Quick answer: Seoul's planned gondola from Myeongdong to the top of Namsan, first due in spring 2026, is stalled: the Seoul High Court upheld a ruling against the project on 17 September 2026, and the city has appealed to the Supreme Court. Explera DMC Korea plans N Seoul Tower visits on the existing cable car, buses or on foot.
What happened to the Namsan gondola?
Seoul planned a gondola from near Myeongdong Station to the summit of Namsan, broke ground in 2024 and aimed to open it in spring 2026.
In December 2025 the Seoul Administrative Court ruled, in a suit brought by the operator of the existing Namsan cable car, that the city's rezoning of the site was unlawful. On 17 September 2026 the Seoul High Court dismissed the city's appeal. Seoul has taken the case to the Supreme Court and is also seeking a change to the rules that block the towers. No new opening date has been set.
How do groups reach N Seoul Tower today?
- The cable car. The existing Namsan cable car still runs from the foot of the mountain to the summit area, as it has for decades.
- Namsan buses. The summit road is closed to private cars, and the Namsan circulation buses carry visitors up from the city.
- On foot. The Namsan paths suit fit groups with time, and they make a good walk down after the visit.
- The coach. Tour coaches do not drive to the summit, so the coach drops the group below and meets it again afterwards.
What it means for 2027 programmes
- Do not sell the gondola. Itineraries and proposals should describe the cable car or bus, not a gondola that has no opening date.
- Plan for queues. Weekends and evenings are the busiest times on the cable car, so we time the visit and keep a bus option ready.
- Slower guests. For guests who should not face steps or a long line, the bus is usually the gentler way up.
Planned with the agent
Explera DMC Korea plans the Namsan visit with the coach drop-off, the way up and the meeting point after the tower.
Send your dates, pax and group profile to b2b@explera.kr or WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090. Explera DMC Korea is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (#900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.
Where this fits in our Korea programmes
The pages below carry the operational detail behind this briefing.
- Services: Transportation & coaches in Korea · Group travel & GIT in Korea · Tours & activities in Korea
- Destinations: Seoul · Incheon · the DMZ
Frequently asked questions
Is the Namsan gondola in Seoul open?
No. The gondola was due in spring 2026, but construction stopped after court rulings against the project, and it has no opening date.
What is the latest on the Namsan gondola case?
The Seoul High Court dismissed the city's appeal on 17 September 2026, and Seoul has taken the case to the Supreme Court.
How do groups get up to N Seoul Tower?
By the existing Namsan cable car, by the Namsan circulation buses or on foot along the Namsan paths.
Can a tour coach drive up to N Seoul Tower?
No. The summit road is closed to private traffic and coaches, so the coach drops the group below and the group goes up by cable car, bus or on foot.
