Namsan Seoul Tower: The Ultimate Guide To This Iconic Landmark
Are you planning a trip to Seoul and wondering what sights to visit? Located on Namsan Mountain, the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower is an unmissable destination.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this landmark: from how to get there to its history and significance.
Ready for an adventure with unforgettable views of South Korea’s capital city?
Getting to Namsan Seoul Tower
The tower is open every day of the year. Reaching Namsan Seoul Tower is easy with several options including the scenic Namsan Cable Car ride, the Shuttle Bus service or by hopping on to the Seoul City Tour Bus.
If you want to go for a hike, then you can walk from Seoul Metro Station through Namsan Park to the tower in an hour. This is of course the cheapest option available!
The exact address of N Seoul Tower is: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
By Namsan Cable Car
One of the best ways to reach Namsan Seoul Tower is by cable car up the mountain. You get into the cable car at the base of Namsan Mountain. The ride offers great views of Seoul city along the way.
If you’re coming here by public transport: get off at Myeongdong exit 4. From here it’s a 10 minute walk to Namsan Cable Car. Follow the road up hill. There’s a waiting room on the second floor, while the boarding takes place at the third floor of the building.
The cable car ride only takes a couple of minutes. When you get off the cable car, it’s less than 5 minutes (by stairs up hill) to the lookout and Seoul tower plaza. From here you have beautiful views over Seoul.
The price of the cable car is 11000 Korean Won one way. It’s 14000 Korean Won for a return ticket. You can buy tickets at the counter at the cable car station.
Afterwards, you can either take the cable car back down or you can walk down through Namsan Park. I recommend the latter.
Namsan is a very green area and the walk down takes around 40 minutes. You’ll have lovely views when walking. Do make sure to bring something to drink with you, especially when it’s hot outside.
One of the ways down is to get to Donggik University. There’s a subway stop here, which is convenient. It’s also near DDP culture park, so it’s also worth considering heading over to this cultural park after your visit to Seoul Tower and Namsan.
Tip: Before you reach Donggik University, you’ll come across Haus café. I highly recommend stopping here for a drink before you head onwards. This is a cute cafe which has a traditional style.
By Shuttle Bus
Getting to Namsan Seoul Tower by a Shuttle Bus is another option. Find the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus. It leaves from different city stations.
After getting off, you will have to walk for about 30 minutes. The positive side of this is that you will have beautiful views of Seoul City along the way.
The shuttle bus is the cheapest option, as it costs around 1100-1200 Korean Won per adult.
By Seoul City Tour Bus
Taking the Seoul City Tour Bus is another option to reach Namsan Seoul Tower.
The bus starts from Seoul Station. The bus line you need is the Downtown Palace Namsan Course. This bus line stops at key tourist spots, including N Seoul Tower.
You can hop on and off at any place you wish to explore. Be sure to check the bus schedule before your trip.
At the time of writing, the Seoul City Bus costs around 18000 Korean Won per adult.
What to expect at Namsan Seoul Tower
It’s always good to know what you can expect at a certain place. Well, there are lockers available in the tower to store your stuff in. There are toilets in the plaza as well.
My biggest surprise was that there’s even a Starbucks and a game plaza inside Seoul Tower Plaza. So what more can you expect at this must-visit destination in Seoul?
N Seoul Tower Observatory
The N Seoul Tower Observatory has some great views over the city. It sits high at the top of the tower. From there, you can see all of Seoul city. The views are breathtaking both day and night. It gives you an eagle-eye view over the capital city.
You also get to use telescopes for a closer look. In short, the observatory deck offers an exciting experience unlike any other in South Korea!
If you want to go to the observation deck in the tower, this will cost extra. For adults 21000 KRW and for children 16000 KRW. For children under 48 months it’s free (limited to 1 child per parent).
