Namsan Park, Seoul - a tall tower on a hill
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Namsan Park Seoul

4.7
·683 reviews·, South Korea

Iconic mountain park in Seoul offering breathtaking city views from N Seoul Tower and a romantic tradition of love locks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Namsan Park, Seoul - a tall tower on a hill

Namsan Park Seoul

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic mountain park in Seoul offering breathtaking city views from N Seoul Tower and a romantic tradition of love locks.

4.7
(683 reviews)

"The panoramic views from Namsan Tower are absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Hike or Bus?

Consider a bus for convenience, or embrace the hike for a rewarding experience!

🔒 Love Lock Tradition

Bring your own lock or purchase one to leave your mark!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower

Summit of Namsan Mountain

Iconic landmark offering panoramic 360-degree views of Seoul, especially stunning at sunset.

TikTok
Love Locks

Love Locks

Observation deck outside N Seoul Tower

Thousands of colorful padlocks attached to fences, symbolizing love and commitment.

TikTok
Namsan Park Trails

Namsan Park Trails

Various paths around Namsan Mountain

Scenic hiking routes with diverse flora, offering a peaceful escape and city vistas.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Namsan Park Visit

To catch the best city views and avoid peak crowds, aim for weekdays outside of midday. Sunset is popular, so consider going slightly before or after for a more relaxed experience. Check the Namsan Cable Car operating hours, as they can affect your ascent and descent plans. Reddit+1

Getting to Namsan Park

While subway access is possible, many travelers recommend taking a bus directly to the Namsan Cable Car station or a bus that stops closer to the park's upper areas. Walking up from Myeongdong is an option, but be prepared for a significant hike. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Magical city lights
Crowd
High
When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Loved that we found this randomly 🥹🌲 #seoul #namsanpark #footmassage #namsan #southkoreatravel
@ayy.sophie
140.5K likes • 1.9M views

🚶‍♀️ Hike or Bus?

Consider a bus for convenience, or embrace the hike for a rewarding experience! Reddit+1

🔒 Love Lock Tradition

Bring your own lock or purchase one to leave your mark! TikTok

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@thatsojameela
98.1K likes • 2.6M views
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@klook_usa
66.4K likes • 1.1M views

🚠 Cable Car Views

The cable car offers great views, but can have long queues, especially at sunset. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and potentially hiking, so wear comfy shoes! Reddit

Buscamos con tanta ilusión el lugar para poner nuestro candado 🥹🥹❤️ #seoul #seoulkorea #seoultrip #seoultravel #seul @Vero(novia de edu)🌴🐬
@eduahiramm
64.4K likes • 305.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Hike or Bus?

Consider a bus for convenience, or embrace the hike for a rewarding experience! Reddit+1

🔒 Love Lock Tradition

Bring your own lock or purchase one to leave your mark! TikTok

🚠 Cable Car Views

The cable car offers great views, but can have long queues, especially at sunset. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and potentially hiking, so wear comfy shoes! Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The lower decks offer fantastic photo spots with fewer crowds than the very top. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(683 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower are highly praised for their stunning panoramic city views, especially at sunset, and the charming tradition of love locks. Visitors appreciate the hiking opportunities and the escape from the urban bustle. However, some find the tower itself a bit touristy and expensive, and queues for the cable car can be long.

"The all area and forest is amazing , including the to Seoul tower and the travels roads inside, the views just come and enjoy the beauty the fresh air , loved it"

Ronit Nawoganker

"Escape the city buzz on the Namsan Walking Track! This tourist-friendly gem offers a refreshing blend of nature and stunning Seoul views.
Choose from various well-maintained trails suitable for different fitness levels.
It's a peaceful, free activity perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and consider a late afternoon walk for magical sunset views.
A must-do for any Seoul visitor seeking natural beauty and unforgettable perspectives!"

Binky T

"Gotta make this hike. 3K steps mainly stairs and 60 flights to get to top."

AMR

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Romantic love locks
Peaceful park atmosphere

What People Dislike

Crowded at sunset
Expensive tower tickets
Long cable car queues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a bus directly to the Namsan Cable Car station or walk. The walk can take about an hour, with some steep sections and stairs. Reddit Naver Maps can provide detailed walking directions. Reddit

While you can reach the base of Namsan Mountain via subway (e.g., Myeongdong Station), taking a bus is often more convenient for reaching the cable car or higher points. Reddit

Yes, several buses stop near the Namsan Cable Car station or closer to the park's upper areas. It's recommended to check local bus routes based on your starting point. Reddit

Taxis are readily available in Seoul, and you can ask to be dropped off at the Namsan Cable Car station or a designated bus stop near the park. TikTok

Driving to the summit is generally restricted for private vehicles. Parking is available at the base, and then you'd typically use the cable car or walk up. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Namsan Park itself is free to enter and explore. Tickets are only required if you wish to go up to the N Seoul Tower observatory. Reddit

