Namsan Food & View Guide — Cable Car, n.GRILL, Durumi Bunsik & K-pop Demon Hunters Seoul Spots | Seoul Explorer
Quick summary: Namsan (N Seoul Tower) is a compact experience — scenic transport, skyline views and a mix of restaurants from fine dining to casual bunsik. This guide covers: ① Namsan Cable Car (how to ride + fare), ② n.GRILL (tower fine-dining with views), ③ Durumi Bunsik (K-snack counter inside the tower), ④ Starbucks (Seoul Tower store — a handy view café), and ⑤ 101 Beonji Namsan Donkatsu (classic hearty cutlets). Each entry gives address, typical hours, what to order, transit tips and a short connection to the show K-pop Demon Hunters (fans often search the same landmarks).
How to use this guide
This is a short, practical crawl — not a full travel plan. Read the quick notes, pick two or three stops that fit your schedule, and enjoy.
1) Namsan Cable Car — the scenic way up
What it is: A short, scenic gondola that links the base (near Myeongdong) to Namsan Seoul Tower — an easy (and photogenic) choice for visitors who prefer to avoid the climb.
- Address / boarding: Cable Car Base – 83, Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (base station; the top station drops you near N Seoul Tower plaza).
- Typical hours: Usually daily ~10:00–23:00; weekend/holiday extended hours sometimes apply.
- Fare (typical): Adult round-trip ~₩15,000 / one-way ~₩12,000 (children & senior discounts available).
- Why take it: 3–5 minute ride with panoramic city views — great for golden hour photos and for fans who want the "show moment" vibe (easy, iconic arrival like in pop culture scenes).
2) n.GRILL (N SEOUL TOWER) — fine dining with the skyline
What it is: The tower's signature upscale restaurant — a destination for couples and special occasions. The focus is on plated courses and panoramic views of Seoul.
- Address: 7F, N Seoul Tower (105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul).
- Phone: +82-2-3455-9297 (reservations recommended).
- Typical hours: Lunch & dinner services — weekdays commonly: 12:00–16:00 (lunch) and 17:00–22:00 (dinner). Weekends may have extended seating.
- What to order: Set courses or the chef's tasting menu — choose a dinner slot around sunset for best skyline photos.
- Price level: Mid-to-high (course dining) — ideal for date nights and content shots. Weekday Lunch ₩120,000, Weekday Dinner ₩180,000, Weekend Lunch ₩140,000, Weekend Dinner ₩210,000, Couple Set ₩440,000
When you visit, go to the counter on the 5th floor and tell me your reservation, and the staff will guide you.
When booking, request a window table and confirm the restaurant's last-order time. Take a plate-detail photo (one composed food + skyline shot) rather than only wide panoramas — it converts well on socials and keeps readers on the page longer.
3) Durumi Bunsik (두루미분식) — Korean snack classics with a view
What it is: A modern bunsik (Korean snack) counter inside the tower plaza serving tteokbokki, kimbap, ramyeon and shareable sets — meant to give visitors a casual, local snack experience with a skyline backdrop.
- Address: N Seoul Tower plaza / tower dining area — 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (tower plaza level).
- Typical hours: Commonly ~11:00–22:00 (last orders around 21:00 at many reports) — hours vary by season.
- What to order: Signature “Durumi set” (tteokbokki + kimbap + fried sides) or single kimbap + ramyeon combo — great for fans who saw the show's quick post-gig snack scene and want to recreate it.
- Price level: Durumi set: ₩22,000, Namsan kimbap: ₩7,500, beer ₩9,000, tteokbokki: ₩8,000, ramyeon: ₩7,500 (Affordable — expect light meal prices in the low thousands of KRW per item.)
tip: If you have a beer with tteokbokki, chicken, and ramen while watching the night view, you can get rid of all the fatigue of traveling.
4) Starbucks (Seoul Tower store) — convenient coffee + skyline pause
What it is: A convenient, widely-recognized café option inside the tower plaza — useful for quick coffee, drinkable souvenirs and a predictable menu for international visitors.
- Address: YTN Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower) plaza — 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (1F plaza area).
- Typical hours: Many local listings report approximate hours like weekdays 10:00–19:00 and longer weekend hours — check the Starbucks Korea store finder or the tower info for exact times.
- What to order: Seasonal Starbucks drinks (for social photos) or a reliable iced Americano — pick a terrace seat if the weather is good for skyline views.
- Price level: Regular Starbucks prices (mid-range for a café stop). iced Americano: ₩4,700, Café Latte: ₩5,200, Peach Mango Sunset Blended: ₩6,700, Espresso: ₩3,900
5) 101 Beonji Namsan Donkatsu (101번지 남산돈까스) — classic hearty cutlets
What it is: A well-known local name for thick, juicy Korean-style pork cutlets — approachable, filling and very shareable for travelers who want a substantial local meal after sightseeing.
- Address (main/flagship listed): Sopa-ro 101 (near Myeongdong / base of Namsan) — check the shop's site or listing for exact entrance details.
- Typical hours: Many outlets operate roughly 10:30–22:00(last orders around 21:00). reservations sometimes accepted for larger parties.
- What to order: If you went with a friend, it's a good idea to order donkatsu and cheese donkatsu and share it half and half. pair with a small salad and rice for the full experience.
- Price level: Affordable to mid-range (a filling sit-down meal for one typically in the low tens of thousands of KRW). donkatsu ₩13,500, spicy donkatsu ₩13,500, cheese donkatsu ₩14,500, donkatsu set menu ₩16,000
Whether you’re a foodie, a casual traveler, or a K-pop Demon Hunters fan retracing Seoul spots, Namsan is one of the most compact and rewarding areas to explore. Save this guide if you’re planning a themed Seoul itinerary.
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