The observatory
All of Seoul from above.
4hv494ra8 — CC0 · Scott Edmunds — CC BY 2.0 · Rtflakfizer — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kok Leng Yeo — CC BY 2.0
Seoul's best-known landmark, a communications and observation tower on the summit of Mount Namsan in the middle of the city. The tower itself is 236 metres tall, and with the mountain beneath it the top stands about 480 metres above sea level. It was built as the country's first shared broadcasting tower for television and radio stations and opened to the public in 1980. From the enclosed observatory at the top you can see the whole of Seoul: the palaces, the Han River and the ring of mountains. At the foot of the tower are free open-air terraces over the city, and fences covered with thousands of «love locks» left by visitors. Private cars are not allowed up to the summit. Most visitors ride the Namsan cable car from the Myeongdong side, take the Namsan circular buses, or walk up a shaded trail in about half an hour. The view at sunset and after dark is the finest, and also the busiest. The summit plaza and terraces are free; the ticket is for the observatory only. Allow two hours including the trip up and down, and pick a clear day.
All of Seoul from above.
A short ride from Myeongdong.
Free views and love locks.
105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, on the summit of Mount Namsan
Namsangol Hanok VillageA heritage village on the northern foot of Mount Namsan, with five traditional J13 minutes walk4.5
Namdaemun MarketThe largest traditional market in Korea and one of the oldest, dating back to 1416 minutes walk4.1
MyeongdongSeoul's best-known shopping district and its busiest with tourists, a grid of pe18 minutes walk4.4
War Memorial of KoreaA large museum of Korean military history in the Yongsan district, opened in 19924 minutes walk4.5The observatory costs 29,000 won for adults and 23,000 won for children aged 3-12 and seniors, per the official site. The summit plaza and outdoor terraces are free.
By the Namsan cable car from the Myeongdong side, by the Namsan circular buses, or on foot in about half an hour. Private cars cannot drive to the summit.