N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower
Last updated 2026-10-30
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
The tower opened to the public in 1980 on Namsan, the mountain in the centre of Seoul. The observatory looks over the city; the Namsan cable car or a 30- to 40-minute uphill walk gets you there. The love locks on the terrace are a local ritual. Myeongdong station is the closest subway, and buses 01A and 01B run up the mountain. Go late afternoon for daylight and city lights.
Ticket Price
Observatory adult KRW 29,000 (≈ USD 22), child/senior KRW 23,000; Namsan cable car extra KRW 15,000 return (≈ USD 11).
Opening Hours
Observatory 10:00-22:30 weekdays, 10:00-23:00 weekends; last entry 30 minutes before closing; cable car 10:00-23:00.
Transportation
Myeongdong station exit 3, then the Namsan cable car; or bus 01A/01B to Namsan.
Best Season
In South Korea, for N Seoul Tower, the best window is late Mar-early Apr or Oct-Nov; May-Jun and Sep-Oct are also mild.
Pro Tip: Go for sunset and stay for the lights
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Go for sunset and stay for the lights The tower is best near sunset, when the city transitions to night. Book the cable car or use the bus, and check visibility before buying an observation ticket.
Member-Only Tips
Upgrade to unlock insider hacks, best photo spots, and crowd timing advice.
Frequently Asked Questions3 questions
The observatory has 360-degree city views, plus a digital observatory, restaurants and the rooftop terrace. The tower sits on Namsan, so the walk up is part of the visit.
Couples attach padlocks to the fences around the tower as a symbol of commitment. The tradition started in the early 2000s and the collection is now part of the site.
Sunset and early evening for the city lights; clear weekdays have shorter queues. The observatory is open until 22:30 on weekdays and 23:00 at weekends.