How do I get to N Seoul Tower?

You can walk from Myeongdong Station (Exit 3), take the Namsan Circular Bus (01, 02, 03) from major subway stations, or use the Namsan Cable Car.

How much is the Namsan Cable Car ticket?

A round-trip ticket for adults costs 15,000 KRW (approx. $10.71 USD), and a one-way ticket is 12,000 KRW (approx. $8.57 USD).

What is Namsan Tonkatsu?

It is a Korean retro-style pork cutlet (Gyeongyangsik), featuring thin, large fried pork covered in sauce, typically served with cream soup and green chili peppers.

Is there parking available at N Seoul Tower?

Parking is very limited. Small cars can use the cable car parking lot, but it fills up quickly. It is highly recommended to use public transportation.

When is the best time to visit N Seoul Tower?

The best time is around sunset (6 PM - 8 PM) to enjoy both the daytime scenery and the beautiful night view of downtown Seoul.

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) Guide: Cable Car, Night Views, and Tonkatsu Street

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower), located in the heart of Seoul, is a must-visit urban landmark for international tourists, families, and couples alike. Recently, it has garnered renewed attention as a frequent backdrop in the Netflix animation K-Pop: Demon Hunters. In this guide, we will outline a perfect one-day itinerary covering the cable car, observatory, and the famous Namsan Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet) Street.

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

How to Get to N Seoul Tower

Located in the center of Seoul, N Seoul Tower is easily accessible from major subway stations such as Myeongdong, Hoehyeon, and Chungmuro. You can choose from various methods including walking, taking a circular bus, or riding the cable car. Let's explore the features of each option.

On Foot

Starting from Myeongdong Station Exit 3, it is about a 1.3km walk, taking approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Passing the Pacific Hotel, you will enter the Namsan walking path, which leads up to the summit through a tree-shaded road. It is also accessible from Hoehyeon Station or Chungmuro Station, making it a great light hiking course.

However, some sections are steep, so wearing comfortable sneakers is recommended. While walking, you can enjoy both the panoramic view of downtown Seoul and the lush Namsan forest path.

Namsan Park Walking Path & Bus Stop

Circular Bus (Namsan Sunhwan Bus)

The Namsan Circular Bus runs directly to the tower entrance, making it the most convenient option for public transport users.

Route	Major Stops	Boarding Location	Interval
01A / 01B	Namsan Park – Seoul Station – Chungmuro	Chungmuro Stn Exit 2	Approx. 10~15 min
02	Namsan Park – Namdaemun Market – Euljiro 1-ga	Euljiro 1-ga Stn Exit 6	Approx. 10 min
03	Namsan Library – Myeongdong – Itaewon	Myeongdong Stn Exit 4	Approx. 15 min

After getting off, it is about a 5-minute walk to the tower. Using the Namsan Oreumi (Outdoor Slanted Elevator) instead of the stairs makes the trip much easier. Please note that it can be somewhat crowded with tourists on weekends.

Using the Namsan Cable Car

The Namsan Cable Car, the representative means of reaching the summit, is about a 10-minute walk from Myeongdong Station. From Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station, walk along the side road of the Pacific Hotel to reach the "Namsan Oreumi," a free outdoor slanted elevator that takes you comfortably to the cable car boarding platform. The Oreumi operates for free, though there may be maintenance checks during some weekday hours.

Namsan Cable Car

Operating Hours: 10:00 AM ~ 11:00 PM (Subject to change depending on season and weather)

Fares

Type Adult Child

Round Trip 15,000 KRW ($10.71) 11,500 KRW ($8.21)

One Way 12,000 KRW ($8.57) 9,000 KRW ($6.43)

Type	Adult	Child
Round Trip	15,000 KRW ($10.71)	11,500 KRW ($8.21)
One Way	12,000 KRW ($8.57)	9,000 KRW ($6.43)

Using a round-trip ticket is recommended to enjoy the tower's night view. The most beautiful time is around sunset (6~8 PM).

As the city lights turn on, you can see the tower and downtown Seoul at a glance. The seats by the window on the left side are popular as they offer a great view towards Myeongdong and Namdaemun.

