TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
- Go to Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Center near Myeongdong Station Exit 1.
- Take Shuttle Bus No. 01A or 01B (Yellow Bus).
- The fare is just 1,400 KRW! If you transfer from a subway or bus,
it practically feels like a free ride.
There’s a Third Way to Namsan
Most people think their only options for Namsan Seoul Tower are the cable car or a hike. There’s a third way: the Namsan Shuttle Bus No. 01, which lets you enjoy the mountain scenery while riding up in comfort.
The best starting point for this bus is the Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Center, and here’s how to use it.
Why Start at Yejang Center?
You can also catch the shuttle bus at stops like Chungmuro or Dongguk University, but those get crowded. The Yejang Bus Transfer Center is the route’s starting point, so you have a much better shot at a seat and a comfortable ride.
[!TIP] The facility is modern, clean, and has excellent public restrooms — a lifesaver before you start exploring the mountain.
Here’s the easiest step-by-step route from Yejang Center to the tower.
Practical Guide: The Easiest 3-Step Route
Myeongdong Station Exit 1
Take the subway to Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and come out of Exit 1. Follow the path below to reach the Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Center.
Walk straight from Exit 1 and follow the arrow to reach Namsan Yejang Park and the transfer center.
While walking through the park, look for the tunnel entrance marked by the red arrow. Inside, you’ll find a clean and modern bus platform.
Catch Bus No. 01A or 01B (Route Details)
The Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Center is the Starting Point (Origin) for both Bus 01A and 01B, so you get to wait in a modern, comfortable facility before your ride.
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Bus 01A (Downtown Circular): Origin (Yejang) → Chungmuro Stn (Exit 2) → Dongguk Univ Stn (Exit 6) → National Theater → Namsan Seoul Tower → Namsan Library → Baekbeom Square → Sungnyemun Gate → City Hall → Gyeongbokgung Palace → Anguk Stn → Myeongdong → Return to Origin (Every 7–10 mins)
A circular route passing through Myeongdong, Chungmuro, and major downtown Seoul areas before reaching the tower. -
Bus 01B (Namsan Express): Origin (Yejang) → Chungmuro Stn (Exit 2) → Dongguk Univ Stn (Exit 6) → National Theater → Namsan Seoul Tower → Return to Origin (Every 15–18 mins)
A shorter circular route focusing on Namsan Park and the tower.
[!TIP] Both buses take you to the tower. 01A covers a larger area of downtown Seoul, while 01B is a shorter circular route focusing on the mountain. Take whichever arrives first.
Enjoy the Ride and Arrive
The bus winds up the scenic mountain road. In about 13–18 minutes, you’ll arrive at the “Namsan Seoul Tower” stop. From there, it’s just a short 5-minute walk uphill to the base of the tower.
Essential Info (As of 2026)
- Fare: 1,400 KRW (with transportation card)
- Transfer Benefit: If you use a transportation card (T-money), you can transfer for free (or a very small fee) from the subway (e.g., Myeongdong Stn) to the bus if you board within 30 minutes of exiting the station.
- Operating Hours: 06:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Every day)
- Payment: Cashless Bus. You must use a physical or mobile transportation card like T-money or the Climate Card. Cash is not accepted on the bus. Tourists can buy T-money cards at any convenience store (7-Eleven, CU, GS25).
[!IMPORTANT] Private cars and taxis are not allowed to drive up to N Seoul Tower. You have to use the bus, cable car, or your own two feet.
My Take, and What to Do After
Taking Bus No. 01 gets you up the mountain for just 1,400 KRW while enjoying the view — the ride itself is a solid part of the trip.
After you head back down, I’d grab a good meal at one of the local restaurants nearby.