Hanbok Culture Experience Center
At Namsan Seoul Tower, you can find a place called the Hanbok Culture Experience Center. It’s on the lobby level of the tower. Here, they have a lot of fun and cool programs where you can try on Hanboks. These are Korean clothes that come in both old and new styles.
Love padlocks
Love padlocks are a big deal at Namsan Seoul Tower. To be honest, I didn’t expect this here. People from all over bring locks and write their names on them.
They also write sweet words to show their love for each other. Then they lock these onto the tower’s fence, throwing away the key.
This means their love can’t be broken, just like the lock that is now part of thousands others on this site.
Dining options
There are several restaurants in the plaza and tower. As mentioned above, there’s even a Starbucks here!
I would highly recommend checking out the roof terrace on the second floor of the plaza, which really felt like a hidden gem. There were bean bags here, where you could relax and take in the beautiful views of Seoul.
Namsan Park and Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsan Park sits on Namsan Mountain and is filled with greenery. You can relax among trees and flowers while enjoying the views of Seoul city.
Not far from the park, you will find Namsangol Hanok Village at the mountain’s north side. This village offers a peek into Korean history with its traditional houses and gardens. The village sometimes has fun performances that show old ways of Korean life.
History and significance
What is the history of Namsan Seoul Tower like and what makes it so significant? Read on to find out.
First multipurpose tower in Korea
The Namsan Seoul Tower was the first multipurpose tower in the country. From its top, you can see all of Seoul city. People from far and wide come here to enjoy this view.
The Tower stands tall on Namsan Mountain, an important symbol of Seoul itself. In old times, it served as a broadcasting tower too. Now, it shares stories about Korea with people visiting from different parts of the world.
Broadcasting and observation tower
N Seoul Tower sends out TV and radio signals. It was the first of its kind in Korea and was established in 1969. From the tower you get to see all of Seoul’s beauty. The tower stands tall at 774 feet or about 236 meters. At night, LED lights shine on it for an amazing show.
Local landmark
Namsan Seoul Tower is a well-known spot in South Korea. The tower stretches up high into the sky. For the last 40 years, this tower has been a key place for visitors to go and see for themselves what makes it so special.
This bird’s eye sight is truly something unique to experience when visiting Seoul.
Tips for Visiting Namsan Seoul Tower
Maximize your trip with insider tips, such as the best time for visiting and what places in the area are worth visiting as well.
Is Namsan Seoul Tower worth visiting?
You won’t want to miss Namsan Seoul Tower on your trip. It’s definitely a must-visit destination in Seoul. You get to see the whole city from high up. The view is stunning day or night.
Best time to visit
The best time to check out Namsan Seoul Tower is early in the morning. At this time, you will avoid long lines and crowds. It’s less busy on weekdays than weekends too.
Spring and fall are great seasons to go because of the nice weather. In fall, you’ll also see that Namsan Park is very beautiful due to the foliage.
However, to be honest it’s always a good time to visit the tower. It’s just good to keep in mind that you will probably encounter crowds.
Other places nearby worth visiting
There are great spots close to Namsan Seoul Tower. Plan a visit to these places too:
- See Korean houses at Namsangol Hanok Village. The village is on the north side of Namsan Mountain.
- Spend time in Namsan Park. This park has good city views, walking trails, and picnic areas.
- If you don’t mind a walk, then walk back through Namsan Park to the interesting Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a must-visit cultural and design hub in Seoul.
- Explore the vibrant shopping district Myeongdong. You’ll find trendy shops and street food stalls here. Keep in mind that it can get pretty busy.
In conclusion
Namsan Seoul Tower is a must-see spot in South Korea. It’s especially worth visiting because of its stunning views. Here you can really admire Seoul from above.
Personally, I think it’s great to visit the tower at the beginning or end of your trip in Seoul, as it gives you an overview of its beauty.
If you’re visiting with a loved one, you can even bring your love locks and be part of the romantic tradition. Don’t miss out on this amazing place while visiting Seoul.
Away with Danae
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