Waiting lines can be long on weekends or public holidays, so we suggest planning your visit time carefully. Operations may be suspended depending on the weather, so it is recommended to check the Namsan Cable Car official website before visiting.

Parking Information

Parking space around Namsan is quite limited. Using public transportation is highly recommended. If you visit by car, you can use the following parking lots.

Parking Lot Info

Parking Lot Name	Location	Fee	Remarks
Namsan Cable Car Parking	Near Myeongdong Oreumi	1,000 KRW ($0.71) / 10 min	Small cars only
Namsan Park Parking	Next to Namsan Library	500 KRW ($0.36) / 10 min	15 min walk to Tower
National Theater Parking	59 Jangchungdan-ro	2,000 KRW ($1.43) / 1 hour	Large vehicles allowed

Since parking lots become full from the morning on weekends and holidays, consider using paid parking lots around Myeongdong (e.g., Namdaemun Market Public Parking Lot).

Things to Do at N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower features a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. With observatories, restaurants, souvenir shops, and exhibition spaces all in one place, it is a great destination to visit regardless of the weather.

Night view of Seoul downtown from N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower Night View

Outdoor Views & Photo Spots

From the upper observatory (T5~T7), you can see downtown Seoul at a glance. On clear days, the view extends to the Han River and the southern outskirts. The exterior lighting changes color according to the season or events, making it beautiful to view at night as well.

The lower plaza features photo zones like Love Locks (Padlocks), Love Bridge, and the Proposal Staircase. It is a popular spot for families and couples to take photos during a light walk.

Love Padlocks

Cafes & Restaurants

Inside the tower, there are several dining spaces. N.GRILL, located on the upper level, is a revolving restaurant where you can enjoy a meal while slowly viewing the Seoul cityscape from a window seat. It is a fine dining restaurant with higher prices, but it is an excellent atmospheric spot for anniversaries or proposals.

N.GRILL

HANCOOK is a Korean-style buffet restaurant offering home-style meals. While it might feel familiar to locals, it is highly recommended for international visitors who want to experience neat Korean set meals accompanied by a stunning view.

N Burger and the Tower Cafe are good for a light meal or coffee.

The main feature of dining at N Seoul Tower is the ability to enjoy the panoramic view of Seoul rather than the uniqueness of the food itself. Most restaurants are on the pricier side. If you prioritize value for money, we recommend dining at the restaurants below Namsan or in Myeongdong.

Souvenirs & Shopping

The N Gift Shop is located at the top of the tower. You can purchase official souvenirs such as postcards, keyrings, and padlocks. Padlocks can only be attached in designated areas. Many visitors come to take commemorative photos, and it is also a good place to pick up small gifts.

N Gift Shop

Media Art & Indoor Experiences

The Tower Plaza (1F~4F) consists of indoor exhibition and experience spaces. The OLED Media Tunnel, Wave, and Circle exhibition halls are great for a quick viewing. In the upper observatory, media videos themed around Seoul are screened. It is convenient to visit even on rainy days, and seasonal K-POP collaboration events or limited exhibitions are frequently held.

Indoor Attractions

Namsan Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)

The area around Namsan is home to a cluster of long-standing Tonkatsu restaurants. These places serve "Korean Retro-style Schnitzel" (Gyeongyangsik), characterized by thin, large fried pork covered in sauce, served with cream soup and green chili peppers. It is visited more as a symbolic food and place representing Namsan rather than for a unique gourmet taste. If you plan to visit, we recommend going to a place with no waiting line.

Namsan Tonkatsu

Recommended Restaurants

Name	Price (Per Person)
Candle 1978	Approx. 12,800 KRW ($9.14)
101 Namsan Tonkatsu Main Store	Approx. 13,500 KRW ($9.64)
Original Namsan Wang Donkatsu	Approx. 13,500 KRW ($9.64)

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) is a place where you can see the daily life of Seoul up close within the city center. Starting from Myeongdong, taking the cable car up connects naturally to the observatory, Namsan Park, and the Tonkatsu Street. It is a tourist attraction that is not overwhelming, making it sufficient for a brief stay to enjoy the scenery of Seoul. It is a recommended urban walking course even for travelers with limited time.