Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory
An exotic Seoul viewpoint spot
Popular to boys over 48 months
Updated at
Address
16, Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Facilities
Parking
Reservation
Same-day visit and on-site registration only; reservations are not available.
Open/Closes
Mon Regular closed day Tue 09:00 ~ 21:00 Wed 09:00 ~ 21:00 Thu 09:00 ~ 21:00 Fri 09:00 ~ 21:00 Sat 09:00 ~ 21:00 Sun 09:00 ~ 21:00
Popular Ages of Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory
Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory is
popular to over 48 months boys
under 12 months | |
from 12 to 24 months | |
from 24 to 48 months | |
over 48 months |
boys
64%
girls
36%
Prices & Programs of Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory
- [Fees]
- Free
Parenting Tips for Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory
- You can also see the Deoksugung courtyard and enjoy the wide-open view in front of Seoul City Hall.
- The observatory is not very high, but the top part of the Cathedral Church of St. Mary the Virgin and St. Nicholas is visible right in front of you, which makes it feel very exotic.
- There are chairs to sit on, and signs explaining the history around Jeongdong-gil from the late 19th century, so it is nice to read them with your child.
- If the left side of Deoksugung's main gate is the stone-wall road, then going up along the road toward the British Embassy in Seoul on the right side will lead you to the National Jeongdong Theater.
- If you go up using the elevator right next to it, you can use the rooftop observatory Cecil Maru for free, and since it is about the height of a 2-story building, it is quick to reach.
- It is about a 2-minute walk from City Hall Station Exit 3, so it is convenient to visit by public transportation.
- For parking, you need to use the Korean Anglican Church parking lot for a fee, and it is right next door, so it is not hard to find.
A Wonderful Seoul View Spot to Visit with Your Kids, Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory
What is Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory?
Located at 16, Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, the Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory, also known as Cecil Maru, is a special space where you can take in beautiful views of central Seoul at a glance. The rooftop of the Cecil Theater building, which was once a hub for small-theater plays in the 1970s and 1980s, was remodeled and opened as an observatory that anyone can freely enjoy.
Location and Accessibility
- Address: 16, Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Subway: About a 2-minute walk from Exit 3 of City Hall Station on Line 1 and Line 2
- Access: As you walk along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Road, you will easily spot the theater, making it a nice place to visit with children like a relaxing stroll.
- Elevator: An elevator is available that takes you directly from the ground level to the rooftop observatory.
Visitor Information
- Hours: Every Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Closed: Every Monday
- Admission: Free
Main Highlights and Features
- Open views: Once you reach the rooftop, you can see some of Seoul's best-known landmarks and modern historical sites at a glance, including Seoul City Hall, Deoksugung Palace, and Seoul Anglican Cathedral.
- Photo spot: With the red bricks of the cathedral, the calm tiled roofs of Deoksugung Palace, and modern buildings all in one view, it is a great place for family photos or memorable shots of your kids.
- Rest area: There are benches and other places to sit, so you can take a short break after a performance or enjoy a peaceful pause during a walk through the city.
- Walk with kids: If you combine your visit with a walk along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Road or nearby Jeongdong-gil, it can become an educational and emotionally enriching outing in the heart of the city.
- Events: In autumn, special events such as noon concerts are sometimes held, offering more than the usual observatory experience.
Nearby Places to Explore Together
- Deoksugung Palace
- Seoul Anglican Cathedral
- Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture
- Jeongdong-gil, Deoksugung Stone Wall Road
Recommended for These Families
- Families who want to relax for a while with an open city view
- Those who want to enjoy a city walk with their kids while experiencing history and culture up close
- Parents and children who want to create special photo memories
Things to Keep in Mind
- Because the rooftop area is outdoors, it is best to avoid visiting when the weather is not good.
- Hours may change depending on the season or events, so checking before your visit is recommended.
FAQ about Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory
Is Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory easy to access when visiting with a stroller or children?
Yes, Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory has an elevator that takes you directly from the ground level to the rooftop observatory, so it is easy to access even when visiting with a stroller or children. However, stroller rental service is not provided. It is also conveniently located about a 2-minute walk from Exit 3 of City Hall Station, so getting there by public transportation is easy.What are the opening hours and closing day of Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory?
Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory is open ყოველ Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and it is regularly closed every Monday.What fun activities or sights are there at the observatory when visiting with kids?
At the observatory, you can enjoy views of various parts of central Seoul, including the courtyard of Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Anglican Cathedral, and Seoul City Hall. The observatory is not very high, but the European-style cathedral building right in front of it creates an exotic atmosphere. There are also chairs where you can sit with your kids and signs explaining the history of the Jeongdong-gil area, which you can read together.Is Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory safe to use with children?
The rooftop observatory has safety railings installed, so you can use it safely even when visiting with children. The facility is about the height of a second floor and can be reached quickly by elevator, but since it is an outdoor space, parental supervision is still necessary.Is there an admission fee or do I need to make a reservation in advance?
Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory is free to use, and no separate advance reservation is required.What about parking?
There is no dedicated parking lot for the observatory, so you will need to use the paid parking lot next to Seoul Anglican Cathedral. It is nearby, so it is not hard to find.
Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory Address
Address: 16, Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
How to make a reservation for Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory?
Same-day visit and on-site registration only; reservations are not available.