumn foliage path in fall are particularly spectacular.
Moreover, Namsan Park is a place where you can feel Seoul’s history. There are historically significant places like the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall and Kim Koo Museum, built during the Japanese colonial period.
Namsan Park is directly connected to Namsan Seoul Tower, so you can enjoy it without additional travel. How about taking a leisurely walk before or after visiting the tower? You can recharge your body and mind while enjoying nature in the heart of the city.
National Theater of Korea
The National Theater of Korea, located about 10 minutes from Namsan Seoul Tower, is a performance venue representing Korean culture and arts. Established in 1950, it’s Korea’s first national theater with a long history and tradition.
You can experience various performances at the National Theater. A wide range of performances from traditional Korean art to modern plays, dance, and opera are held. It’s perfect for those who want to deeply experience Korean culture, as traditional Korean performances are frequently staged.
Representative performances include changgeuk (Korean traditional opera) by the National Changgeuk Company, Korean dance by the National Dance Company, and Korean traditional music by the National Orchestra of Korea. Through these performances, you can see modern reinterpretations of traditional Korean arts.
The National Theater is not just a place to watch performances. Inside the theater, there’s also a Performing Arts Museum where you can explore the history of Korean performing arts. Here, you can see the past and present of Korean performing arts at a glance.
It takes about 10-15 minutes on foot from Namsan Seoul Tower to the National Theater. Walking along the Namsan Circular Trail allows you to move leisurely while enjoying Seoul’s beautiful scenery. Or you can use the Namsan Circular Bus for more convenient access.