Name: Namsan Cable Car
Address: 83 Sopa-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: 02-753-2403
Rating: 4.2

This aerial tram takes passengers on a 3-minute trip in a glass cable car with panoramic city views.

Everland

Provided by Google

N Seoul Tower

LOTTE WORLD TOWER

Lotte World

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The Namsan Cable Car began operating in May 1962, providing a scenic and convenient way to reach Namsan Mountain.

Opening Year

Riding the Namsan Cable Car offers panoramic views of Seoul, including the Han River, surrounding mountains, and the city skyline.

City Views

The cable car is a popular spot for couples, especially at night when the city lights create a romantic atmosphere.

Popular Date Spot

The ride up Namsan Mountain on the cable car takes approximately 8 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable journey.

Minutes Ride

The cable car provides easy access to the N Seoul Tower, a major landmark and tourist attraction located on Namsan Mountain.

Access Point

Namsan Cable Car

The Namsan Cable Car in Seoul offers a unique ascent, distinct from other aerial tramways, primarily due to its historical significance and integration with Namsan Park. Unlike purely scenic routes, the cable car serves as a crucial link to N Seoul Tower and the park's various attractions, effectively bridging the urban landscape with a natural retreat. Its cabins, while modern, traverse a route steeped in history, offering glimpses of centuries-old fortress walls nestled amidst the cityscape. A lesser-known fact is that the cable car's construction significantly altered the park's original topography, a point of contention among conservationists even today. The ride itself provides a layered visual experience, contrasting the dense urban sprawl below with the meticulously landscaped gardens and historical sites above, making it more than just a transportation method but a journey through Seoul's evolving identity. The cable car's popularity also contributes to the unique atmosphere atop Namsan, where traditional Korean culture intersects with modern tourism.

Introduction

For accessible transit to N Seoul Tower, the Namsan Cable Car is an option, especially for wheelchair users who can utilize the Namsan Orumi, a slanted elevator departing from Namsan Tunnel 3, providing direct access to the cable car platform. The Namsan Orumi is free to use and operates from 9:00 to 23:00, but is closed every Monday from 9:00 to 14:00 for maintenance and during strong winds or heavy rain.

To reach the cable car boarding area from Myeong-dong Station (Line 4, Exit 3), walk for 10-15 minutes along the right side of the Pacific Hotel. Alternatively, from Myeongdong Station (line 4, exit 4), walk straight 300m and turn left at the main junction (with Shinsagae Department Store diagonally-right), then walk straight 300m to find the Namsan Oreumi Elevator. A free shuttle bus service with a "Namsan Cable Car" sign operates hourly from Myeongdong Station (line 4, exit 1) between 12:00 and 20:30 to the Namsan Cable Car Station.

Namsan Cable Car tickets cost ₩15,000 for an adult round trip and ₩12,000 for a one-way trip. For children (ages 3-12) and seniors (ages 65+), round trip tickets are ₩11,500 and one-way tickets are ₩9,000. The cable car operates from 10:00 to 23:00.

Accessibility to N Seoul Tower

For unparalleled panoramic views of Seoul, the Namsan Cable Car offers a breathtaking journey from the base of Namsan Mountain to the iconic N Seoul Tower. As you ascend, the cityscape unfolds beneath you, revealing skyscrapers, bridges, the Han River, and the surrounding lush hills. The cable car provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the beauty of Seoul from above.

The ride is especially enchanting at sunset, when the city skyline is bathed in a warm, magical glow. During the fall, the surrounding mountainsides transform into a vibrant tapestry of colors, while winter offers stunning views of snow-covered landscapes. From the cable car, you can also catch glimpses of Namsan Park, a serene green space surrounding the N Seoul Tower.

Once at the summit, the N Seoul Tower's observation deck provides a 360-degree panoramic vista of Seoul. The cable car journey, combined with the tower's observation deck, creates an unforgettable experience for capturing stunning photographs and immersing yourself in the city's skyline. Whether you're a nature lover or a city enthusiast, the Namsan Cable Car offers a unique perspective on Seoul's beauty, blending natural scenery with urban landscapes. Consider visiting during the spring or autumn for the most delightful weather and breathtaking foliage. Evening visits are also recommended to witness the mesmerizing city lights.

Panoramic Views of Seoul

The Namsan Cable Car holds a special place in Korean history as the nation's first aerial tramway for passengers, inaugurated in 1962. This marked a significant step in enhancing urban recreation and accessibility in the rapidly growing city of Seoul. As the city urbanized in the 1960s, the cable car was erected to improve access to greenspace and recreation. For over half a century, it has transported millions from the base of Namsan Mountain to its peak, becoming an iconic attraction that still draws an estimated 50,000 visitors each month.

Beyond its functional role, the Namsan Cable Car symbolizes Seoul's blend of modernity and respect for nature. Its construction demonstrated how cable car infrastructure could harmonize with both the environment and the needs of the people. The cable car's role in providing sustainable transportation access has increased since 2005, when all private vehicular access to the summit was prohibited. The Namsan Cable Car continues to provide a valuable transportation role in Seoul, highlighting the importance of building the necessary infrastructure to support the recreational needs of its inhabitants.

Historical Significance as Korea's First Passenger Cable Car

The Namsan Cable Car provides a direct link from downtown Seoul to Namsan Mountain, offering an alternative to hiking or bus routes to ascend to the N Seoul Tower. Situated near Myeong-dong, the lower platform in Hoehyeon-dong allows easy access from the city center, while the upper platform in Yejang-dong places visitors near the summit of Namsan, minimizing the steep climb.

Opened in 1962, the cable car spans 605 meters, ascending 138 meters in altitude, creating a gradient of 13 degrees. The journey takes approximately three minutes, delivering passengers to the upper reaches of Namsan, close to attractions like the Lovelock Bridge and Mongmyeoksan Beacon Hill site. For those with mobility concerns, an elevator from near Namsan Tunnel Three provides access to the cable car station, easing the initial ascent up the mountain's slope.

While the cable car can be crowded, especially on weekends, it offers a practical means of reaching Namsan Tower with minimal physical exertion. Once at the summit, panoramic views of Seoul unfold, showcasing landmarks like the Seoul Wall stretching over the neighboring mountains and the distant Lotte World Tower. The cable car thus serves as a convenient and scenic gateway to the broader Namsan Mountain experience, connecting urban Seoul with the natural and cultural attractions atop the mountain.

Namsan Cable Car

Did You Know?

Opening Year

City Views

Popular Date Spot

Minutes Ride

Highlights from Reviews

Location