Namsan Tower Love Locks: What Foreigners Need to Know Before Going

Namsan Tower Love Locks: A Romantic Spot Worth Visiting

If you've been in Seoul for a while, you've probably heard about the love locks at Namsan Tower. Honestly, when I first visited, I wasn't sure if it was going to be touristy or actually meaningful. Turns out, it's kind of both? But it's still worth experiencing at least once.

What Are Love Locks?

The love lock tradition started in Paris and caught on worldwide. At Namsan Tower, couples attach small padlocks to the metal railings on the outdoor observation deck as a symbol of their love. The locks completely cover certain areas now—it's actually quite a sight.

The Practical Details

Getting There and Costs

• Namsan Tower ticket: Around 13,000-14,000 KRW for adults
• You can take the free shuttle bus from Myeongdong or walk up the Namsan trail (takes about 20-30 minutes)
• The observation deck is open from 9 AM to 11 PM daily

About the Locks

• Small padlocks cost 5,000-10,000 KRW at shops near the tower
• You can bring your own lock from outside, which saves money
• Bring a pen to write on the lock—they usually have markers at the railings, but it's safer to bring your own

Pros and Cons

The Good

• The view from Namsan is genuinely stunning, especially at sunset
• It's a fun, Instagram-worthy moment (if that matters to you)
• The whole Namsan area has nice walking trails and restaurants nearby

The Not-So-Good

• It gets extremely crowded, especially on weekends
• Lots of locks means the railings are pretty packed—finding space can be annoying
• The locks do eventually get removed by the tower for maintenance, so it's temporary
• Honestly, spending 10,000+ KRW on a lock that lasts a year or two feels a bit wasteful

My Take

I'm not going to lie—it's a bit of a tourist trap. But if you're here with someone special or just want that classic Seoul experience, go for it. Just avoid weekends if possible and go in the evening when it's less crowded. The actual tower view is what you're really paying for anyway.

Pro tip: Skip the expensive locks and bring a small one from a hardware store (less than 2,000 KRW). No one will judge you, I promise.