Namsan is one of Seoul’s most familiar landmarks, yet it still feels different every time you walk it.
It’s the locks left by countless couples, the view where old Seoul and modern buildings exist side by side, and most of all, the experience of walking up instead of taking the cable car. That slow climb is something you don’t really get anywhere else in the city.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through a route that starts in Myeongdong, goes up to Namsan Tower on foot, and continues down to Haebangchon. You don’t need the cable car. If anything, skipping it is the whole point.
But if you do that, you miss the most important part of Namsan.
The greenery.
Why You Should Walk Instead of Taking the Cable Car
Most first-time visitors take the cable car. It’s quick and easy.But if you do that, you miss the most important part of Namsan.
The greenery.
There aren’t many places in central Seoul where you can feel this much nature all at once. Cherry blossoms in spring, dense green in summer, foliage in autumn — the 20 to 30 minutes you spend walking up changes completely with the seasons. It’s something you just can’t replicate by riding up.
Recommended Route: Myeongdong → Namsan → Haebangchon
Step 1. Start from Myeongdong Station
The easiest starting point is Exit 5 of Myeongdong Station. Walk straight toward Hoehyeon Intersection, then turn left. You’ll start seeing signs for the cable car station and Namsan Oreumi.This part takes about 15 minutes.
Namdaemun Market is within walking distance from Myeongdong, making it easy to combine both in one route—see [Ultimate Guide to Namdaemun Market].
Step 2. Take the Namsan Oreumi (Optional)
Namsan Oreumi (an outdoor inclined elevator) is a free escalator system that helps you get up the initial slope. It runs about 70 meters and takes roughly 2 minutes, ending near the cable car station.It’s important to know that this isn’t the whole climb. It just saves you some effort at the beginning — you’ll still need to walk the rest.
- Hours: 09:00–23:00
- Closed Mondays 09:00–14:00 for maintenance
Step 3. Walk Along the Northern Circular Path
Once you reach the cable car area, don’t go straight up to the tower. Instead, follow the northern circular walking path.This 3.4 km route is pedestrian-only, with no cars or bikes. The slope is gentle, and it feels more like walking through a forest than being in the middle of a city.
There are a few viewpoints along the way where you can stop and look out over Seoul.
From the top, you get a wide view of Seoul — high-rise buildings mixed with historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung all in one frame.
N Seoul Tower: Locks, Views, and K-Drama Moments
Around the tower, you’ll see thousands of love locks attached to metal fences and structures. It might sound cliché, but seeing it in person feels very different. You can also buy a lock at the site and add your own.
Namsan Tower has also been used as a filming location for decades.
- Queen of Tears (2024) — Starring Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won: The scene where the couple places a love lock was filmed here
- Lovely Runner (2024) — Starring Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon: While not a main filming location, Namsan Tower appears in the background in several scenes. Walking the night paths around the tower gives off a similar atmosphere
- Itaewon Class (2020) — Starring Park Seo-joon: Rooftop views in Haebangchon with Namsan Tower in the background
- My Love from the Star (2013) — Starring Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun / My Name Is Kim Sam-soon (2005) — Starring Hyun Bin and Kim Sun-a: Classic Namsan date spot scenes
Day vs Night: Two Completely Different Experiences
Namsan feels very different depending on when you go.During the day, it’s great for walking around and taking in the layout of the city.
At night, it becomes one of the best places to see the Seoul skyline.
For the best night view, arrive about 30 minutes before sunset. Watching the city light up gradually is worth it.
Walking Down to Haebangchon
Instead of going back the way you came, head down toward Haebangchon (also known as HBC).The atmosphere changes quickly — from a busy landmark to quieter streets with a more local feel. Small restaurants, bars, and cafes are tucked into narrow alleys.
This route can be extended into Hannam-dong, one of Seoul’s most curated shopping areas—explore it in [Hannam-dong Shopping Guide].
Practical Information
📍 Start: Myeongdong Station Exit 5📍 End: Haebangchon (west side of Namsan)
🚡 Namsan Oreumi: Free / 09:00–23:00
(Mondays 09:00–14:00 closed for maintenance)
🚠 Cable Car: Paid / 10:00–23:00
🚌 Getting down: Green circular buses 01A, 01B
⏱ Total time: Around 3–4 hours (at a relaxed pace)
Walking Namsan this way offers a more distinctive experience than a typical visit, as the route naturally shifts from the busy streets of Myeongdong to the quieter, more local atmosphere of Haebangchon.