Something extraordinary happened to Namsan Seoul Tower in 2025. Foreign visitor numbers exploded by 50.6% in just one year. The catalyst? Netflix’s animated sensation “K-Pop Demon Hunters.”

Released in June 2025, the show featured Seoul’s iconic tower as a dramatic battleground. K-pop idols fought supernatural demons against the backdrop of the city’s glittering skyline. Within months, international fans began their pilgrimage to see the real-life locations.

September 2025 saw 79,200 foreign tourists visit the tower’s observation deck. Compare that to 52,600 the previous year. This wasn’t a temporary spike. It marked a fundamental shift in how global travelers discover Seoul.

What Makes This Tower So Special?

Standing 480 meters above sea level, N Seoul Tower offers breathtaking 360-degree views of one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. But the view alone doesn’t explain its magnetic appeal to foreigners.

The tower embodies multiple layers of Korean culture. Built in 1969 as Korea’s first broadcasting tower, it symbolizes the nation’s technological rise. For locals, it’s where relationships begin and marriage proposals happen. The famous “love locks” tradition—couples attaching padlocks to fences—has become an Instagram phenomenon.

K-dramas filmed countless romantic scenes here. Now, anime fans add another dimension to its cultural significance.

The Love Lock Tradition Gone Viral

The love lock tradition started in 2007, inspired by similar practices in Paris and Tokyo. Today, thousands of colorful padlocks cover designated fences, creating a shimmering mosaic of relationships.

But here’s where things get controversial. A November 2025 investigation revealed extensive graffiti problems. The locks cost 10,000-20,000 won ($7.50-$15), which many tourists find expensive for a quick visit. Instead, they write directly on walls, railings, benches, and even ceiling fixtures.

Messages appear in English, Japanese, Spanish, Thai, and Chinese: “I love Seoul,” “We were here,” “사랑해요.” One tourist explained simply: “Everyone was writing on walls, so I did too. I just wanted to remember Seoul.”

Public opinion splits between those wanting strict enforcement and others suggesting designated “graffiti walls” to channel this enthusiasm constructively.

How to Visit: Your Complete Guide

Getting to the tower offers multiple experiences. The Namsan Cable Car provides a scenic five-minute ride from Myeongdong Station for 11,000 won. Nature lovers can hike the 40-minute trail through forested paths. The steep staircase route takes just 20-30 minutes for fitness enthusiasts.

Observatory tickets cost 16,000 won for adults. Operating hours run 10 AM to 11 PM weekdays, extending to midnight on weekends.

Pro tips for foreigners:

• Visit at sunset to see both daylight and night views
• Weekday mornings have the smallest crowds
• Clear days after rain offer the best photo opportunities
• Book cable car tickets online during peak seasons

Inside, you’ll find interactive digital displays identifying Seoul landmarks, the famous Sky Restroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, and N.Grill revolving restaurant. Merchandise shops now prominently feature K-Pop Demon Hunters memorabilia alongside traditional souvenirs.

The Anime Pilgrimage Phenomenon

Social media transformed how tourists experience the tower. Instagram and TikTok overflow with side-by-side comparisons: anime scenes versus real-life recreations. Fans meticulously position themselves where animated characters stood, matching camera angles from episodes.

Hashtags like #KPopDemonHunters and #NSeoulTower generated millions of posts, creating a self-perpetuating tourism cycle. Travel agencies quickly developed specialized tour packages combining the tower with other show locations: Bukchon Hanok Village, Jamsil Sports Complex, and COEX Square.

Tower merchandise sales of anime-related products jumped 300% since the show’s release. Nearby Myeongdong businesses report serving significantly more international customers. Hotels see higher occupancy rates. Vogue magazine compared the phenomenon to how “Lost in Translation” boosted Tokyo tourism.

The economic impact extends beyond ticket sales. Analysts estimate the K-Pop Demon Hunters effect generated approximately 4.5 trillion won ($3.4 billion) for Seoul’s economy, with each international visitor spending around 1.5 million won during their stay.

Seoul’s $115 Million Transformation Plan

Recognizing this tourism potential, Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a massive revitalization project in December 2024. The city will invest 150 billion won ($115 million) to transform Namsan into a world-class destination by 2027.

The centerpiece is a revolutionary gondola system connecting Myeongdong Station directly to the summit in just five minutes. Modern 10-person cabins will transport 2,000 visitors hourly, dramatically improving accessibility for wheelchair users and families with strollers.

A new 360-degree observation platform will offer unobstructed views in every direction, unlike the current setup. Ground-level rest areas will feature evening illumination and media walls. The controversial Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters building, blocking scenic views since 1961, faces demolition starting in 2031.

Environmental improvements include protecting historically significant pine forests and restoring natural water systems. Seoul aims to rank among the world’s top five global cities by 2030, with N Seoul Tower as both symbol and catalyst.

Why Foreign Visitors Keep Coming Back

Beyond the anime connection, N Seoul Tower offers something unique: a tangible connection to Korean culture spanning generations. You’re standing where K-drama couples confessed their love, where families celebrated milestones, where now anime characters fought epic battles.

The tower provides geographic orientation for first-time visitors while offering deeper cultural immersion. Participating in the love lock tradition—or even seeing the controversial graffiti—means engaging with living, evolving Korean culture rather than observing museum pieces.

Photography enthusiasts appreciate the combination of urban panoramas, natural mountain settings, and iconic architecture. Seasonal changes offer year-round variety: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and winter snowscapes.

The Bottom Line for International Travelers

N Seoul Tower represents Seoul’s remarkable transformation from war-torn city to global cultural powerhouse. The 50% surge in foreign visitors following “K-Pop Demon Hunters” isn’t just anime fandom—it’s evidence that Korean content now drives real-world exploration and economic activity.

Whether you’re recreating anime scenes, adding your love lock, or simply absorbing the panoramic view, you’re participating in a cultural moment. The crowds, the locks, even the controversial graffiti—all testify to the tower’s magnetic pull on global imagination.

For visitors planning 2025-2026 Seoul trips, this isn’t just another observation deck. It’s where Korean tradition meets K-culture phenomenon, where millions of individual stories intersect atop a mountain in a city that has captured the world’s attention.

The magic lies in experiencing how Seoul honors its past while enthusiastically embracing its global cultural influence. And right now, that influence is pulling 80,000 foreign tourists monthly to one iconic tower—with no signs of slowing down.