Trying to figure out the best way to get to N Seoul Tower also known as Namsan Tower or N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain? It can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options, but trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the views from up there are absolutely worth it. You’ve got a few main routes to choose from: the scenic Namsan Cable Car, the convenient Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus, or for the more adventurous, a good old-fashioned walk. Taxis can get you close, but they can’t go all the way to the top.

N Seoul Tower is this amazing communications and observation tower that gives you these incredible panoramic views of Seoul. It’s truly a landmark in the heart of the city, offering stunning sights of the Han River and the skyline, sitting pretty at about 236 meters high. You can easily spend hours exploring the observatory, checking out the “Locks of Love,” or grabbing a bite at one of the restaurants.

Let’s break down the best ways to reach this iconic spot, so you can pick the one that fits your style and schedule!

Table of Contents

Getting to N Seoul Tower by Namsan Cable Car

For many, taking the Namsan Cable Car is simply the most fun and scenic way to get up the mountain. It’s a quick ride, usually around 3 minutes, and offers breathtaking 360-degree views as you ascend. It feels like a classic Seoul experience.

How to Get to the Namsan Cable Car Station

The cable car station isn’t right at a subway exit, so you’ll need to do a little bit of walking or take a short shuttle to get there. The most common starting point is Myeongdong Station.

From Myeongdong Station Subway Line 4

Using the Namsan Oreumi Inclined Elevator Recommended for Ease:
- Head to Myeongdong Station Exit 4. Once you exit, you’ll walk straight for about 300 meters, past McDonald’s, and then turn left at the main junction where you’ll see Shinsegae Department Store diagonally to your right.
- Keep walking straight for another 300 meters, and you’ll spot the Namsan Oreumi outdoor inclined elevator. This elevator is free and takes you directly up to the Namsan Cable Car Station in about 2 minutes. It operates from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, but remember, it’s usually closed on Mondays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for maintenance.
- This whole process from Myeongdong Station to the cable car station usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Walking Uphill to the Cable Car Station:
- From Myeongdong Station Exit 3, walk towards the left side of the 7-11 convenience store.
- Continue straight, then walk to the right of the Pacific Hotel. You’ll start walking uphill, and eventually, you’ll see the stairs leading to the Namsan Cable Car Station. This walk can take about 10-15 minutes and involves some inclines.
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- From Myeongdong Station Exit 1, there’s sometimes a free shuttle bus service that takes you directly to the Namsan Cable Car Station. This bus typically operates hourly between 12:00 PM and 8:30 PM, but timetables can change, so it’s good to double-check.

Namsan Cable Car Fares & Hours

Round-trip tickets for adults 13-64 years old are generally around 15,000 KRW, while one-way tickets are about 12,000 KRW.
For children 3-12 years old and seniors 65+, round-trip tickets are about 11,500 KRW, and one-way is 9,000 KRW. Keep in mind that prices can vary slightly depending on where you purchase them. You can often find discounted tickets online through various booking platforms.
The cable cars typically run from morning to late evening. You’ll usually find them operating from around 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, though hours might extend on weekends or holidays. They usually depart every 15 minutes.

Getting to N Seoul Tower by Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and comfortable way to reach the tower without too much walking, the Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus formerly known as Namsan Sunhwan Bus is an excellent choice. These buses take you directly to the base of N Seoul Tower, dropping you off right at the top of Namsan Mountain.

Important Tip: These buses are generally cashless, so you’ll need a T-money transportation card or similar mobile payment to pay the fare. A single ride usually costs around 1,200 KRW in cash or 1,100 KRW with a transportation card.

There are a few different routes, each starting from different subway stations:

Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus 01A

This route is quite comprehensive, looping around various key areas including Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Parking Lot, Chungmuro Station, Dongguk University Station, and then up to N Seoul Tower. How to Improve SEO for Your New Website and Actually Get Noticed

From Chungmuro Station Subway Lines 3 & 4: Take Exit 2. Walk straight from the exit, and you’ll find the bus stop. The ride to N Seoul Tower takes about 15 minutes.
From Dongguk University Station Subway Line 3: Take Exit 6. Walk in the opposite direction from the exit towards Jangchung Gymnasium. At the crossroads, turn right from Jangchung Park and continue straight to find the bus stop. This ride is usually about 10 minutes.
Operating Hours & Frequency: This bus typically runs every 6-9 minutes from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus 01B

This route is similar to 01A and covers key spots.

From Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Parking Lot: This is often cited as a starting point, about a 4-minute walk from Myeongdong Station Exit 1. The bus then goes to Chungmuro Station Exit 2.
From Chungmuro Station Subway Lines 3 & 4: Similar to 01A, take Exit 2 and find the bus stop. The ride to Namsan Seoul Tower takes about 15 minutes.
From Dongguk University Station Subway Line 3: Again, similar to 01A, take Exit 6 and find the bus stop for a roughly 10-minute ride.
Operating Hours & Frequency: The 01B bus generally operates daily.

Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus 02, 03, and 05 Older Routes, check for current status

While 01A and 01B are widely mentioned now, older routes like 02, 03, and 05 were also popular. It’s good to be aware, but always check local signage or a reliable navigation app like KakaoMap for the most current routes and numbers, as bus routes in Seoul can sometimes change.

Bus No. 02: Often connected Chungmuro Station Exit 2 or Myeongdong Station Exit 3 to Namsan Tower.
Bus No. 03: Used to serve routes from Seoul Station Exit 9 & 9-1, Itaewon Station Exit 4, and Yaksu Station Exit 1.
Bus No. 05: Primarily connected Myeongdong Station Exit 3 and Chungmuro Station Exit 2.

Generally, these circular buses run every 15-20 minutes, from around 7:00 AM until 11:30 PM.

Getting to N Seoul Tower by Walking/Hiking

For those who enjoy a good walk and soaking in nature, hiking up Namsan Mountain to N Seoul Tower is a rewarding experience. There are several walking paths, and the views along the way can be stunning, especially during autumn or spring. Optimizing Your Next.js Website for SEO: A Hands-On Guide

From Myeongdong Area: You can start your walk from Myeongdong Station Exit 2 or 3 and head towards the Pacific Hotel, then continue uphill towards the cable car station. The hike is typically 2.2 to 3.3 kilometers and can take about an hour, depending on your pace and the specific route you choose.
From Seoul Station Area: If you’re coming from Seoul Station Exit 8, you could walk along Seoullo 7017 to Namdaemun Market, then head north through Baekbeom Plaza Park, and start climbing the stairs towards Namsan Tower. This route is about 2.5 kilometers and can take around an hour. It’s often considered quite photogenic.
From Namsan Public Library: Many hiking paths lead from the Namsan Public Library area directly to the tower. If you take a taxi or bus to the library, the walk from there to the tower is usually no longer than 20 minutes and is quite enjoyable.

Remember, while walking is free and offers great views, it involves significant uphill portions, so comfortable shoes are a must!

What About Taxis or Private Cars?

You can take a taxi or a private car to Namsan Park, but there’s a catch: taxis and private cars are not allowed to drive all the way to the top of N Seoul Tower. They’ll drop you off at the Namsan Public Library or the Namsan Cable Car Station, from where you’ll still need to walk or take a bus/cable car the rest of the way.

While it might seem faster initially, considering the limited parking and the fact you can’t go directly to the top, public transport or the cable car often ends up being more convenient and less hassle.

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Getting to the N Seoul Tower Observatory

Once you’ve made it to the base of N Seoul Tower, you might want to head up to the observatory for those iconic 360-degree panoramic views. While the area around the tower is free to explore, there’s an admission fee to enter the observatory.

Observatory Ticket Prices: An adult ticket for the observatory typically costs around 26,000 KRW. Children’s tickets are usually around 20,000 KRW. You can often find discounted tickets if you book online in advance through platforms like Trip.com or Klook.
Opening Hours: The observatory usually opens around 10:30 AM on weekdays and 10:00 AM on weekends and holidays, closing between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM, with the last admission usually 30 minutes before closing. These hours can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official N Seoul Tower website for the most current information.

