πΌ N Seoul Tower (Namsan Seoul Tower) — Updated 2026 Guide, Tips, Photos & Love Locks Info
Reflecting on our visit, our time at N Seoul Tower felt a bit rushed—and honestly, part of that was because we decided not to go up to the observatory. We figured the view from the base and plaza would be just as good, and since we had so many pictures to take, we were content just exploring Seoul Tower Plaza and the surrounding free areas.
If you’re thinking “I don’t want to pay extra,” this guide is perfect for you because we’ll cover what you can enjoy without going up the tower, plus updated 2026 prices, tips, and what’s new at the landmark this year.
π What Is N Seoul Tower?
N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Seoul Tower, is Seoul’s iconic landmark perched on top of Namsan Mountain. Originally a broadcast tower in 1969, it has become one of the city’s most beloved spots for panoramic city views, cultural experiences, and romantic moments.
- π️ Height: ~480 m above sea level (243m mountain + 236.7m tower)
- π Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- ☎️ Phone: +82-2-3455-9277 / 9288 (for general inquiries)
- π️ Open: All year round (observatory and plaza hours may vary)
πΈ What You Can Do Without Paying Extra
If you choose not to go up to the observatory or pay for indoor attractions, here are the highlights you can still enjoy at no extra cost:
❤️ Love Locks & Romantic Vibes
One of the most iconic sights at N Seoul Tower is the Love Locks area—fences and railings filled with padlocks from couples around the world. Each lock represents a promise, a bond, or simply a fun memory. It’s become one of Seoul’s most photographed spots.
π‘ Updated 2026 Love Lock
Pricing Estimate:
You can buy padlocks at the gift shops around the Tower Plaza, typically priced
around 5,000–15,000 KRW (varies by size/design). These are not
included as part of tower admission—so the only cost here is the actual
lock you choose to buy.
π· Photo Spots & Displays Around Plaza
Around the base and plaza area you can enjoy:
- Seoul Animation Center displays (new interactive & LED exhibits added in 2025–2026)
- Colorful murals and digital art walls
- Outdoor terraces with fun backdrops
- Panoramic viewpoints looking out over Seoul
- K-drama photo ops (lots of scenes from popular series were filmed here)

Because we skipped the observatory, we took our time walking around, snapping photos, and just enjoying the lively vibe without feeling rushed.

πΉ Shops & CafΓ©s
The Seoul Tower Plaza has plenty of laid-back spots where you can:
- Grab a drink at Starbucks, Gong Cha, A Twosome Place
- Try snacks at Food O’clock, N Burger
- Pick up souvenirs or cute gifts
- Relax on terraces with great views — all without an observatory ticket purchase
π️ Updated 2026 N Seoul Tower Fees
If you do decide to go further (observatory, museum, Hello Kitty Island, etc.), here’s the latest official 2026 pricing:
π Observatory & Attractions (Onsite Options)
(Official tower prices; may vary if booked online or via promo)
- Observatory Only: ~10,000 KRW (Adults) / ~8,000 KRW (Children)
- Ssentoy Museum & Showroom: ~10,000 KRW adults/children
- Hello Kitty Island: ~8,000 KRW adults / ~7,000 KRW children


π Package Deals
- Observatory + Ssentoy: ~14,000 KRW adults / ~11,000 KRW children
- Observatory + Hello Kitty: ~12,500 KRW adults / ~10,500 KRW children
- All-Three Package: ~19,500 KRW adults / ~16,000 KRW children
- Tower Combo / Snacks + Drinks Bundles: ~21,000–26,000 KRW depending on combo
π‘ Pro Tip: Online tickets (via Klook/Pelago/etc.) can sometimes offer better prices or skip-the-line entry for the observatory deck.
π Updated Operating Hours (2026)
Observatory hours are subject to schedule changes, but generally:
- π️ Sunday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- π️ Saturday: 10:00 AM – Midnight
- π§ Last admission is ~30 minutes before closing
Even if you don’t go up, the tower and plaza area remain open throughout the day for photos, snacks, views, and sunset watching.
π How to Get There (Updated Tips)
Here are a few convenient ways to reach N Seoul Tower:
π Option 1: Cable Car
Take the Namsan Cable Car from near Myeong-dong Station; it’s scenic and adds to the experience.
π Option 2: Namsan Shuttle Bus
- 02 Bus: From Chungmuro Station (Line 3/4) or Dongguk University Station (Line 3)
- 03 Bus: From Seoul Station, Itaewon Station, or Hangangjin Station
- 05 Bus: From Myeong-dong Station or Chungmuro Station
πΆ Option 3: Scenic Walk / Hike
You can also hike up through Namsan Park for free, which is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season or autumn foliage — but be prepared for an uphill walk.
☀️ Tips Before You Go (2026 Edition)
π Best Time for Views:
- Sunset → golden hour → city lights
- Weekdays early afternoon often less crowded
πΈ Photo Tips:
- The Love Locks area is perfect for daytime or sunset photos
- Plaza terraces offer wide city vistas that rival the observatory
- Bring a jacket if you’re staying until night (it gets chilly at higher elevations)
π½️ Food Tips:
- Dining inside the tower (like n.GRILL) is pricier — so many locals grab something before/after the visit in nearby neighborhoods like Myeong-dong or Itaewon.
π¬ Looking back, skipping the observatory didn’t ruin our experience — it actually gave us more time to enjoy the plaza, snap photos, and soak up the atmosphere without pressure. The Love Locks, the outdoor displays, and the views around the base were more than enough for us, especially since we were there to capture memories rather than conquer heights.
πΏ Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote
π“Travel isn’t about paying for the highest view—it’s about appreciating the moment right where you stand.”π«
π’ Share This Post
πΈ Have you been to N Seoul Tower
yet—whether for the Love Locks, sunset views, or observatory deck?
π¬ Drop your favorite moment in the comments! Share where you took your
best photo or what time of day you visited.
Planning your own Seoul itinerary soon? Send me a message—I’d love to help you plan the perfect route (whether you want to go up the tower or just enjoy the plaza vibes)! π°π·✨





















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