Since 1980, the N Seoul Tower has been a landmark of the skyline of downtown. Over the years, it has also been known as the Namsan Tower and Seoul Tower. Built in 1969, it tops out at 236 meters (777 feet) high with an elevation of 479 meters (1,574 feet) above sea level. In late 2005, the building went through extensive remodeling, which cost over 15 Billion Won ($13 million USD). After completion, it was renamed to “New”, or N, Seoul Tower.
The best time to visit the observation deck is right before sunset on a clear day. This time offers stunning views of the city as it transitions from day into night. When visiting the tower at sunset, expect longer waiting times to reach to top.
On weekends before sunset, the wait time can be anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes. If you do not mind spending more time at the top, arrive an hour before sunset when wait times are less, around 30 minutes, and you can still enjoy the sunset while avoiding most of the rush of people.
You can find great views of the downtown skyline from Namsan Park, the area around the tower. No waiting times, no elevators, and free to visit, make the view from the park almost better than the tower.
View of downtown from the observation deck
The easiest and quickest way to reach the bottom of the N Seoul Tower is by the Namsan Cable Car. You also have the option of hiking up a trail with hundreds of stairs to reach the tower, but unless you are in great shape and are prepared to sweat, its probably a better idea to take the cable car up.
Another great option is to take the cable car up one way, and take the trail back down towards the bottom cable car station and Myeongdong if you continue further. The views of the city walking down are quite delightful. To take the trail down, just follow the stairs down as they pass by the cable car station. The easy walk down should take about 15 minutes.
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N Seoul Tower Hours
The observation deck is open 10:00-23:00. Last entry is at 22:30.
The Teddy Bear Museum is open 10:00-22:00. Last entry is at 21:00.
Restaurants (N GRILL and Hancook) are open 11:00-23:00.
Admission
Observatory
Adult (18+) : 9,000n won
Teenager (13-17) : 7,000 won
Senior (65+) : 7,000 won
Child (3-12) : 5,000 won
Infant : Free
Observatory and Audio Guide
Adult (18+) : 12,000 won
Teenager (13-17) : 10,000 won
Senior (65+) : 10,000 won
Child (3-12) : 8,000 won
Infant : Free
Teddy Bear Museum
Adult (18+) : 8,000 won
Teenager (13-17) : 6,000 won
Senior (65+) : 6,000 won
Child (3-12) : 5,000 won
Infant : Free
Observatory and Teddy Bear Museum
Adult (18+) : 14,000 won
Teenager (13-17) : 10,000 won
Senior (65+) : 10,000 won
Child (3-12) : 7,000 won
Infant : Free
How to get to N Seoul Tower
Option 1
Take Subway Line 3 or Line 4 to Chungmuro Station (Exit 2).
Then take Bus 2 (08:00-24:00/5min) or Bus 5 (07:30-23:50/15min) to N Seoul Tower.
Option 2
Take Subway Line 6 to Itaewon Station (Exit 4).
Then take Bus 3 (08:00-23:00/10min) to N Seoul Tower.
Option 3
Take Subway Line 4 to Myeong-dong Station (Exit 3).
Then walk 10 minutes to the Namsan Cable Car, which takes you to the base of the N Seoul Tower.
Map
Additional Resources
Viator
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Book Recommendations
While The Seoul Guide provides plenty of information about traveling to Seoul, sometimes it helps to bring a book with you on your journey. Want to visit Gwangjang Market, hike Bukhansan National Park, visit an ancient palace, or sing karaoke all night long? The book I always recommend is Fodor's Seoul, which provides expert recommendations including sights to see, restaurant reviews, maps, and essential trip-planning information for everything related to Seoul.
Learn more about book recommendations
Rakuten
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Klook
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Last Updated on Dec 13, 2021