How to Get Up N Seoul Tower: Cable Car, Bus or Walk
Walking up Namsan is free and takes about 25 to 30 minutes, bus 01A or 01B costs roughly 1,500 won, and the cable car is 15,000 won round trip for adults. Choose the cable car for views and rest, the bus for tired legs, and the trail if you have energy.
- Cheapest
- Walking, free
- Cable car
- 15,000 won round trip, 10:00 to 23:00
- Observatory ticket
- 29,000 won adult (separate)
- Official site
- N Seoul Tower
What should I know before I go?
Details checked October 17, 2026
The tower sits on top of Namsan, so every route ends with an uphill stretch, and none of the paid options drop you right at the door. The cable car stops at a station below the summit, and the Namsan circular bus stops about 357 m from the tower, according to Visit Seoul.
- Worth knowing: The tower's observatory is a separate ticket (about 29,000 won for adults per Visit Seoul). The hill, plaza and views from the base need no ticket.
- A common mistake: Assuming the cable car is the only quick way. The operator's page lists a short walk from Myeong-dong Station Exit 3, and a free incline lift called Namsan Orumi links Tunnel 3 to the cable car station.
- Weekend crowds: One report of Korean newspaper coverage cites one to two hour cable car queues on weekends in peak season, and says buses can be full. Go earlier in the day if you can.
- Nearby base: Myeongdong is the closest hub. See Staying in Myeongdong and Myeongdong vs Hongdae vs Insadong.
Which way up is best?
Take the cable car if you want the easiest ride, bus 01A or 01B if you want the cheapest paid ride, and the forest trail if you want exercise. The cable car boards about a 10 to 15 minute walk from Myeong-dong Station Exit 3, per the operator.
- Cable car: short ride, good views, but queues on weekends.
- Bus 01A / 01B: cheap, from Chungmuro Station Exit 2 or Dongdaemun Station Exit 6 (Visit Seoul), but it can be crowded.
- Walking: free. A report cites about 25 minutes from Myeongdong Station Exit 3 and 954 deck steps on the Northern Forest Trail; allow 30 to 60 minutes in total.
Practical example: a visitor staying in Myeongdong can walk to the cable car, ride up in the afternoon, then go down on the bus or trail after dark.
How much does each way cost?
Free on foot, about 1,500 won by bus and 12,000 to 15,000 won by cable car for an adult. Prices are approximate; confirm on the official pages below.
| Option | Time | Adult cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk (forest trail) | About 25 to 60 min | Free | Fit visitors, good weather |
| Bus 01A / 01B | Varies with waits | About 1,500 won | Budget, tired legs |
| Cable car one way | About 3 min ride plus queue | 12,000 won | Going up or down only |
| Cable car round trip | About 3 min each way plus queue | 15,000 won | Views, families |
Children (36 months to 12 years) and seniors over 65 pay 11,500 won round trip, per the operator. The cable car runs 10:00 to 23:00; hours can change with weather.
The tower itself is open daily, according to Visit Seoul: 10:00 to 22:30 on weekdays and 10:00 to 23:00 on weekends, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. If you plan to see the city lights, arrive before sunset so you can ride up in daylight and stay into the evening, then choose the bus or cable car for the way down when the trail is dark and your legs are tired.
The free Namsan Orumi incline lift only connects Namsan Tunnel 3 to the cable car station. The operator says it runs 09:00 to 23:00, pauses for inspection on Mondays from 09:00 to 14:00, and closes in strong wind or heavy rain, so it should not be your only plan on a wet day.
How do I walk up from Myeongdong?
Head to Myeong-dong Station, follow the Namsan signs to the trail, and climb the steps to the tower; allow at least 30 minutes.
- Get to the station. Take Subway Line 4 to Myeong-dong Station and leave by Exit 3.
- Find the cable car area. Follow the street beside the Pacific Hotel toward the cable car station, as described by the operator.
- Join the trail. Follow the Namsan trail signs uphill. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water.
- Finish at the tower. Buy an observatory ticket at the tower if you want the view from inside. Going down, the bus or cable car saves your knees.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way up to N Seoul Tower?
Walking is free. Of the paid options, Namsan Circular bus 01A or 01B costs about 1,500 won with a transit card, against 15,000 won round trip for the cable car.
How much is the Namsan cable car?
Per the operator, an adult pays 15,000 won round trip or 12,000 won one way. Children and seniors pay 11,500 won round trip or 9,000 won one way. It runs 10:00 to 23:00.
Does the cable car go all the way to the tower?
No. It stops at the top station on Namsan, and you walk a short way from there to the tower. Tickets are sold at the station.
How much does the N Seoul Tower observatory cost?
Seoul's tourism site lists 29,000 won for adults and 23,000 won for children. Going up to the plaza around the tower costs nothing; the observatory is a separate ticket.
Official sources and useful links
Links open in a new tab. Prices and hours above are approximate; verify on these pages.
- N Seoul Tower: Getting here by cable car cable car fares, hours and boarding directions
- Visit Seoul: Namsan Seoul Tower observatory hours, admission and bus directions
- Visit Seoul: Namsan Park background on the park and trails
- VisitKorea (Korea Tourism Organization) official tourism information in English
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