Wherever you are in Seoul, you'll usually be able to spot this landmark that offers superb views over the city.
Standing an impressive 237 metres tall, the iconic N Seoul Tower offers panoramic views of the city and beyond from its popular observation deck. Situated at the top of Namsan Mountain and first used as a broadcast tower, the tower is home to cinemas, restaurants and performance spaces. The Seoul Tower has been operating as a tourist attraction since 1980, and in 2005, it added its now famous light displays and the “N” to its name.
Your first stop should be the observation deck. Buy tickets from the booth outside the tower and go up to the deck, which offers incredible views in all directions across Seoul. Stay for dinner at the rotating French restaurant – every 48 minutes the restaurant does one full rotation, meaning you can appreciate the view from all perspectives.
It’s a tradition among couples to fasten a “love padlock” on the roof terrace of N Plaza, or to fling heart-shaped coins into the tower’s pretty Wishing Pond. The N Seoul Tower is also home to the rather bizarre Teddy Bear Museum, a collection of stuffed toys old and new.
Pay a visit to Seoul’s highest toilet facilities at the Hanuel Restroom, which is more akin to an art gallery! You’ll be hard pressed to find better views while you wash your hands!
When the sun goes down, the N Seoul Tower lights up, with fantastic seasonal light displays. Bring your camera and enjoy them from street level. Alternatively, you can head up Mount Namsan itself, taking the Namsan cable car from Hoehyeon-dong. The cable cars depart regularly and take only three minutes to take you all the way to the Mt Namsan stop, from where you can walk the rest of the way to the tower.
The N Seoul Tower is open until late all year round. Try and visit on a clear day when the views are at their best.