Getting Down from N Seoul Tower

Once you’ve had your fill of the incredible views, getting back down is just as straightforward, and you have similar options:

Namsan Cable Car: This is a popular choice for descending, especially if you want to enjoy the city lights sparkling below, making for a memorable experience.
Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus: The same buses 01A, 01B, and potentially others that bring you up will take you back down. Just hop on from the bus stop near the tower.
Walking: If you have the energy and time, walking down can be a pleasant experience. You can choose to walk down the same way you came up, or try a different path leading towards Namsan Public Library or Namsangol Hanok Village, which is close to Chungmuro Station. Some paths are especially beautiful during autumn foliage or cherry blossom season.

Essential Tips for Your Visit

Download a Navigation App: Apps like KakaoMap or Naver Maps are incredibly helpful for navigating Seoul’s public transportation, with English language support.
T-money Card: Get a T-money card as soon as you arrive in Seoul. It makes using buses and subways a breeze, often gives you a slight discount, and allows for free transfers within a certain time frame. You can buy them at convenience stores.
Best Time to Visit: The tower offers spectacular views both day and night. Many people love catching the sunset from the observatory, as you get to see the city transform from day to night.
Book Tickets in Advance: Especially for the observatory and sometimes the cable car, buying tickets online beforehand can save you time waiting in lines.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: No matter how you plan to get up, there will likely be some walking involved, especially around the base of the tower itself.
Check Opening Hours: Always double-check the operating hours for the cable car, buses, and the observatory before you go, as they can sometimes change due to weather or other circumstances.

Hopefully, this guide makes your trip to N Seoul Tower smooth and enjoyable! It’s one of those must-see spots in Seoul that truly gives you a sense of the city’s vastness and beauty. How to Name Image Files for SEO: Your Ultimate Guide to Boosting Visual Search

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get to N Seoul Tower from Myeongdong?

If you start from Myeongdong Station, the total travel time to N Seoul Tower varies. Taking the Namsan Oreumi elevator to the cable car station and then the cable car up can take roughly 15 to 20 minutes. If you opt for the Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus from a stop near Myeongdong, the bus ride itself might be around 15-20 minutes, plus any waiting time. Walking the entire way up from Myeongdong can take about an hour or more, depending on your pace and the specific route.

Is it better to take the Namsan Cable Car or the bus to N Seoul Tower?

Both options are great, but they offer different experiences. The Namsan Cable Car provides a unique, scenic, and fast ascent with panoramic views during the ride, making it a popular choice for first-time visitors. The Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus is generally more affordable and convenient if you prefer not to walk much, taking you directly to the tower’s base. Your choice depends on your budget, desire for views, and energy levels.

Can you walk all the way up to N Seoul Tower?

Yes, you absolutely can! There are several walking paths and hiking trails that lead up Namsan Mountain to N Seoul Tower. The walk can be quite enjoyable, offering glimpses of the city and nature along the way. Depending on your starting point and fitness level, a hike to the top can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

How much does it cost to go to N Seoul Tower?

The cost depends on how you choose to get there and if you plan to visit the observatory. Taking the Namsan Cable Car round-trip typically costs around 15,000 KRW for adults. A ride on the Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus is about 1,100 KRW with a T-money card. If you want to enter the N Seoul Tower Observatory for 360-degree views, an adult ticket is usually around 26,000 KRW. You can explore the Namsan Park and the base of the tower for free. How to Name Photos for SEO: Your Ultimate Guide to Boosting Website Visibility

Are taxis allowed to go up to N Seoul Tower?

No, taxis and private cars are not allowed to drive directly to the very top of Namsan Mountain where N Seoul Tower is located. They can take you to certain drop-off points like the Namsan Public Library or the Namsan Cable Car Station, but from there, you’ll need to transfer to a shuttle bus, take the cable car, or walk the rest of the way.

What are the operating hours for N Seoul Tower Observatory?

The N Seoul Tower Observatory typically operates from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM on weekdays Monday-Friday and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekends and public holidays. Remember that the last admission is usually 30 minutes before closing time. It’s always a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date operating hours, as they can sometimes change due to weather or special events.

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How to Get to N Seoul Tower: Your Ultimate Guide