Seoul Tower

서울타워

An iconic 236-meter tower offering 360-degree panoramic views of Seoul's sprawling cityscape and surrounding mountains from its observation decks. It's an essential experience for understanding Seoul's scale and geography.

Things to do

• Main Observation Deck — Visit the primary indoor observation deck at 117 meters where you can see up to 80 kilometers on clear days and identify major Seoul landmarks like the Han River and Namsan.
• Outdoor Sky Walk — Experience the thrilling glass-floored walkway on the outdoor observation deck that creates the sensation of walking suspended above the city 150 meters above ground.
• Seoul Tower Rotating Restaurant — Dine while the restaurant slowly rotates, offering changing 360-degree views as you enjoy Korean and international cuisine over approximately 50 minutes.
• Lock of Love Installation — Participate in the tradition of attaching a padlock with a loved one's name or initials to the designated love lock walls as a symbol of eternal connection.
• Photography at Sunset — Capture Seoul's dramatic transition from day to night, with the city lights gradually illuminating the sprawl of neighborhoods and the Han River bridges.
• Teddy Bear Museum — Browse the themed collection of vintage and contemporary teddy bears displayed in creative dioramas throughout multiple exhibition halls within the tower.

Food to try

• Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew) — A warming fermented cabbage stew typically served at the tower's restaurants, combining spicy, tangy flavors with pork or seafood and soft tofu.
• Bingsu (Korean Shaved Ice Dessert) — A refreshing sweet treat of shaved ice topped with condensed milk, fruit, red beans, and sometimes ice cream, perfect for cooling down after climbing.
• Bulgogi (Marinated Beef) — Thinly sliced beef marinated in soy, sesame, and garlic then grilled, often served as part of set meals at the tower's dining establishments.
• Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) — Chewy cylindrical rice cakes served in a spicy red gochujang sauce, commonly available at food stalls near the tower's base and entrance areas.
• Hotteok (Sweet Pancake) — A crispy fried Korean pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes peanuts, sold by street vendors around Namsan and the tower entrance.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive Early or After Sunset — Visit in early morning or evening to avoid peak daytime crowds and experience either the clearest views or the spectacular nighttime city lights.
• Respect Quiet Observation Areas — While the tower is lively, maintain respectful quiet on observation decks, especially near large windows, to honor the contemplative experience many visitors seek.
• Purchase Tickets in Advance Online — Buying tickets through the official website beforehand can significantly reduce wait times, particularly on weekends and holidays.
• Dress in Layers — The outdoor observation deck can be surprisingly windy and cool even on warm days due to the elevation, so bring a light jacket or sweater.