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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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N Seoul Tower Summary
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| Public website: | www.nseoultower.co.kr |
South Korea – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
South Korean Won (KRW) £1 ≈ ₩1,766 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in South Korea. Credit cards are commonly used in most establishments, including smaller businesses.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in South Korea. However, small tips are appreciated in hotels and for exceptional service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in South Korea, though drinking in public spaces like parks and streets may attract attention. Alcohol is also served in many convenience stores. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available in some outdoor locations. |
| Seollal (January/February) |
Celebrated in January or February with family gatherings |
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| Chuseok (September/October) |
Celebrated in September or October |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 112 (Police), 119 (Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Kakao T, T Map Taxi |
| Other: | South Korea offers a blend of traditional culture and modern technology, with historical sites, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for N Seoul Tower, South Korea
Sunset and evening are the most popular times to visit, with long queues for the cable car and observation deck
Namsan hiking trails can be icy in winter
Don't miss
- 🌆 Visit the 360-degree observatory for panoramic Seoul views
- 🔒 Fasten a love lock at the famous rooftop terrace
- 🍽️ Dine in the revolving restaurant with city skyline views
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! N Seoul Tower is South Korea’s first general radio wave tower, established in 1971 and opened to the public in 1980. It boasts multiple observation decks and restaurants including a revolving French restaurant, offering breathtaking views day and night. The tower lights up spectacularly after sunset, creating a beacon visible across the city.
The tower is particularly popular for its "Locks of Love" on the roof terrace, where couples attach padlocks as a symbol of their affection. Beyond that, visitors enjoy exhibitions, cafés and the adjacent Namsan Park’s hiking and walking paths.
Despite its popularity, the tower can get very crowded, especially in evenings and weekends, leading to longer wait times for the elevator and cable car. Food and souvenirs at the tower can be expensive. Visitors should also be prepared for the steep walk if opting to hike.
For a memorable visit, many recommend arriving before sunset to experience breathtaking city light views transitioning from day to night. The tower’s accessibility and cultural significance make it a must-see in Seoul.
Knowledge before you go
- Take cable car up. Saves time over hiking steep trails.
- Visit at sunset for stunning day-to-night city views from 360-degree observatory deck.
- Buy combo ticket online to skip lines for observatory, terrace and love lock area.
- Built 1969 as broadcast tower on Namsan Mountain; iconic spot for padlocks symbolizing lovers' wishes.
How to travel to N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower is located in central Seoul on Namsan Mountain and is accessible from several subway stations including Myeongdong (Line 4) and Chungmuro (Line 3, 4). Visitors can take a cable car from the base of Namsan or enjoy a scenic hike up. From Incheon International Airport, take the AREX train to Seoul Station and then the subway or taxi to the tower area.
Access summary
- From Incheon Airport: AREX to Seoul Station, metro to Myeongdong, cable car/shuttle (~80–100 min).
- From central Seoul (Myeongdong/Hongdae): Metro to Myeongdong, then walk, bus or cable car (~20–40 min).
- Popular hikes up Namsan from Namsan Park/Myeongdong; scenic 30–60 min walk.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near N Seoul Tower
Seoul offers a range of accommodations from boutique hotels in Myeongdong and Chungmuro to luxury hotels near the city center, providing convenient access to N Seoul Tower and other prime attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for N Seoul Tower
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 42% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to KRW) is 8% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
N Seoul Tower, perched on Namsan Mountain, is generally safe for visitors. The area enjoys robust police presence and well‑lit walkways, with minimal crime reported. Tourists should stay vigilant in crowded crowds, keep valuables secure and avoid isolated paths after dark.
Accessibility
Seoul N‑Tower offers excellent accessibility: elevators, wheelchair ramps and clear signage guide visitors to observation decks. However, crowds can be dense and some older stairways lack handrails. Plan visits during off‑peak hours for a smoother experience.
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