The Tokyo Tower in Japan, Oriental Pearl Tower in China, and Eiffel Tower in France. There are skyscrapers in the renowned cities around the world that look down at the cityscape. Korea is the same. Located in Jung-gu of Seoul, the N Seoul Tower is located in the middle of the city center and overlooks at every corner of Seoul. It is also a place that is always crowded with people particularly for lovers as a dating spot because there are plenty of things to enjoy and eat out. For this reason, the N Seoul Tower has been selected as the most visited tourist destination in Seoul by foreigners in 2012 and has been listed on Seoul Future Heritage in 2018. Not to mention, it’s the most representative tourist attraction in Korea.

#The landmark of Seoul, N Seoul Tower

The N Seoul Tower, seen everywhere in Seoul, is not an exaggeration to say that it is one of the iconic symbols of Seoul. Built in 1975 to transmit TV and radio broadcasts to the metropolitan area, the tower was opened to the public in 1980, which has become a much-loved tourist attraction in Seoul. The name is a combination of ‘Namsan Mountain’ and ‘N’ for symbolizing ‘New’.

Namsan Mountain, where the tower is located, is 262 meters above sea level, similar to the height of the tower itself of 23 stories(236.7 m). Considering the elevation of observatory deck perched atop the N Seoul Tower, it overlooks the most breathtaking view of Seoul from 400m above sea level. There are gift shops, coffee shops, and restaurants on the 1st to 3rd floors, an observation deck on the 4th to 5th floors, and a French restaurant on the 7th floor. The 6th floor was an open-air observatory, but it has not been operated since it was renovated in 2005.

A round-trip shuttle bus is available from exit 1 of Myeongdong Station to the N Seoul Tower cable car boarding station, which is offered for free of charge. To take the cable car, it only cost 6,000 won for one way.

Inquiries and operating hours: + 82-2-3455-9277 / Daily 11:30-22:00

Address: 126 Namsan Park-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

*Tip admission fee

Observatory (adult) 11,000 won (child) 9,000 won

*Addition Info. Check the air quality with N Seoul Tower

The city of Seoul has been providing a service to indicate air pollution level with the lights of tower to quickly and easily inform the public of air quality since 2011. The tower lights up the city with different colors depending on the air condition. The lights are blue when the fine dust concentration is ‘good’(0 ~ 15㎍ / ㎥), and green light shows ‘normal’(16 ~ 35㎍ / ㎥), while yellow light is emitted when the level of air pollution is ‘bad’(36 ~ 75㎍ / ㎥), and N Seoul Tower shines in red when it reaches ‘worst’(75㎍ / ㎥).

#Various things to enjoy in Namsan

‧Love lock

The Love Lock Observatory at the entrance of N Seoul Tower is a place where lovers promise their endless love to each other. It is due to the belief that love will last forever like a padlock that cannot be released. The countless locks are full of desired love messages and their lovers’ names. In the recent years, as the observation deck fences for locks became completely occupied, it is now possible to hang a love lock on the 1st floor terrace of the tower.

‧Namsan Palgakjeong and Mokmyeoksan Bongsudae

As you climb to the top of Namsan Mountain, Palgakjeong Pavilion and Mokmyeoksan Mountain Beacon Fire Station(Bongsudae) can be found around the square. The Mokmyeoksan Bongsudae, erected more than 600 years ago, served as the central destination point for all fire beacons in the peninsula which was finally delivered to the royal palace. To commemorate such history, the Namsan Bongsudae Lighting ceremony is held every day from 11am to 12:30pm except on Mondays. It is a well-liked experience program for foreign visitors as one can play a drum that announces the beginning of the ceremony, and also try out the costume.

#Introducing dining places around N Seoul Tower

‧Hancook

Hancook is a restaurant specialized in Korean cuisine, where a wide range of 30 varied types of Korean food are served as all-you-can-eat. Along with the buffet, you can also choose tasteful main dishes such as charcoal-grilled pork aged with angelica leaves, broiled mero fillet marinated with miso sauce, galchi jorim, and pan-fried bulgogi. Since the restaurant is located on the tower, it is a popular spot to enjoy food with a panoramic view of Seoul. A package deal with Hancook and observation deck is also offered which allows you to have your meals at a lower price.

Reservation and inquiries: +82-2-3455-9292

Address: 105 Namsan Park-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

‧101 Namsan Pork Cutlet

The restaurant was opened in 1992, where the famous expression ‘Namsan Pork Cutlet’ was created. With the brand philosophy of ‘twice the taste and twice the size’, it is recognized for its Korean-style homemade pork cutlet. There are only five menus, but the special sauce is what makes this place keep going. It is one of the most visited restaurants in Namsan, with more than 300,000 customers annually visiting the main store.

Reservations and inquiries: +82-2-777-7929

Address: 101 Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul