From Seoul Station, take Subway Line 4 one stop to Hoehyeon Station, then follow the signs for the Namsan cable car (about a 10-minute walk). The cable car to the summit takes 3 minutes. Total: about 20 minutes. Alternatively, city bus 05 runs from Seoul Station directly to the cable car base.
Quick Answer: Subway Line 4 from Seoul Station to Hoehyeon, then walk to the Namsan Cable Car: About 20 minutes total, 1,400 won subway plus 14,000 won cable car (return). The cable car is the most convenient final approach to the observation deck. Alternatively, hike 20 minutes up from the cable car base.
Best Route
Line 4 to Hoehyeon + cable car (recommended): Seoul Station (Line 4, 426) to Hoehyeon Station (425). 1 stop, 2 minutes. Walk 10 minutes from Hoehyeon Station following Hoehyeon-ro toward the Namsan Cable Car station. Cable car to the summit: 3 minutes, 14,000 won round trip, adult.
Bus 05 (Namsan Circular Bus): Green bus 05 runs from Seoul Station to the Namsan Cable Car base and continues around the mountain. About 15 minutes, 1,400 won. Convenient and avoids the walk from Hoehyeon.
Hike from Hoehyeon: Walk up the Namsan paved trail from the cable car base to the summit. About 20 minutes uphill. Free. Pleasant in good weather.
Step-by-Step Directions
Line 4 + cable car route:
Step 1: At Seoul Station (Line 4, 426), board Line 4 northbound 1 stop to Hoehyeon Station (425). 2 minutes.
Step 2: Exit Hoehyeon Station from Exit 1 and walk south along Hoehyeon-ro toward Namsan. Follow signs for Namsan Cable Car (남산케이블카). About a 10-minute walk to the cable car station entrance.
Step 3: Purchase a cable car ticket (14,000 won, round trip for adults) at the cable car station. The cable car runs from 10 am to 11 pm daily (midnight on weekends and during peak season). 3-minute ride to the summit.
Step 4: At the summit, follow signs to N Seoul Tower (entry 21,000 won for adults for the observation deck) or explore the outdoor plaza, love lock fence, and restaurants.
Cost
Subway: 1,400 won from Seoul Station to Hoehyeon.
Cable car: 14,000 won, round trip for adults.
N Seoul Tower observation deck: 21,000 won for adults.
Travel Time
Seoul Station to N Seoul Tower summit: approximately 20-25 minutes total.
Taxi Option
A taxi from Seoul Station to the Namsan Cable Car base costs approximately 3,000 to 5,000 won and takes about 10 minutes—a practical option in wet weather or when carrying luggage. The taxi drops you off directly at the cable car station.
Best Option with Luggage
A taxi from Seoul Station to the cable car base is the most convenient option with luggage. Store bags at Seoul Station coin lockers before the Namsan visit. Large bags are not suitable for the cable car or the summit plateau.
Best Option Late at Night
The cable car runs until 11 pm (midnight on weekends). N Seoul Tower is open until 10 pm. An evening visit for the sunset and city illumination is the most popular time. The subway from Hoehyeon back to Seoul Station runs until after midnight.
Nearby Guides
FAQ
Do I need to book the cable car in advance?
No booking is required for the Namsan Cable Car. Purchase tickets at the cable car station on arrival. On peak days (weekends, public holidays, and autumn evenings), queues can be 20 to 30 minutes long. Arriving before 11 am or after 8 pm reduces wait times.
Can I walk up Namsan instead of taking the cable car?
Yes. The paved hiking trail from the cable car base to the summit takes about 20 minutes and is a popular option for those who want to exercise or see the mountain forest. Walking down after the visit is also pleasant.
Is Seoul Station convenient for visiting Namsan Tower?
Yes. Seoul Station is only one subway stop from Hoehyeon, which is the standard approach point for the Namsan Cable Car. The proximity makes it easy to combine a Seoul Station arrival or departure with a visit to Namsan Tower on the same day.
