From Gangnam Station, take Subway Line 3 northbound toward the city center. The most practical approach to Namsan Tower from the subway is Line 3 to Dongguk University Station, then walk or take city bus 05 up the mountain. A taxi from Gangnam takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
Quick Answer: Subway Line 3 from Gangnam to Dongguk University Station, then walk or bus to the tower: About 25 minutes by subway plus 20 minutes walk, total 45 minutes. Alternatively, taxi from Gangnam takes 20 to 25 minutes and costs approximately 10,000 to 15,000 won.
Best Route
Subway Line 3 + walk or bus: Line 3 northbound from Gangnam (338) toward Daehwa direction. 5 stops to Dongguk University Station (332), about 15 minutes. From the station, walk uphill toward Namsan Tower (about 20 minutes) or take city bus 05 toward the cable car.
Taxi: Direct taxi from Gangnam to the Namsan Cable Car base or N Seoul Tower. About 20 to 25 minutes, 10,000 to 15,000 won. More convenient than the subway for this destination.
Step-by-Step Directions
Subway route:
Step 1: At Gangnam Station (Line 3, 338), board Line 3 northbound toward Daehwa. 5 stops to Dongguk University Station (332—about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Exit Dongguk University Station from Exit 6. Walk uphill toward Namsan. Follow signs for N Seoul Tower or the Namsan Botanical Garden path. About 20 minutes uphill.
Step 3: Alternatively, from the Dongguk University Station area, take city bus 05 (Namsan Circular Bus) for a few stops up the mountain.
Taxi route: Book via Kakao T from Gangnam. Give the destination as N Seoul Tower or Namsan Cable Car, direct route via Hannam-daero, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Cost
Subway Line 3: 1,500 won from Gangnam to Dongguk University.
Taxi: 10,000 to 15,000 won.
Cable car: 14,000 won, round trip for adults.
Travel Time
Subway plus walk: approximately 35 to 40 minutes to the tower.
Taxi: approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Taxi Option
A taxi from Gangnam to Namsan Tower costs approximately 10,000 to 15,000 won and takes 20 to 25 minutes. For 2 or more people, the taxi is significantly more time-efficient than the subway plus a walk. Gangnam taxis are easy to find outside the main station exits or via Kakao T.
Best Option with Luggage
Taxi from Gangnam. Store large bags at your Gangnam hotel. Namsan Tower is not suitable for large luggage.
Best Option Late at Night
Taxis from Namsan back to Gangnam are available at all hours. The cable car runs until 11 pm. Line 3 from Dongguk University back to Gangnam runs until after midnight.
Nearby Guides
FAQ
Is it faster to take a taxi or subway from Gangnam to Namsan?
The taxi is significantly faster at 20 to 25 minutes, compared to the subway plus walk at 35 to 40 minutes. For a destination like Namsan Tower, where the approach involves a mountain walk, the taxi is the more practical choice from Gangnam.
What is Dongguk University Station, and why is it used for Namsan?
Dongguk University Station (Line 3, 332) is the closest subway station on the eastern side of Namsan Mountain. A 20-minute walk from the station offers one of the quieter approaches to the tower via the Namsan Botanical Garden.
What is the view from Namsan Tower toward Gangnam?
From the N Seoul Tower observation deck, Gangnam is visible to the south across the Han River, with its cluster of high-rise buildings clearly distinct from the lower-rise buildings of northern Seoul. The contrast between the old and new Seoul is visible from the tower.
