If you are looking for an easy Namsan Tower bus route instead of waiting in long cable car lines or walking up steep slopes, taking the circular bus from Myeongdong or Chungmuro is highly recommended. You can easily reach the summit without any parking hassle.
I recently visited Seoul with my younger sister to check out an exhibition and enjoy delicious food. After a fun day out, we suddenly thought, “Why don’t we head up to Namsan to see the night view?”
Now that our children are older, spending time exploring Seoul with my sister feels like hanging out with a close friend. While family trips are great, taking time out purely for oneself is a genuinely rewarding experience.
Namsan Tower Access: Circular Buses (01A & 01B) Are Recommended
Although it was a spontaneous decision, taking the circular bus made the journey exceptionally smooth. We didn’t have to worry about parking or hurt our feet walking long distances, allowing us to reach the top comfortably.
What made this comfortable trip possible were the 01A and 01B circular buses, which can be boarded directly from Myeongdong and Chungmuro.
Route Overview for Bus Lines 01A and 01B
Here is an overview of the 01A and 01B circular bus routes operating around the Namsan area.
The easiest and most convenient way to head to N Seoul Tower is by using the 01A or 01B bus. Both lines follow circular routes directly connecting major subway station exits to the Namsan summit, making them an ideal choice for travelers exploring on foot.
You can board from stops such as the Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Parking Lot near Myeongdong Station Exit 1, Chungmuro Station Exit 2, or Dongguk University Station Exit 6. When heading up the mountain, simply board whichever bus—01A or 01B—arrives first to reach the summit quickly.
Differences Between Bus 01A and Bus 01B
Understanding the route differences in advance makes your return trip much smoother.
Bus 01A (Large Loop):
This route passes N Seoul Tower and loops through major Seoul tourist areas, including Gwanghwamun, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), Anguk Station, and Jongno.
Bus 01B (Small Loop):
This line operates on a shorter circular route connecting only Namsan Yejang Parking Lot, Chungmuro Station, Dongguk University Station, and N Seoul Tower.
If you want to return toward Myeongdong or Chungmuro after enjoying the night view at Namsan, taking Bus 01B will get you down the mountain faster.
3 Major Benefits of Using the Circular Bus
The biggest advantage of taking the circular bus is completely avoiding traffic jams and parking congestion. Since private vehicle access to the Namsan summit is restricted, finding parking can be extremely difficult, but buses access the peak smoothly via designated lanes.
In addition, the bus drop-off location is near the entrance of the tower, eliminating the need to hike up steep mountain paths. Furthermore, since you only pay standard public transit fares, it saves on expensive cable car tickets while offering transfer discounts, making it highly economical.
Vibrant Atmosphere and Night Views at N Seoul Tower
Visiting N Seoul Tower after a while, I found it even more vibrant and attractive than before. The dazzling night view of Seoul spreading out below is truly impressive.
With the global popularity of Korean culture and content, the tower was alive with international tourists, clearly demonstrating its presence as Seoul’s iconic landmark.
Namsan Tower holds many memories for me from past visits for dates, family trips, and outings with friends. Taking the bus this time allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the spectacular night view without any hassle from parking traffic or physical exertion.
When sightseeing around Myeongdong or Chungmuro, be sure to take advantage of the 01A and 01B circular buses for a comfortable journey to Namsan Tower.