Namsan Seoul Tower: The Seoul Scenery to See Before the Observatory

Namsan Seoul Tower, a fixture in almost every photograph of Seoul, leaves a quite different impression when viewed from afar compared to when you climb right up to it. In the video, the camera moves past forest paths toward the summit where the tower stands, and only then does the dense cityscape unfold like a map. The charm of this place doesn't simply lie in having a 'high observatory.' From the time you spend hiking up Namsan to the moment you look down over Seoul, the whole journey becomes an experience in itself.

1. What catches your eye first in the video

The Expedia video sequentially showcases Namsan's greenery and the scenery at the summit. Simply following the screen makes it vividly clear that there is a mountain right in the middle of the urban center, from which you can read the layout of Seoul. According to official Seoul tourism guides, the tower was built atop the 262-meter-high Namsan Mountain and is divided into the Seoul Tower Plaza at the bottom and the upper N Seoul Tower space. Arriving at the mountain and entering the paid viewing space might seem like a single schedule, but they are separate choices.

2. Walking trail vs. observatory: Which is the core?

If you enjoyed the scenes of slow walking, it's fitting to dedicate more time to the Namsan walking trails. Conversely, if you want to take in the scale of the city and the night view all at once, you should focus your movement around the interior of the tower. Personally, I felt that the process of buildings getting closer through the forest, rather than the tower itself, better captures the unique character of this place. Instead of trying to do everything at once, dividing it into the experience of climbing up, the resting time at the summit, and viewing the observatory makes your itinerary much clearer.

3. How to see it like the video

The clear scenes in the video are the result of favorable weather and visibility. Even in the same location, the scenery changes depending on fine dust, clouds, and the time of sunset. During the day, it's easy to make out the outlines of the Han River and the mountains, while after sunset, building lights take center stage. Before visiting, it's best to check both the day's visibility and your final transit options.

Video Viewing Tip
The Namsan segment in the video is short, but it fully demonstrates why looking down at Seoul from above remains in the memories of many travelers. If you liked the mood of the screen, click the thumbnail below to check out that exact scene.

Quick Summary

Verified Official Sources

• Official Seoul Tourism (Visit Seoul)

Official sources and public videos were verified on September 8, 2026. Please check the latest announcements from the respective location before visiting regarding operating hours, fees, and event schedules.