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.
N Seoul Tower Information
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 Here
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 by TripAdvisor
Viator is a popular online platform that helps travelers book tours, activities, and unique experiences worldwide, including in Seoul. It connects users with a wide selection of options – from sightseeing tours to cultural events and outdoor adventures – all offered by local providers.
Klook
Klook offers discounted tickets and reservations for various attractions and services in Seoul, from theme parks and museums to tours and transportation options.
Rakuten
Save money while exploring Seoul with Rakuten's cashback program. Book your hotels or other services through Rakuten and enjoy cashback rewards and exclusive deals.
If you sign up using the link below, you could earn $30 cashback on your first purchase over $30.
Book Recommendations
For an immersive guide to Seoul, many travelers choose to bring a book along. Fodor's Seoul, for example, offers detailed recommendations on sights, restaurants, maps, and travel tips.
Nearby Sights
Namsan Park
South of Myeongdong on Mt. Namsan is Namsan Park, popular for hiking trails, tourist attractions, N Seoul Tower, and panoramic views of downtown Seoul. Namsan, meaning "South Mountain", is the largest park in Seoul attracting over 20,000 people a day who visit here to experience a little slice of nature in the middle of the urban city.
Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsangol Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village that features Korean houses and pavilions, a beautiful small pond, and an interesting time capsule. This area is one of the most beautiful and scenic locations in all of Seoul.
Haebangchon
Haebangchon, also known as HBC, is a neighborhood located in the Yongsan-gu District of Seoul, Korea.
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market, first opened in 1964, is the largest traditional market in Korea with over 10,000 retailers, vendors, and wholesalers. The market, spread out over many blocks, is a dense maze of stalls, vendors, and restaurants. Nowhere else in Korea can you find such a large collection of interesting and traditional Korean items for sale in one place.
Myeongdong
If you are looking for some of the best shopping and eating in Seoul, then start with Myeong-dong. This popular district features street food carts, major shopping malls, and entertainment. The dense grid of streets found in this bustling neighborhood are packed with people at all hours of the day looking to enjoy some of the best shopping, street food, and nightlife in all of Korea.
Last Updated on Feb 5, 2025