Seoul Travel Guide: Explore Namsan Seoul Tower & Cable Car for the Best City Views

 

Namsan Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Seoul, loved by both tourists and locals.

It is especially famous as a great spot to enjoy the beautiful night view of Seoul, making it a popular destination for couples and families alike.

 

While there are several ways to reach Namsan Tower, taking the Namsan Cable Car provides a more convenient and unique experience.

 

This guide will cover Namsan Tower's key features, ways to get there, how to use the cable car, ticket prices, and useful tips for visiting.

 

1.  What is Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)?

 

Namsan Tower is a broadcast transmission tower and observation deck located at the summit of Namsan Mountain (altitude: 243m).

• Opening Year: 1980 (Renovated and reopened in 2005)
• Height: 236.7m (Total height with Namsan included: 479.7m)
• Main Facilities: Observation deck, restaurants, souvenir shops, Love Locks, digital observation facilities, etc.
• Famous for Night Views: Offers a panoramic view of Seoul, especially stunning at night

From Namsan Tower, you can see major Seoul landmarks such as the Han River, 63 Building, Lotte World Tower, and Inwangsan Mountain.

 

2. How to Get to Namsan Tower

 

There are three main ways to reach Namsan Tower.

1. Namsan Cable Car (Most convenient option)
2. Namsan Circulation Bus (Public transport available)
3. Walking (Trekking course available)

Details for each method are explained below.

 

3. Namsan Cable Car – How to Use & Fees

 

① Overview of Namsan Cable Car

The Namsan Cable Car connects the lower station near Myeong-dong to Namsan Tower, providing a quick and scenic ride. The journey takes about 3 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Han River and the Seoul skyline.

• Operating Hours:
  - Weekdays & Sundays :10:00 AM ~ 11:00 PM
  - Fridays & Saturdays : 10:00 AM ~ 11:30 PM
  - (Service may be suspended in bad weather conditions)
• Boarding Locations:
  - Lower Station : Near Myeong-dong Station(walkable distance)
  - Upper Station : Arrives at Namsan Tower observation deck
• Travel Time: Approximately 3 minutes one way

 

② Namsan Cable Car Ticket Prices

The ticket prices differ for round trips and one-way trips, with discounted rates available for children.

Category	Adult Fare	Child Fare (Ages 36 months–12 years)
One-way	14,000 KRW	10,500 KRW
Round-trip	11,000 KRW	8,500 KRW

• Discounts Available

 

③ How to Ride the Cable Car

1. Walk from Myeong-dong Station (Line 4, Exit 3)
   - Walk approximately 10 minutes from Exit 3 to the Namsan Cable Car boarding area,
   
2. Purchase Tickets
   - Tickets can be purchased on-site at the Namsan Cable Car ticket booth.
   - Online reservations may be available at discounted prices.
3. Board the Cable Car and Arrive at Namsan Tower
   - Enjoy a 3-minute ride to Namsan Tower at the summit.
   
   

4. Namsan Tower Facilities & Observation Deck Ticket Prices

 

Namsan Tower is more than just an observation deck—it offers various attractions and amenities.

 

① Observation Deck Admission Fees

The Namsan Tower observation deck charges an entry fee.

Category	Adult Fee	Child Fee
General Admission (Observation Deck)	16,000 KRW	12,000 KRW
Package Ticket (Observation Deck + Dining Option)	From 21,000 KRW	-

• Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul from the observation deck.

• Additional interactive attractions and digital experience zones are available.

② Must-See Attractions

• Love Locks Zone – A romantic area where couples attach padlocks to symbolize their love.
• Digital Observatory – Experience an augmented reality (AR) digital viewing experience.
• Restaurants & Cafés – Enjoy meals at the rotating restaurant or various cafés inside the tower.
• Souvenir Shops – Purchase exclusive Namsan Tower-themed merchandise.
  
  

5. Useful Tips for Visiting Namsan Tower

Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your visit to Namsan Tower.

 

① Best Time to Visit: Evening Recommended

> The night view is stunning, so visiting after sunset (6:00–7:00 PM) is highly recommended.

> The golden hour before sunset is also a great time for photography.

 

② Book Online in Advance

> Save money by booking cable car and observation deck tickets online.

> During peak seasons, ticket lines can be long, so reserving in advance is a good idea.

 

③ Choosing Between Cable Car vs. Walking

> If you want a comfortable and scenic ride, take the cable car.

> If you prefer light trekking, take the Namsan Circulation Bus (Routes 02, 03, 05) and walk the rest of the way.

 

 

Namsan Tower is one of Seoul’s top observation spots, and taking the cable car makes the journey even more convenient. From the tower, you can take in breathtaking views of Seoul, including the Han River and city skyline.

 

✔ Namsan Cable Car: 3-minute ride, round-trip fare 14,000 KRW (for adults)
✔ Observation Deck Admission: 16,000 KRW (for adults), various attractions included
✔ Highly recommended to visit in the evening for the best night views

 

If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, don’t miss out on Namsan Tower & Cable Car for an unforgettable experience!