Ticket prices for the observatory can vary, but it's generally around 21,000 KRW for adults. It's advisable to check the official N Seoul Tower website for current pricing. Reddit

The Namsan Cable Car typically operates from 10 AM to 11 PM, but hours can vary, especially on weekends and holidays. It's best to confirm the schedule before your visit. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase tickets online in advance through various platforms like Klook or the official N Seoul Tower website to potentially save time and money. TikTok

No, the area where visitors attach love locks is on the observation deck outside the tower base and is open 24 hours without a fee. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Namsan Park offers beautiful hiking trails, picnic spots, and the chance to see the famous love locks. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll and enjoying nature. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Namsan Park has various trails suitable for different fitness levels, from gentle paths to more challenging routes with stairs. Reddit

The observation decks around N Seoul Tower offer stunning city views. The trails themselves also provide picturesque backdrops, especially during cherry blossom season. Reddit

The observation deck with the love locks is open 24 hours. Some trails are accessible, but it's advisable to stick to well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings after dark. Reddit

Some visitors enjoy the unique experience of a foot massage on the small stones near the park entrance, offering a relaxing break. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset is incredibly popular for capturing the city lights, but can be crowded. Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light and fewer people. TikTokReddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on specific landmarks. Reddit

Yes, the hiking trails offer scenic views and opportunities for nature photography. The cable car ride itself also provides unique perspectives. TikTok

Absolutely! The love locks are a very popular subject for photos, creating a colorful and romantic display. TikTok

Explore some of the less-trafficked trails for unique perspectives of the city and nature. Yongyangbongjeojeong Park is mentioned as a hidden gem for city skyline views. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Namsan Park offers a great outing for families. The Namsan Cable Car is an exciting ride for children, and the open spaces provide room to run around. TikTok While the hike can be challenging for very young children, opting for the bus or cable car makes it more manageable. The love locks are also a fun visual for kids to see. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as options at the top can be pricier. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Namsan Park itself is free to explore, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity. Reddit You can enjoy the hiking trails and the atmosphere without spending a dime. If you want to go up the N Seoul Tower, consider purchasing tickets in advance through discount platforms like Klook to save money. TikTok Opting for the bus or hiking up instead of the cable car also helps reduce costs. Reddit+1

❤️ Couples

Namsan Park is a classic romantic spot in Seoul. The love locks are a quintessential symbol of love, and attaching your own is a memorable experience. TikTok Visiting for sunset offers a magical backdrop for couples, though be prepared for crowds. TikTokReddit A leisurely walk through the park or a shared cable car ride can also be very romantic.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Namsan Park: Trails and Transport

Namsan Park offers a variety of ways to reach its summit and explore its grounds. For those seeking a more active experience, numerous hiking trails wind up the mountain. These range from relatively gentle paths to more strenuous routes featuring numerous stairs, providing a good workout with rewarding views along the way. Reddit Many travelers recommend using navigation apps like Naver Maps to find specific routes, noting that some paths are steeper and shorter, while others are longer and more gradual. Reddit

When it comes to transport, the Namsan Cable Car is a popular choice, offering a scenic ride up to the tower. However, it's known to have long queues, especially during peak sunset hours, and its operating hours are limited. Reddit Alternatively, public buses are a convenient option, with several routes stopping near the cable car station or directly at higher points on the mountain. Reddit For those starting from Myeongdong, walking is feasible but requires a significant amount of time and energy, estimated to be around an hour. Reddit

Beyond the main tower, the park itself is a destination. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, explore the walking paths, and participate in the tradition of attaching love locks to the fences. TikTok For a more tranquil experience away from the main crowds, some suggest exploring lesser-known spots like Yongyangbongjeojeong Park for city skyline views. TikTok

The Iconic N Seoul Tower and Love Locks

The N Seoul Tower is the undisputed centerpiece of Namsan Park, standing tall as a prominent landmark visible from many parts of the city. Ascending to its observation decks provides breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul, making it a must-visit for many first-time visitors. Reddit The best time to visit for photography is often debated, with sunset offering a spectacular display of city lights, though it comes with larger crowds. TikTokReddit

A unique and popular tradition at the tower is the affixing of love locks. Thousands of these colorful padlocks adorn the fences, each representing a couple's commitment. TikTok Visitors can purchase locks on-site or bring their own to add to the collection. The area around the love locks is accessible 24 hours a day and does not require an entrance fee, making it a charming spot to visit even if you don't go up the tower itself. Reddit

While the tower and its views are a major draw, some travelers suggest that the views from the lower decks or even during the hike up can be sufficient, depending on your priorities. Reddit Regardless, the combination of the iconic tower and the romantic symbolism of the love locks makes Namsan Park a memorable destination. TikTok

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