Walking up Namsan
Namsan Park covers the mountain in the middle of Seoul, and N Seoul Tower stands on its summit area at 105 Namsangongwon-gil in Yongsan-gu. Many visitors ride the cable car from the Myeongdong side, but the mountain also has footpaths, a boardwalk and a stretch of the old city wall. If you search for Namsan tower hiking, these are the routes that matter.
The walk up from Myeongdong ends at the lower cable car station, and from there the cable car or your own legs take you on. Walking times from Myeongdong to the tower vary with your pace and the route, so plan some spare time and decide on the spot whether you want the climb or the ride. The Namsan cable car page covers the station, the fares and the hours.
A guided walk through Namsan Park
This evening walk covers the park around the tower with a one-way cable car ride and photo stops at viewpoints.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided walk through the tower grounds, Namsan Park and Myeongdong
A small-group evening walk covers the tower area, the park and Myeongdong with a local English-speaking guide. Check what each option includes before you book.
Namsan Sky Forest Trail
A wooden walkway between Huam-dong and the Namsan Library.
The Namsan Sky Forest Trail is a wooden boardwalk, built to be accessible, that runs for 1.45 km between the Namsan fitness area in Huam-dong and the Namsan Library. The city lists 8 viewpoints and special spots along it. It is a good choice if you want a gentle forest walk rather than a steep stair climb.
Keep one limit in mind. The boardwalk is not a complete step-free connection from Myeongdong to the observation deck. If you travel with a wheelchair or a pushchair, use the trail for the walk itself and plan the rest of the route separately, for example with a bus. The page on getting to N Seoul Tower lists the options.
Seoul City Wall on Namsan
The mountain section of the old fortress wall.
Part of the Seoul City Wall crosses Namsan. The official route runs from Jangchung Gymnasium to Baekbeom Square, a distance of 6.7 km that takes about 3 hours. Entry to Namsan is described as possible around the clock, but that does not mean every building is open or every path is lit and passable at night. Do the wall section in daylight and carry water.
The stone wall with its bastions is also a photo subject in its own right, and the stretch near the summit makes a quieter alternative to the tower plaza. If you like history, read the story of the signal fires next.
The beacon mound
Where the Joseon signal chain ended.
The Bongsudae beacon mound on Mongmyeoksan, the old name of the Namsan summit area, was the last station of the signal chain that carried messages from the border regions to the capital. By day the signal was smoke, by night it was fire. The city wall page dates the mound to 1423, says it was in use until 1895 and gives 1993 for the reconstruction you see today. More background is on the history page.
Cherry blossom and autumn leaves
Two seasons that draw walkers up the mountain.
A city article from 28 March 2025 presents Namsan as an April motif and names the path from the Namsan Public Library to the tower as a cherry blossom route. For autumn, Visit Seoul says leaves in Seoul typically turn at the end of October or the start of November, and that Namsan comes slightly later than the inner city. Bloom and colour dates shift from year to year, so keep your dates flexible. Weather averages by month are on the best time to visit page.
A car-free mountain road
Why you arrive by bus, cable car or on foot.
General car access to Namsan has been restricted since 1 May 2005, and the tower operator names protection of the ecosystem as the reason. Park at the surrounding car parks and continue by bus or on foot. Do not count on a taxi to the front door. Since August 2021 diesel tour coaches also have to switch at the Namsan Yejang transfer car park.
The two circular buses are 01A and 01B, both running from 06:30 to 23:00. The fare is 1,500 KRW and the English page says transport card only. Bus 01A runs every 9 minutes and 01B every 14 minutes according to the operator. Good subway connections are Chungmuro on lines 3 and 4 and Dongguk University on line 3.
Namsan Night Festival and Night Trail 2026
Dated events, not a daily programme.
The city lists the Namsan Night Festival from 23 October to 14 November 2026. Some activities in Yejang Park, Baekbeom Square and Palgak Square need registration in advance, and the festival does not mean the park requires a reservation. A separate guided Night Trail of about 3 km from Namsangol Hanok Village over Jamdubong to the Octagonal Pavilion is planned for 21 November 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00. See the evening page for the tower after dark.
The tower area has its own opening hours, and the observation deck status can change, so look at the current operating notice before you plan a visit around the deck. The opening hours page explains what to check.
Namsan Park: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to walk up Namsan to the tower?
The climb takes as long as your pace and route make it. Walk to the lower cable car station first, then decide between the ride and the climb. The city wall route from Jangchung Gymnasium to Baekbeom Square is 6.7 km and about 3 hours.
Is the Sky Forest Trail suitable for wheelchairs?
The 1.45 km boardwalk between Huam-dong and the Namsan Library is described as accessible. It is not a proven step-free route all the way from the subway to the observation deck, so plan the rest of the journey separately.
Can I drive up to N Seoul Tower?
General car access to Namsan has been restricted since 2005. Use the circular buses 01A and 01B, the cable car or your feet. Taxis do not go to the front entrance.
Is Namsan Park open at night?
The city wall page lists access to Namsan around the clock. That does not guarantee that every building or path is open or safe in the dark, so stay on lit and busy routes.
When is the Namsan Night Festival?
The city lists 23 October to 14 November 2026. Some activities need advance registration. A separate Night Trail is planned for 21 November 2026 from 19:00 to 21:00.
Is the observation deck open when I visit?
The operator site has shown a notice that the observatory is temporarily closed, without a period. Check the current status before you go and before you buy a ticket.