How To Go To Namsan Tower In Seoul | By Cable Car, Bus, Walking And More
How to go to Namsan Tower from Myeongdong? Where to see the Namsan tower love locks? Where to take the Namsan cable car? Read on to find out everything about Namsan Tower in Seoul.
Everyone who has been to Seoul knows the iconic N Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower. The tower can be seen from almost everywhere in Seoul and was the first ‘tower’ tourist attraction in South Korea. This guide covers everything there is to know about N Seoul Tower including pricing, things to do and how to go to Namsan Tower.
Things To Know About Namsan Tower
- Original Use: In 1969 the tower was used as a broadcasting tower which sending out TV and radio signals. The tower was first established as a broadcasting tower to send out TV and radio signals in 1969.
- Free Entrance: With the Discover Seoul Pass, entrance to the tower is free as well as a hanbok experience in the tower. Read our DSP review here or click here to buy a Discover Seoul Pass.
- Night Activity: Going to the N Seoul Tower observatory is the perfect thing to do at night or during sunset. Click here for more things to do at night in Seoul.
- N Seoul Tower Location: Namsan Tower is located on Namsan Mountain. The exact address is as follow: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Seoul.
- Discounted Tickets: There are many special discounted tickets sold online exclusively for foreign visitors. Check sites like Klook and Trazy for discounts to attractions up to 50%.
How To Go To Namsan Tower
Listed below are all the possible ways on how to go to N Seoul Tower by cable car, bus, sightseeing bus, taxi and walking. The easiest and cheapest way is going by bus, but the Namsan cable car is a unique experience which allows you to see stunning views of Seoul.
1. Namsan Cable Car
The Namsan cable car is the most fun way to reach Namsan Tower, it is fast and you can enjoy the view along the way. The cable car is located at the Myeongdong entrance of Namsan Tunnel 3. The cable car can be reached the following ways:
- Walk: from Myeongdong exit 3 it is a 15 minute walk to the cable car. After leaving the station at exit 3, go through the alley at the left side of 7-11 and walk for about 10 minutes until you reach the cable car. The Namsan Cable Car is at the top of the hill close to the Chinese Consulate.
- Free Shuttle Bus: from Myeongdong station exit 1 or Seoul Station exit 9 you can take a free shuttle bus to the cable car. On weekdays the bus runs every 30 minutes and during weekends every 15 minutes.
- Namsan Oreumi (Elevator): from Myeongdong station exit 4, go straight until the intersection. At the intersection turn left and walk for about 200 meters until you reach the free outdoor escalator. (9 AM – 11 PM, closed on Mondays 9 AM – 14 PM)
Once you reach the cable car station you can purchase your ticket to go up to the tower.
| Classification | Price |
| Adult Round-Trip | 9500 krw |
| Adult One-Way | 7000 krw |
| Child Round-Trip | 6500 krw |
| Child One-Way | 4000 krw |
The cable car operates every day of the year and is open from 10 AM to 11 PM.
2. Bus To Namsan Tower
There are 3 Namsan shuttle buses and they all loop starting at Namsan Tower. All these shuttle buses stop at Dongguk University Station, which makes this the easiest station to reach Namsan Seoul Tower.
To take the bus to Namsan tower you can pay with cash or use a transportation card. The benefit of the transportation card is that the fair is cheaper and you can transfer for free. Click here to read our review of the Seoul transportation card or click here to buy a transportation card.
2.1 Klook Namsan Shuttle Bus
The ticketing company Klook has a special shuttle bus running every day which will bring you from Myeongdong to Namsan Tower and an entrance ticket to the tower is included. Book the Klook shuttle bus here.
Shuttle Bus Times: 3:10 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:10 PM, 6:10 PM, 7:10 PM, 8:10 PM, 9:10 PM (last van).
2.2 Bus No. 02 Chungmuro To Namsan Tower
The no. 02 bus connects Namsan Tower with Chungmuro Station and Dongguk University Station. The bus comes every 15 minutes and the fare is 1200 krw in cash or 1100 krw when using a transportation card. First bus runs at 7:00 AM and last bus at 11:30 PM.
Closest Subway Stations To The Bus Stop No. 02
- Chungmuro Station Exit 2: from exit 2, go straight until you reach the bus stop. Travel time to Namsan Tower is 15 minutes.
- Dongguk University Station Exit 6: from exit 6, go the opposite way towards Janchung Gymnsium. When you reach the crossroad, turn right from the Janchung Park and then go straight until you reach the bus stop. Travel time to Namsan Tower is 10 minutes.
How To Go To Namsan Mountain With Bus Route No. 02
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
2.3 Bus No. 03 Seoul Station, Itaewon To Namsan Tower
The no. 03 bus connects Namsan Tower with Seoul Station, Itaewon Station, Yaksu Station and Dongguk University Station. The bus comes every 20 minutes and the fare is 1200 krw in cash or 1100 krw when using a transportation card. First bus runs at 7:00 AM and last bus at 11:30 PM.
Closest Subway Stations To The Bus Stop No. 03
- Seoul Station Exit 9: from exit 9, go straight until you reach the bus stop. Travel time from Seoul station to Namsan Tower is 40 minutes.
- Itaewon Station Exit 4: from exit 4, go straight and you’ll find the bus stop in front of the Hamilton hotel. The travel time from Itaewon station to Namsan Tower is 25 minutes.
- Yaksu Station Exit 1: leave Yaksu station at exit 1, go straight until you reach the bus stop. Travel time to the tower is 10 minutes.
- Dongguk University Station Exit 6: from exit 6, go the opposite way towards Janchung Gymnsium. When you reach the crossroad, turn right from the Janchung Park and then go straight until you reach the bus stop. Travel time to Namsan Tower is 10 minutes.
How To Go To Namsan Mountain With Bus Route No. 03
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
2.4 Bus No. 05 Myeongdong To Namsan Tower
Take no. 05 bus to go from Myeongdong to Namsan Tower. This bus comes every 15 minutes and the fare is 1200 krw in cash or 1100 krw when using a transportation card. First bus runs at 7:00 AM and last bus at 11:30 PM.
Closest Subway Stations To The Bus Stop No. 05
- Myeongdong Station Exit 3: from exit 3, go straight until you reach the bus stop. Travel time to the tower from Myeongdong is 27 minutes.
- Yaksu Station Exit 2: from Yaksu exit 2, turn left. Bus travel time to the tower is 15 minutes.
- Chungmuro Station Exit 2: from exit 2, go straight until you reach the bus stop. Travel time to Namsan Tower is 20 minutes.
- Dongguk University Station Exit 6: from exit 6, go the opposite way towards Janchung Gymnsium. When you reach the crossroad, turn right from the Janchung Park and then go straight until you reach the bus stop. Travel time to Namsan Tower is 10 minutes.
How To Go To Namsan Mountain With Bus Route No. 05
Namsan Seoul Tower → Namsan Public Library → Baekbeom Square → Hilton Hotel → Namdaemun Market Accessory Arcade → Namdaemum Market → Myeongdong → 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. Walk To Namsan Tower
There are 3 major trails leading to Namsan Tower, namely from Sam-soon Steps, Namsan Public Library or from the National Theater of Korea. Each trail takes around 30-40 minutes and it is an enjoyable hike to the top of the mountain. Along the way you’ll be able to enjoy the view and different observation decks. Click here for more info on how to get to Namsan tower on foot. If you have time and enjoy a good walk then this is great way of experiencing N Seoul Tower and the beautiful scenery surrounding the mountain.
There are guided walking tours available which will take you N Seoul Tower and Namsangol Hanok Village. The tour takes around 2-3 hours and runs during day time and after sunset. Click here for more info and to book the tour.
4. Taxi To Namsan Tower
Cars can’t go all the way up to Namsan Tower and the same counts for taxis. The furthers a taxi can go is Namsan Public Library, from there you’ll have to take a bus, the cable car or walk.
5. Seoul Sightseeing Bus
The Seoul city hop on and hop off bus passes by Namsan Tower, taking this bus allows you to enjoy the best of Seoul city. You can get off at as many places as you want and visit all your favourite spots around Seoul. Click here to book tickets for the sightseeing bus.
There are different routes the Seoul Sightseeing bus takes, but to stop by N Seoul Tower, make sure to take course A. Which stops at the following places: Gwanghwamun (Departure)－Deoksugung－Namdaemun Market－Seoul Station－The War Memorial of Korea (U.S.O)－Yongsan Station－National Museum of Korea－Itaewon－Myeongdong－Namsangol Hanok Village－Ambassador Hotel－Shilla Hotel, Jangchungdan Park－N Seoul Tower－Hyatt Hotel－Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)－Daehakro－Changgyeonggung－Changdeokgung－Insa-dong－Cheongwadae－Gyeongbokgung, The National Folk Museum of Korea, The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Seoul－Sejong Culture Center(Non-stop)－Gwanghwamun (Final station)
Practical Info About Namsan Tower
After arriving at the tower there are a couple of things you can do. Not only are there free observation decks outside the tower, there are multiple restaurants and cafes in the tower. You can go all the way up to the top observation deck in the tower. Below is more info on opening times and entrance fees.
1. Namsan Tower Price
For the observation deck you’ll need to purchase an entrance ticket. Tickets can be bought onsite or online. Note that tickets bought online are almost half price than tickets bought on site.
| Classification | Price Onsite | Price Online |
| Adult | 11 000 krw | 5500 krw (Buy here) |
| Child/Elderly | 9000 krw | 5200 krw (Buy here) |
2. Namsan Tower Opening Hours
Namsan Tower observatory is open every day of the week. Sunday to Friday, the observation deck is open from 10 AM to 11 PM and on Saturday the tower is open from 10 AM to 12 PM. Visiting Namsan Tower at night is especially beautiful.
Things To Do In Namsan Tower
The going to the observation deck is not the only thing to do at Namsan Tower. There is much more to see and to experience. The best things to do are listed below.
1. Namsan Tower Locks
On one of the observation decks around N Seoul Tower you’ll see many locks of love hanging on the balustrade. These locks have been hung there by people over the past years as legend says that when lovers who make a which at the top of Namsan Mountain and hang their lock, their wish will come true. This has become a popular date spot for young couples, thanks to the many Korean dramas and movies that have featured this spot.
2. N Seoul Tower Hanbok Experience
Dress up in a stunning hanbok and have your picture taken in Namsan Tower! On top of dressing up you can also visit the stunning hanbok museum and learn about the different types of hanboks. This experience is free for owners of a Discover Seoul Pass (photo shoot not included). Click here for more info and reservations.
3. Hello Kitty Island
The Hello Kitty Island is a museum which covers everything about Hello Kitty including the history, different Hello Kitty themed houses and streets, an experience center and photo zones. Buy tickets to Hello Kitty Island here.
4. Couple Night Photo Shoot
Want a unique souvenir from your trip to Seoul? Why not book a couple photo shoot at N Seoul Tower? The shoot takes around 2 hours and you’ll receive around 20 professional pictures. Click here for more info and prices.
Namsan Tower Restaurant
In the tower there are multiple restaurants and coffee shops, restaurants in the top of the tower are easily fully booked, so make sure to reserve a table online in advance. The restaurants listed below are from highest in the tower to the lowest. Going to one of these restaurants is especially recommended when on honeymoon in Seoul.
- N Grill: french Fine Dining.
- Hancook: a traditional Korean restaurant with an amazing array of choices at the buffet.
- The Place Dining: casual Italian restaurant with homemade pasta, pizza and more.
- N Burger: 1930s American style burgers. Make a reservation here.
- N Terrace: a premium sky lounge in Seoul Tower.
- Owl’s Cutlet: an Italian concept pork cutlet restaurant. Make a reservation here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to get to Namsan Mountain is by taking the Namsan Cable Car or the Namsan Shuttle Bus. The Cable Car offers a scenic and comfortable ride, while the Shuttle Bus is more budget-friendly.
The nearest subway station to Namsan Mountain is Myeong-dong Station (Line 4). From there, you can take the Namsan Shuttle Bus or walk to the Namsan Cable Car Station.
The hike to the top of Namsan Mountain takes about 1-2 hours depending on your fitness level and the route you take. The hike is a bit challenging but offers stunning views of Seoul, and there are several rest areas along the way. Alternatively, you can take the Namsan Cable Car to reach the top of the mountain more quickly.
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