February 5, 2024
Last update: August 2025

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower: its history

The N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower or simply Seoul Tower, is one of the most distinctive landmarks of Seoul, attracting millions of visitors from around the world every year. In this guide, you’ll learn about its history, how to get there, ticket information, and the best things to see and do once you arrive.

Perched on top of Mount Namsan, N Seoul Tower opened to the public in 1980 and quickly became an iconic symbol of the city. Construction originally began in 1969 and was completed in 1971. Initially built as a television and radio broadcasting tower, its role has since expanded to become one of Seoul’s most popular tourist attractions. Even today, the tower continues to broadcast for Korea’s major TV stations, including KBS, MBC, and SBS.

Standing 236.7 meters tall — and reaching 479.7 meters above sea level thanks to its position on Namsan Mountain — the tower dominates the Seoul skyline. Many travelers even choose to stay in one of the hotels near Seoul Tower to fully enjoy the atmosphere of this iconic landmark.

How to get to N Seoul Tower

To reach N Seoul Tower, the most convenient starting point is Myeongdong Station on Line 4. From there, you can either take the shuttle bus that goes directly to the base of the tower or enjoy the scenic ride of the cable car, which offers panoramic views of Seoul as you ascend. If you prefer a more adventurous option, you can also hike for about an hour along the Namsan Park trails, a route that is especially beautiful in spring with cherry blossoms and in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant. However, this walk is not recommended if you are short on time or not used to uphill climbs.

There are two alternatives to reach Namsan Tower by bus.
-The Namsan Shuttle Bus 01 runs every 7–10 minutes from 6:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
-Bus #8001 operates every 5–20 minutes from 7:00 a.m. until 11:10 p.m.
To take either of these buses, get off at Myeongdong Station (Line 4), exit through Exit 1, and walk about four minutes to the Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Stop. Alternatively, you can board the bus from Chungmuro Station (Lines 3 and 4), Exit 2, at the Daehan Theater bus stop, or from Dongguk University Station (Line 3), Exit 6, at the Jangchung-dong bus stop.
The second option is to reach Namsan Tower with the Namsan Cable Car, which can be accessed in several ways:
-Namsan Shuttle Bus Service (free of charge): from Myeongdong Station (Line 4, Exit 1), it’s just a 5-minute walk to the shuttle bus stop. The bus, marked “Namsan Cable Car,” operates from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and departs about every 30 minutes, taking you directly to the Namsan Cable Car Station.
-Taxi: from Myeongdong Station, you can take Exit 1 or Exit 4 and catch a taxi to the cable car station.
-On foot: from Myeongdong Station, take Exit 3 and walk left past the convenience store 7-Eleven on the corner. Continue straight until you reach the Pacific Hotel, then take the uphill road to the right of the hotel. After about 10 minutes you will find the stairs on your right leading up to the Namsan Cable Car. Since the streets behind the hotel include a small right turn followed by a left turn, using Naver Maps is recommended to avoid confusion.

How to buy tickets for the Namsan Tower observatory

The Namsan Tower Observatory is the highest viewing point in the city and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Seoul. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, often with significant discounts compared to buying them on-site. Booking ahead not only guarantees your entry but also helps you skip the long lines at the ticket counter, giving you more time to enjoy the experience.

Things to see and do near Seoul Tower

The N Seoul Tower is not only a famous observation point, but also a cultural and entertainment complex with plenty to explore. In addition to the observatory, visitors can enjoy the Palgakjeong Pavilion, several restaurants with panoramic views of Seoul, and the popular love padlock area, where couples leave locks as symbols of their affection.

Another highlight is the Namsan Tower lighting system. The tower’s night illumination changes color depending on Seoul’s air quality, serving as both an environmental indicator and a visual landmark. The colors are blue (clean air), green (moderate air), yellow (poor air), and red (very poor air). If you see the tower glowing red during your trip, it’s best to limit outdoor activities or wear a protective mask when going outside.

Nature lovers will appreciate the Namsan Mountain Trail, which follows the restored sections of Seoul’s ancient city walls around Mt. Namsan. Starting from the Namsan Dulle-gil Trail near the National Theater of Korea, the trail leads up to the tower itself. From the Namsan Park bus stop at the top, the city wall once stretched 1.6 km down to Baekbeom Square Park at the base of the mountain.

Ultimately, the N Seoul Tower is much more than just an observatory — it is a symbol of Seoul that combines history, culture, nature, and entertainment. Whether it’s your first visit to the city or you’re a long-term resident looking for a fresh perspective, the tower guarantees an unforgettable experience.