Is Namsan Mountain a difficult walk?

The walk is considered challenging because of the steep incline and numerous stairs. However, the paths are well-paved and there are many benches and viewpoints where you can rest during the ascent.

What is the best time to visit N Seoul Tower?

The best time is about an hour before sunset. This allows you to see the city in daylight, enjoy the golden hour for photography, and watch the city lights come on after dark.

Can I reach the top of Namsan without walking?

Yes, you can take the Namsan Cable Car from the base near Myeong-dong or use the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus (Yellow Bus) that runs from various subway stations like Chungmuro or Dongguk University.

Is there an entry fee for Namsan Park?

No, Namsan Park and the walking trails are free to the public. You only need to pay if you choose to enter the N Seoul Tower observation deck or ride the cable car.

Where are the love locks in Seoul located?

The love locks are located at the base of the N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain. There are several designated 'Love Lock' roof terraces and fences surrounding the tower plaza.

Is Namsangol Hanok Village worth visiting?

Yes, it offers a great contrast to the modern tower. It is a quiet area where you can see five traditional houses and a beautiful pond, providing a peaceful end to the mountain trek.

Are there restrooms on Namsan Mountain?

Yes, there are public restrooms at the start in Baekbeom Square, at the cable car stations, and multiple facilities at the N Seoul Tower plaza at the summit.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Namsan Mountain stands as the verdant heart of Seoul, a symbolic peak that offers a dramatic juxtaposition between ancient fortress walls and the futuristic silhouette of the N Seoul Tower. This self-guided walking route invites you to ascend the slopes of Namsan, moving from the historic Baekbeom Square to the iconic viewpoints that define the city's skyline. As you navigate the winding paths and stone steps, you'll discover why this mountain has been a sentinel for Seoul for over 600 years. The journey begins at Baekbeom Square, where the restored city walls provide a perfect frame for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the contrast between old Joseon-era masonry and the glass towers of downtown Seoul. From here, the route climbs through lush forest trails, offering a peaceful escape from the urban rush below. You'll encounter the Namsan Cable Car area and the famous Love Locks, where thousands of colorful padlocks symbolize eternal promises against a backdrop of panoramic city views. Reaching the summit at N Seoul Tower, you are rewarded with 360-degree vistas that stretch from the Han River to the distant Bukhansan mountains. This exploration isn't just about the heights, though; the descent leads you toward the Namsangol Hanok Village, a meticulously preserved cluster of traditional Korean houses that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the past. This walking tour Seoul provides is designed for those who appreciate a physical challenge paired with immense visual rewards. Whether you are capturing the sunset from the observation decks or tracing the history of the Seoul City Wall, Namsan provides an essential Seoul experience. This independent neighborhood stroll allows you to linger at the viewpoints that matter most to you, making it an ideal choice for a flexible half-day adventure. While some parts of the ascent are steep, the well-maintained trails and frequent rest areas make it a rewarding trek for any active traveler looking to see Seoul from a new perspective.

Highlights

Panoramic 360-degree views of Seoul's skyline from the N Seoul Tower summit

The historic Seoul City Wall at Baekbeom Square, perfect for photography

The colorful and romantic Love Lock installations at the base of the tower

A scenic trek through Namsan Park's lush forested trails

Traditional Korean architecture and cultural heritage at Namsangol Hanok Village

Tour Stops (6)

Namsan Baekbeom Square

Welcome to Baekbeom Square, a place where Seoul's modern pulse meets its ancient foundations. This park is named in honor of Kim Koo, a leader of the Korean independence movement whose pen name was Baekbeom. As you look around, you'll see a magnificently restored section of the Seoul City Wall, originally built in 1396 to protect the capital of the Joseon Dynasty. This is one of the best spots for photography in the city, especially where the stone wall appears to point directly toward the modern skyscrapers of the Namdaemun district. It’s a quiet, breezy start to your climb, offering a moment of reflection before the steeper ascent begins.

Namsan Park Trails

As you move deeper into Namsan Park, you are entering the largest park in Seoul. While Namsan is only 262 meters high, its central location makes it the city's most important geographic landmark. The trails here are lined with pine trees, which have long been a symbol of longevity and resilience in Korean culture. Historically, Namsan served as a vital signaling point; you might spot the traditional 'Bongsudae' or signal fire mounds near the top, which were used to transmit urgent military news across the country using smoke by day and fire by night. Enjoy the fresh air as the city noise begins to fade away.

Namsan Cable Car Area

You've reached the upper plateau near the Namsan Cable Car terminal. First opened in 1962, this was the first cable car of its kind in Korea. It serves as a popular alternative for those who want to skip the stairs, but even from the walking path, the view of the cabins gliding over the treetops is a classic Seoul sight. This area marks the transition from the natural parkland to the more commercial and tourist-focused summit. If you look down toward the city from here, you can see the dense clusters of the Myeong-dong shopping district and the historic center spread out below you.

Love Lock of Seoul Tower

Before you reach the tower itself, you'll encounter the famous Love Lock trees and fences. Thousands upon thousands of colorful padlocks are fastened here, each representing a promise made by couples from around the world. The tradition began decades ago, inspired by similar sites in Europe, and has since become an iconic part of Seoul’s romantic identity. It is said that if you lock your padlock here and throw away the key, your love will last forever. Whether you're here with a partner or solo, the sheer volume of locks creates a vibrant, textured foreground for your photos of the city skyline.

N Seoul Tower

Standing before you is the N Seoul Tower, a 236-meter tall communication and observation tower that has defined the Seoul skyline since it opened to the public in 1980. It sits atop the peak of Namsan, making its tip one of the highest points in the city. The tower isn't just a functional mast; it’s a cultural hub featuring digital observatories and a rotating restaurant. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Incheon and the Yellow Sea to the west. At night, the tower is illuminated with various colors, sometimes indicating the air quality—blue for clear skies and red for poor conditions.

Namsangol Hanok Village

Descending the mountain on the northern side brings you to Namsangol Hanok Village. This site is unique because it features five traditional Korean houses, or 'hanoks,' that were relocated here from different parts of Seoul to be preserved. These houses belonged to various social classes, from commoners to high-ranking government officials, allowing you to see the differences in Joseon-era architecture. The village also features a traditional garden, a pavilion, and a time capsule plaza buried in 1994 to celebrate Seoul's 600th anniversary. It’s a peaceful, historic bookend to your high-altitude adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

It typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to walk from the base at Baekbeom Square to the N Seoul Tower summit. This depends on your pace and how many stops you take to enjoy the views along the steep staircases.