N Seoul Tower
Iconic Seoul landmark offering breathtaking panoramic city views from its observatory, famous for love locks and a revolving restaurant.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great sunset views
N Seoul Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Seoul landmark offering breathtaking panoramic city views from its observatory, famous for love locks and a revolving restaurant.
"The views from N Seoul Tower are absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset!"
Check Air Quality First
Blue sky = amazing views! Yellow/red means smog. Check forecasts before you go. :cloud:
Love Locks: Buy Smart
Buy locks at Daiso or convenience stores for cheaper prices than at the tower. :lock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Observatory Decks
Soak in breathtaking 360-degree views of Seoul, especially stunning at sunset or night.
Love Locks
Base of the Tower
Join couples and visitors by attaching a 'love lock' to the fences as a symbol of affection.
Namsan Park
Surrounding Area
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, offering a peaceful escape with scenic walking trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Getting There: Cable Car vs. Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Air Quality First
Blue sky = amazing views! Yellow/red means smog. Check forecasts before you go. :cloud:
Love Locks: Buy Smart
Buy locks at Daiso or convenience stores for cheaper prices than at the tower. :lock:
Cable Car Lines
Lines can be long. Consider hiking or the incline elevator if waits are excessive. :arrow_up:
Free Views Available
You can enjoy decent views from the base and lower levels without paying for the observatory. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Air Quality First
Blue sky = amazing views! Yellow/red means smog. Check forecasts before you go. :cloud:
Love Locks: Buy Smart
Buy locks at Daiso or convenience stores for cheaper prices than at the tower. :lock:
Cable Car Lines
Lines can be long. Consider hiking or the incline elevator if waits are excessive. :arrow_up:
Free Views Available
You can enjoy decent views from the base and lower levels without paying for the observatory. :moneywithwings:
Wear Comfy Shoes
If you plan to hike up, comfortable footwear is a must for the stairs and trails. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
N Seoul Tower is a beloved landmark offering breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul, especially magical at sunset and night. Visitors appreciate the iconic love locks and the surrounding Namsan Park. However, be prepared for potential crowds and long queues for the cable car, and check air quality for the best viewing experience.
"A Sunset Experience Worth the Wait!
Visiting N Seoul Tower was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Seoul, though getting there tested my patience. The cable car line was brutal—I waited about 30 minutes just to buy tickets, and then stood in line for another hour to actually board the cable car. It wasn’t the most pleasant part of the experience, especially if you're short on time or visiting during peak hours.
That said, it was absolutely worth it. We made it to the top just in time for sunset, and the views were nothing short of breathtaking. Watching the city light up beneath a fading sky from that height was a moment I won’t forget.
Once you're up there, there's so much to do that you can easily spend hours exploring. The tower complex is full of restaurants and cafes with stunning views, art displays, photo booths, and tons of souvenir shops. One of the most charming parts is the Love Locks area—a colorful and romantic spot that adds a unique character to the visit.
If you're planning to go, just be ready for the wait (especially if you take the cable car), or consider other ways up like the shuttle or a hike if you’re feeling adventurous. But once you’re at the top, it’s an experience that’s totally worth it—a perfect mix of panoramic views, culture, food, and fun."
Ella Ernst-Fritz
"Namsan Tower is another attraction I visited during my business trip. You have two options to get to the top of the mountain: by bus or on foot. I recommend taking the bus up and walking down — it’s easier and more enjoyable that way.
Once you reach the top, the view is absolutely breathtaking! You can see the entire city from above, and the scenery is stunning. Don’t forget to check out the love locks area — it’s beautiful and very romantic."
Anh Quân Lê
"Beautiful tower. It reminds me of the one in Kyoto Japan. The 5 floors underground are so versatile. You can find lots of restaurants, cafes, art displays, photo booths, lots of souvenirs, arcade games (this one can use some maintenance 😉 and maybe some staff monitoring).
Also on ground level the love lock trees and fences are so full of locks. They creates Christmas tree like with locks there are sooo cute.
The overlook is wonderful. And of course the gorgeous view everywhere. You can see the entire city of Seoul and even further.
This spot is a must! Bring comfortable shoes and breathable clothes.
PS. Don’t forget to get your fortune ball at The gazebo machines
on the ground level."
Miroslava Walle I Sommelier Life I
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Myeongdong Station, you can walk to the Namsan Cable Car station (about 15 minutes). Alternatively, you can hike up the stairs alongside the cable car route, which takes about 25-45 minutes depending on your pace.+1 Some Redditors mention a 1-2 hour hike if taking a more scenic route.
The cable car offers a convenient ride up, but lines can be long, especially around sunset. Many visitors find it moves quickly, but if you prefer to avoid queues, hiking is a viable option.
Yes, there's an incline elevator near the base of Namsan Mountain that can help reduce the number of stairs you need to climb to reach the cable car station or the tower area.
The 'best' way depends on your preference. The cable car is popular for ease, while hiking offers exercise and views. Many suggest combining a walk through Namsan Park with a cable car ride or hike.+1
Walking from Myeongdong Station to the tower can take anywhere from 25 minutes to over an hour, depending on the route and your pace. Some trails are steep staircases, while others are more gradual paths.+1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can visit the base of the tower and Namsan Park for free, which includes restaurants and souvenir shops. However, there is a fee to access the main observation decks.+1
The admission fee for the observatory is generally under $20 USD. Prices can vary, and sometimes discounted rates are available, especially if purchased with passes like the Discover Seoul Pass.
The observatory typically opens around 10 AM and closes in the evening. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date operating hours, as they can change seasonally.
Yes, you can purchase tickets online through various platforms, including Klook. This can sometimes save you time and money compared to buying on-site.
Yes, the area where visitors attach love locks is part of Namsan Public Park and is generally accessible for free. You only pay if you wish to go up to the observation deck.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
The view from the N Seoul Tower observatory offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of Seoul. On clear days, you can see for miles. The air quality significantly impacts visibility.
The tower's lighting changes color to indicate air quality. Blue means good air, green means passable, and yellow or red signifies poor air quality.
For first-time visitors, it's often considered worth it for the iconic views and experience. However, some suggest that if the weather is poor or air quality is bad, the view might not justify the cost.
Besides the observatory, you can explore Namsan Park, attach love locks, dine at restaurants (including a revolving one), and visit souvenir shops.
N Seoul Tower stands at 236.7 meters (777 feet) tall. Including its mountaintop location, the total height from sea level is quite significant, offering expansive views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, N Seoul Tower features several dining options, including a revolving restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with changing city views.
Yes, the lower levels of the tower house restaurants and cafes that are accessible without an observatory ticket.
The revolving restaurant, HanCook, can be pricey, but some packages include observatory tickets, making it a potentially good value if you plan to visit both.
Dining options range from casual cafes to more formal restaurants. The revolving restaurant typically offers Korean cuisine.
Yes, the base of the tower and Namsan Park have various food stalls and cafes. For more extensive dining, you can head back down to areas like Myeongdong.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation decks offer incredible panoramic shots of Seoul. The love lock area provides a unique foreground element, and the surrounding Namsan Park offers scenic nature shots.
Absolutely! The city lights create a dazzling spectacle at night, making it a prime location for capturing Seoul's urban glow.
Yes, you can take photos from the base and lower levels of the tower, offering good views of the city and the surrounding park without an admission fee.
Sunset is a popular time for photographers, offering beautiful golden hour light and the transition to city lights. Clear mornings also provide excellent visibility for daytime shots.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's advisable to check the tower's current policy regarding tripods, especially during peak hours, to avoid inconvenience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day when visibility is best for spotting landmarks. While there are dining options at the tower, packing some kid-friendly snacks is always a good idea. If your children have a lot of energy, the hike up Namsan Mountain can be an adventure, but ensure they have comfortable shoes and you allow ample time for breaks.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on the cable car, consider hiking up Namsan Mountain instead. This provides exercise and scenic views without the ticket cost. If you do decide to go to the observatory, look for potential discounts through city passes like the Discover Seoul Pass
💖 Couples
Consider booking a table at the revolving restaurant for a special dinner with a view.
Alternatively, a leisurely stroll through Namsan Park hand-in-hand offers a more serene romantic experience. The cable car ride up can also be a charming shared journey.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to N Seoul Tower: Options Galore
For the more adventurous or budget-conscious, hiking up Namsan Mountain is a fantastic option. There are various trails, ranging from steep staircases that run parallel to the cable car line to more leisurely paths through Namsan Park.
An intermediate option is the incline elevator, which can help you bypass some of the steeper inclines on your way to the cable car station or the tower itself.
The Iconic Love Locks: A Symbol of Affection
If you're looking to participate, you don't need to break the bank. While you can purchase locks at the tower's convenience store, Redditors highly recommend buying them beforehand from affordable stores like Daiso.
Understanding N Seoul Tower's Colors and Views
When the air is clear, the views from the observatory decks are truly spectacular. You get a 360-degree perspective of the sprawling metropolis, from the Han River to the surrounding mountains. Many visitors find the sunset and nighttime views particularly magical, as the city transforms into a sea of twinkling lights.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit