Landmark
Namsan Seoul Tower
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Namsan Seoul Tower is a 236-meter-tall communication and observation tower on the summit of Namsan in central Seoul. It was the nation’s first tower servicing multiple TV and radio broadcasters and is considered a landmark and symbol of the city. From the tower, you get sweeping views of Seoul north of Namsan.
Don't miss
- Palgakjeong Square (Namsan Octagonal Pavilion Square) with an eight-sided pavilion built in 1959 and rebuilt in 1968
- Namsan Bongsudae (beacon towers), reconstructed in 1993, with daily reenactments of Joseon-era beacon lighting
- Love locks at designated areas including the Proposal Staircase, Bridge of Love, and Roof Terrace
- A 500-year time capsule placed in 1985, to be opened in 2485
- Marker for the geographic center of Seoul, with GPS equipment used as a trig point
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Namsan Seoul Tower
You don't need a tour to visit, entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Namsan Seoul Tower with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inPainters Show in Gwanghwamun Theater (nearby Seodaemun station)4.9★ · 118 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$24 per personSee dates →
Best full dayBest DMZ Tour Korea from Seoul (Suspension Bridge & JSA Museum)4.9★ · 47,835 travelers7-9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$50 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleNight Flexible Private Guided Tour in Seoul(Optional Layover)5★ · 28 travelers5-6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$140 per personSee dates →Getting there
Know before you go
- The Namsan Cable Car (opened 1962) provides a 3-minute ride from the northern edge of Namsan Park to the tower. An inclined elevator (Namsan Oreumi) connects Sogong-ro to the cable car station; a free shuttle bus runs from Exit 1 of Myeongdong Station.
- Seoul public transit bus lines 01A and 01B loop around Namsan and stop at the tower. Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses also stop every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon, and twice evenings.
- Cyclists can access the tower via the South Ringway (Namsangongwon-gil), open only to bicycles and CNG-powered buses. Bicycle parking at the tower is limited; there is no Seoul Bike dock onsite.
- Walking trails include the Namsan Sky Forest Trail (opened October 2025, barrier-free), the Namsan Northern Forest Trail (opened July 2025, 954 steps), and the Seoul City Wall Perimeter Path (4.2 km).
- Photography restrictions have been imposed to inhibit surveillance of the presidential residence. A designated photo zone with views of the former president's home was closed during Yoon Suk Yeol's administration (2022–2025).
A bit of history
The tower was proposed by broadcasters and the government to house commercial broadcasting and communications facilities. Ground broke in December 1969, and the tower was completed in 1975. Observation decks were initially unused due to security concerns about views of the Blue House, but opened to the public in October 1980. The tower was bought by YTN in 1999. In 2005, the observation levels reopened as N Seoul Tower after renovation. A less-publicized function has been housing equipment to jam North Korean broadcast signals.
Common questions
How do I get to Namsan Seoul Tower without a car?
You can take the Namsan Cable Car (3-minute ride from the northern edge of Namsan Park), city shuttle buses (lines 01A and 01B), hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses, or walk via several trails including the Namsan Sky Forest Trail and the Seoul City Wall Perimeter Path.
What is the love lock tradition at the tower?
Visitors inscribe padlocks and fasten them to designated areas like the Proposal Staircase, Bridge of Love, and Roof Terrace to celebrate romantic partnerships or show devotion to K-drama idols.
What do the tower's colored lights mean?
For special occasions, sections of the shaft can be lit in different colors.
Is the tower accessible for wheelchair users?
The Namsan Sky Forest Trail (opened October 2025) is barrier-free and accommodates wheelchairs and strollers. It leads to a rest area and Health Garden along the South Ringway, from which you can continue to the tower.
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