Why Seoul's Skyline Is Unmissable
Seoul stretches across 605 km² with the Han River slicing through its heart, making elevated viewpoints nothing short of spectacular. Whether you're a romantic couple, a solo traveller, or a family, looking out over this glittering metropolis from above is one of those bucket-list moments that a photograph simply cannot capture — you have to be there.
N Seoul Tower — Love Locks & 360° Panorama
Standing 236.7 m tall atop Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower (also called Namsan Tower) has been Seoul's most iconic landmark since 1980. The "N" stands for both Namsan and "New." The outdoor Love Lock Wall is free to visit and is where couples snap padlocks engraved with wishes onto the railing — a tradition made famous by K-dramas like My Love from the Star and My Name is Kim Sam-soon. Inside, the paid 360° observation deck offers sweeping views of the Han River, Bukhansan mountains, and the city grid below.
💡 Pro tip: Take the Namsan Cable Car (₩9,500 return) for scenic views on the way up. On busy weekends, queuing can take 30–60 min — go on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.
Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky — World Record Glass Floor
At 555 m, Lotte World Tower is the world's 5th tallest building. Its Seoul Sky observation deck spans floors 117–123 and holds the Guinness World Record for the highest glass-floored observation deck. The 118F Sky Deck is genuinely terrifying in the best way — standing on transparent glass with the city 500 m below is an adrenaline rush unlike anything else. The 120F Sky Terrace is open-air, and the 117F Sky Bridge Tour is an additional ticketed experience.
Shopping Around Myeongdong 2026 — The Ultimate Seoul Shopping District Guide
Myeongdong Overview & Getting There
Myeongdong is Seoul's most famous shopping district, beloved by locals and tourists alike. Centred on Myeongdong-gil and Myeongdong 8-gil, the area is packed with Korean fashion brands, K-beauty flagships, a famous night market, and some of the city's best currency exchange offices. Take Line 4 to Myeongdong Station or Line 2 to Euljiro Inggu — plan your route so you exit at one station and leave from the other to avoid backtracking
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- Metro
- Line 4 Myeongdong
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- Hours
- 10:00 – 23:00
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- Tax refund
- From ₩15,000
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- Best time
- Evening
Must-Visit Stores
- Olive Young Flagship — Korea's biggest health & beauty chain, 2 floors of skincare, makeup, and snacks. The go-to for TIRTIR, HBAF almonds, and isntree.
- NYUNYU — 3-story accessories haven: phone charms, earrings, hats, sunglasses, bags — all incredibly affordable.
- emis & Marithe — the hottest Korean streetwear labels on Myeongdong 8-gil.
- 3CE — K-beauty cosmetics with the iconic multi-coloured lip palettes tourists love.
- Daiso Myeongdong — 12-story mega Daiso packed with stationery, toys, and household goods cheaper than back home.
