🚍 How to Get to Namsan Seoul Tower Without Hiking – Mint & Pink Haechi Bus (01A & 01B Full Guide)

 

 

 

 

 

Want to visit Namsan Seoul Tower but don’t want to hike?
Traveling with kids, seniors, or just looking for the most convenient, comfortable, and affordable way up?
Forget the expensive cable car — locals take the adorable mint & pink Haechi shuttle bus – 01A and 01B.

 

🦁 Why Is the Bus Decorated with Haechi?

Haechi is the guardian mascot of Seoul, symbolizing justice, protection, and good fortune. You’ll often see Haechi statues near Gwanghwamun and other historical sites. The buses are painted in mint and pink with Haechi to represent Seoul’s welcoming spirit.

🚌 What Is This Bus?

Fare	1,550 KRW (Card only, No cash)
Payment	✅ T-money, Cashbee (No cash accepted)
Transfer	✅ Works with Seoul subway & buses (within 30 mins)
Restrooms	✅ Available at Yejang Parking Lot (final stop)
Operating Hours	First Bus: 6:30 AM / Last Bus: 11:00 PM

🔄 01A vs. 01B – What’s the Difference?

 

 

Bus	Type	Key Stops	Interval
01A	Full Route	Namsan Seoul Tower, Namsan Library, National Theater, Chungmuro, Dongguk Univ., Cheongwadae, Gyeongbokgung, Anguk, Naminsa Madang, Samilgyo, City Hall, Namdaemun Tax Office	~10 mins
01B	Express	Chungmuro, Dongguk Univ., National Theater, Namsan Library, Namsan Seoul Tower	~15 mins

✔️ 01A covers ALL stops of 01B, plus additional downtown stops like Gyeongbokgung, Cheongwadae, and Anguk.
✔️ 01B is faster, focusing only on Namsan-related stops.

⚠️ Not a Circular Bus!

• 🚌 The bus ends at Yejang Parking Lot near Namsan Seoul Tower — everyone must get off.
• Re-boarding the same bus number requires paying the full fare again.
• Tip: If switching to the opposite route (01A → 01B or 01B → 01A) within 30 mins, transfer works — no extra fare!
• Important: Don’t forget to tap your card when getting off to activate the transfer benefit.

⛰️ Mountain Bus – Be Ready!

• The bus goes up a real mountain with steep slopes and sharp curves.
• It’s a safe ride, but it feels like a mini rollercoaster!
• Tip: Sit if possible, especially for seniors, kids, or if you get motion sickness.
• No hiking required — drops you right at Namsan Seoul Tower entrance.

🚫 Sejong-daero Traffic Alert (For 01A)

⚠️ Heads up! If you’re taking 01A, note that it passes through the Sejong-daero area (near City Hall and Gwanghwamun), which often has road closures or heavy traffic on weekends, public holidays, or during events.

This may cause delays but does not stop the entire route.

✔️ If your main destination is Namsan Seoul Tower, 01B is the faster and more reliable choice.

🕑 Schedule

 

Bus	First	Last	Interval
01A	6:30	23:00	~10 mins
01B	6:30	23:00	~15 mins

💚 Perfect For:

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Families with kids
• 👵👴 Seniors
• 🏃 Those who don’t want to hike
• 💸 Budget travelers avoiding the cable car

🎯 Quick Local Tip

If you miss the Namsan Tower stop on 01A:

• Get off at Yejang Parking Lot (final stop) — make sure to tap your card.
• Then hop on 01B going in the opposite direction. If it’s within 30 minutes, there’s no extra charge.

🚻 Restrooms

Clean restrooms are available at Yejang Parking Lot (final stop). Perfect for a quick break before or after visiting Namsan Tower.

🚩 Why Locals Love This Bus

• ✅ No hiking required
• ✅ Cheaper than the cable car
• ✅ Beautiful mountain and city views
• ✅ Fun and cute experience with Seoul’s Haechi mascot

✨ Closing Line

“The mint and pink Haechi bus isn’t just a ride — it’s how locals reach Namsan Tower comfortably, affordably, and without hiking.”