How to Get to N Seoul Tower: Complete Guide to Cable Car, Bus & Walking Options

N Seoul Tower sits on top of Namsan Mountain, right in the heart of the city. When the sun goes down and the city lights up, the view from up there is absolutely magical—you can see the entire Seoul skyline stretching out in every direction. If you’re staying near Seoul Station, getting there is easier than you might think.

What’s the Best Way to Get to N Seoul Tower from Seoul Station?

The most convenient option is the free shuttle bus + Namsan Cable Car combination. It’s simple, scenic, and saves you from a steep uphill walk.

Here’s exactly how to do it:

Option 1: Free Shuttle Bus + Cable Car (Recommended)

Step 1: Catch the Free Shuttle Bus

Walk to the Seoul Square bus stop right outside Seoul Station. Look for the shuttle bus with the “Namsan Cable Car” sign.

Step 2: Ride the Namsan Cable Car

The shuttle drops you at Namsan Cable Car station. From there, it’s a 3-minute cable car ride up to the tower. The ride itself is part of the experience—watching Seoul get smaller beneath you as you glide up the mountain.

Pro tip: Buy your cable car tickets online through Klook or KKday for a discount—you can save around 10-15%.

Option 2: Subway + Shuttle Bus + Cable Car

If you’re not near Seoul Station, don’t worry—the subway is your best friend. Myeongdong Station (Line 4) is the closest subway station to N Seoul Tower, so wherever you are in Seoul, just head there.

1. Take the subway to Myeongdong Station (Line 4)
2. Exit through Exit 1
3. Catch the free shuttle bus to Namsan Cable Car station (runs every 30 minutes, 12:00–20:30)
4. Take the cable car up

This option works great if you want to explore Myeongdong’s shops and street food before heading up to the tower.

Option 3: Namsan Circulation Bus (Budget-Friendly)

If you’re looking to save some money, the Namsan Circulation Bus is a great option—it costs just ₩1,400 and takes you almost all the way to the tower.

Where do you catch the bus?

Head to one of these two subway stations:

• Chungmuro Station (Line 3 or 4) – This is the most convenient option. It’s a major transfer station, so you can get here easily from most parts of Seoul.
• Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Line 3) – Another option if you’re coming from that area.

Once you exit the station, look for the bus stops for 01A or 01B.

Which bus should you take?

Both buses stop at “Namsan Seoul Tower” (남산서울타워), so either one will get you there. Here’s the difference:

I recommend taking whichever one arrives first. From the bus stop, it’s about a 5-10 minute walk uphill to the tower.

Important: You need a transit card

This bus does not accept cash. You must have a Korean transit card to board. Make sure you have one of these ready before you go:

• T-money card – The most common transit card in Korea. You can purchase one at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) near subway stations. See our [T-money Guide] for more details.
• KORAIL PASS+ – If you purchased this for train travel, it also works on buses and subways. Check out our [KORAIL PASS+ Guide] for setup instructions.

A few things to keep in mind:

• No food or drinks allowed on the bus (including coffee)
• Buses can fill up quickly on weekends—if a bus is full, it may pass without stopping
• In winter (December–February), snowy or icy conditions may cause buses to skip the tower stop

Option 4: Walk Up (For the Adventurous)

If you enjoy hiking, you can walk up Namsan Mountain. From Myeongdong Station, it takes about 40-60 minutes via stairs and forest paths. It’s a lovely walk, especially in spring or fall, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you reach the top.

However, I wouldn’t personally recommend this option if you’re following this 7-day itinerary. You still have a lot of ground to cover in the coming days—including Busan and Gyeongju—so it’s worth saving your energy. Unless you have strong legs and plenty of stamina, the cable car or bus is a more practical choice.

How Much Does N Seoul Tower Cost?

The tower plaza, restaurants, and gift shops are free to access. You only pay if you want to go up to the observatory.

Is the observatory worth it? Honestly, yes—especially at night. The 360-degree view is spectacular, and on a clear day you can see surprisingly far. But if you’re on a tight budget, the view from the tower plaza (which is free) is still pretty impressive.

When Should I Visit for the Best Night View?

Here’s my tip: arrive about 30 minutes before sunset. That way you catch the golden hour, watch the sky change colors, and then see the entire city light up as darkness falls. It’s genuinely one of those “wow” moments.

Best timing for night view: Arrive around 5:30-6:00 PM in winter, 7:00-7:30 PM in summer.

Helpful Maps & Resources

Planning your visit to N Seoul Tower? These official maps from the Seoul Metropolitan Government can help you navigate the area:

• Namsan Park Major Transportation Routes Map (PDF) – Overview of buses, cable car, and walking paths around Namsan
• Namsan Dulle-gil Trail Map (PDF) – Detailed trail map for those who want to explore Namsan on foot

These resources are available in English and can be downloaded for offline use.