From Big Ben to the Statue of Liberty to the Sydney Opera House, nations across the world are dotted with iconic architecture that have become synonymous with their city and Korea is no different. For Seoul, the must-visit attraction for international visitors is Namsan Seoul Tower, visible from nearly anywhere within the capital. Originally created as a broadcasting tower, the site has now become a beloved cultural space featuring a beautiful observatory and various experience facilities.
The entire city of Seoul can be seen spreading out in all directions from the observatory at the top of Namsan Seoul Tower. Visitors can also enjoy trying on hanbok and visiting various exhibitions within the complex. The many restaurants and cafés at the tower are great for taking a break. The tower becomes even more romantic at night, when the city lights up.
>> Namsan Seoul Tower Level Map
Namsan Seoul Tower is largely divided into N Seoul Tower, the actual tower, and Seoul Tower Plaza, the lower section with facilities and shops. Each level has its own things to see and enjoy. Before visiting, check out our floor-by-floor guide to help plan your trip to Namsan Seoul Tower.
>> Floor-by-floor Guide to Attractions & Experiences
Take photos wearing Korea’s traditional clothing! Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Culture Experience Center
Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Culture Experience Center
☞ Location: L
Enjoy the dynamic styles of the OLED Light Display
Namsan Seoul Tower is decorated with media art displays created through the use of OLED panels. The theme of each artwork varies by floor, making each level unique and enjoyable. The first floor features both a tunnel display and a panorama display, while the second and fourth floors feature panels on the ceiling, showcasing videos at various degrees.
☞ Location: 1-2F, 4F
Hello Kitty character exhibition, Hello Kitty Island
Visit the home of beloved character Hello Kitty in this special exhibition. Hello Kitty Island features four rooms designed in the concept of Hello Kitty inviting friends to visit “Hello Kitty House” in Seoul.
☞ Location: 5F
Limited-edition toy exhibition & sales, Ssentoy Museum & Showroom
A combination of the Korean word for strong, and toy, Ssentoy Museum & Showroom displays and sells toy figurines difficult to find in Korea. The exhibition space is divided into four areas based on theme. This unique museum allows one to enter the world of animation and movies in one location.
☞ Location: 5F
Take in Seoul in its entirety! Observatory
The observatory offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul as well as information on Seoul and Namsan Mountain. To get to the observatory, buy a ticket from the ticket desk at the Plaza Square or on the basement level.
☞ Location: T4-T5
>> Unique Attractions
Records of love and memories at the Pledge of Love
Pledge of Love is a space within Namsan Seoul Tower dedicated to capturing and sharing the memories of families, couples, and friends. Simply take a snapshot in the photo booth and then paste one of your photo stickers in a box on the Pledge of Love wall to be remembered and enjoyed by all who visit.
☞ Location: 1-2F, 4F
Hang a love lock on the Roof Terrace
The Roof Terrace is an expansive outdoor observatory of Namsan Seoul Tower designed for couples. Ever since the main characters of a TV program visited the terrace and attached 2 padlocks to the fence as a symbol of their love, tens of thousands of love locks can be found hanging around the terrace each day.
☞ Location: T2 Outdoor terrace
The highest restroom in Seoul, Sky Restroom
Located in Namsan Seoul Tower is a unique restroom known as “Sky Restroom,” the highest bathroom in all of Seoul. The special feature lies in the glass wall facing out within the stalls. Don't worry about privacy as the glass walls have a special coating, hiding the inside while still offering clear views out. It might sound a little strange to be enjoying the view while taking care of one's business, but it surely will be a memorable experience!
☞ Location: T4
>> Gift Shops & Restaurants with a View
Purchase various souvenirs at Namsan Seoul Tower’s gift shop & N Gift
This souvenir shop has a cozy and welcoming ambience. Along with the usual souvenirs, visitors can also find padlocks, traditional gift items, and stationery available for purchase. Locks can be attached to the fence outside as part of the well-known tradition of "love locks" started by a popular Korean drama.
☞ Location: 1F, 5F, T1, T5
Korean buffet, HanCook
HanCook is a Korean-style buffet restaurant popular among family visitors. It offers a classic ambience and about 30 different dishes. Most tables accommodate up to four guests. Package programs are available, which visitors can purchase to enjoy the combined benefit of touring the observatory as well as dinner at HanCook at a lower price.
☞ Location: T3
Upscale French restaurant, n GRILL
The revolving restaurant n Grill atop Namsan Seoul Tower is the ultimate date spot and is frequently used as the site of marriage proposals. Though the full-course meals and elegant interior are excellent in their own right, it is the restaurant's panoramic views of the city that are sure to impress. As diners enjoy their meal, the restaurant slowly rotates counterclockwise, making a full revolution every 1 hour and 40 minutes. All tables are set facing the windows, assuring you with the "best seat in the house" no matter where you sit.
☞ Location: T7
>> Transportation Methods
There are a variety of ways to get to Namsan Seoul Tower. Each method has its own pros and cons, so tourists can choose the option that best matches their schedule and tour budget. Access to Namsan Seoul Tower by passenger vehicle (cars and/or taxis) is restricted to reduce the environmental impact on Namsan Park. Therefore, visitors coming by car should consider parking at a lot near one of the Namsan shuttle bus stops.
(1) Namsan Shuttle Bus (Circulation Bus)
- Circulation Bus No. 2: Chungmuro Station (Seoul Subway Lines 3 & 4), Exit 2 (in front of Daehan Cinema) or Dongguk University Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6.
(Operating hours: 07:00-23:30)
- Circulation Bus No. 3: Seoul Station (Seoul Subway Lines 1 & 4), Exit 9, Itaewon Station (Seoul Subway Line 6), Exit 4 or Hangangjin Station (Seoul Subway Line 6), Exit 2.
(Operating hours: 07:30-23:30)
- Circulation Bus No. 5: Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 3 or Chungmuro Station (Seoul Subway Lines 3 & 4), Exit 2 (in front of Daehan Cinema).
(Operating hours: 07:30-23:30)
(2) Namsan Cable Car or Namsan Oreumi (slanted elevator)
1) Namsan Cable Car directions: Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 3. Take the road to the right of Pacific Hotel and walk for about 10 minutes.
2) Namsan Oreumi directions: From Hoehyeon Intersection (Between Myeong-dong & Hoehyeon Subway Stations of Seoul Subway Line 4), walk towards Namsan Tunnel 3. Take the free Namsan Oreumi elevator from the Memorial Plaza (Closed for system maintenance Mondays 09:00-14:00).
(3) Seoul City Tour Bus
Seoul City Tour Bus
Type Single-level Downtown/Palace Course Single-level Night Course
Operating hours 09:00-20:00 (Last departure 18:00) 19:30 departure
Intervals 30 minute intervals won weekdays
(25 minute intervals on weekends & national holidays) Once a day
Travel time Approx. 2 hours Approx. 1.5 hours
* Departure point: Koreana Hotel near Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 6.
* City Tour Bus does not operate on Mondays (Exception: national holiday falling on a Monday, and during summer peak season (4th week of July to August 15))
☞ Related page: Seoul City Tour
More Info
☞ Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
☞ Operating hours
- Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Culture Experience Center: 10:00-22:00
- Observatory: Sunday-Friday 10:00-23:00 / Saturday 10:00-24:00
☞ Fees
- Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Culture Experience Center (Hanbok experience): Adults & Teenagers 18,000~58,000 won / Children 15,000~28,000 won
※ Admission (1,000~2,000 won) charged separately. Standard hanbok rental is for 3 hours, and a deposit is required to wear the hanbok out of the building.
- Observatory: Adults 10,000 won / Children 8,000 won
- Ssentoy Museum & Showroom: Adults 10,000 won / Children 8,000 won
- Hello Kitty island: Adults 8,000 won / Children 7,000 won
- Ssentoy package (Observatory+Ssentoy Museum & Showroom): Adults 14,000 won / Children 11,000 won
- Hello Kitty package (Observatory+Hello Kitty Island): Adults 12,500 won / Children 10,500 won
- 3-way package (Observatory+Ssentoy Museum & Showroom+Hello Kitty Island): Adults 19,500 won / Children 16,000 won
※Adult fare applies from age 13 and up, Children’s fare applies for ages 3-12. Free admission for babies under 3 years of age.
☞ Website: www.seoultower.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Photos courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization, Namsan Seoul Tower, Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Culture Experience Center & N Seoul Tower
