N Seoul Tower (Namsan)

Rtflakfizer · CC BY-SA 4.0

The peak in the middle of the city, where Seoul spreads out as a sea of lights with no visible end.

Namsan is a mountain right in the centre of Seoul, and the cable car from Myeongdong gets you up it in minutes. The broadcast tower built in 1971 is now an observatory: from the top the Han River cuts the city in two, the towers of Gangnam rise on the south bank, and to the north the palace roofs sit low among the buildings. Sunset is the moment worth waiting for — the city lights come on in patches. Along the railings at the foot of the tower hang thousands of love padlocks, rusting in the weather.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit N Seoul Tower (Namsan)?

September–November, on clear days

How much does it cost to visit N Seoul Tower (Namsan)?

Observatory 21,000 KRW (cable car extra)

How long do you need at N Seoul Tower (Namsan)?

2 hours

What are the opening hours of N Seoul Tower (Namsan)?

10:30–22:30 weekdays, 10:00–23:00 weekends; last entry 30 min before closing

Did you know

The tower is 236m tall, on top of Namsan's 243m peak.
Opened in 1971, originally as a television broadcast tower.
The tower lights change colour with the city's air quality index.
Reachable by cable car, Namsan bus or a 40-minute walking trail.

Travel tips

Go up an hour before sunset to see the city by day and by night.
The cable car is busiest at weekends — the walking trail is a pleasant alternative.
Clear air after rain gives the longest views.

Source: https://www.seoultower.co.kr/eng/

Updated: 2026-08-04