N. Seoul Tower is an icon on the Seoul landscape.  It was one of the first places I visited and was one of the last places we visited when we were in Seoul.

Getting to the Tower is a journey… You can either walk/hike, bike, take a bus, taxi or cable car; you just cannot take a car

During our trip to Seoul, I visited the Tower twice. The first visit I did to the Tower was done solo, while Allyn was in a meeting one morning; I simply took off and hiked up to the Tower.  Then on our last night in Seoul, Allyn and I took a cable car up to Namsan Park and enjoyed dinner at the Tower.

Hiking up to the N Seoul Tower and Jangchungdan Park

Hiking up to N. Seoul Tower is not for the unfit.  Much of the walk is straight up hill, with several 90 degree curves.  Much of the path up to the Tower is rubber walking/running path, which makes the walk easier on the knees and feet. The walk is very scenic; there are several outlook on the path, giving way to beautiful views of Seoul.   Also noteworthy is the various natural elements from flowers to wildlife.

In total it took me about 45 minutes to reach the top of Nanam Mountain.  Regardless what time it is, making your way up to the top or come down from Nanam, there will be plenty of others doing the same thing, including those on bikes, runners, and even parents pushing strollers.

When I walked up to the N Seoul Tower, I did so by way of Jangchungdan Park, which was across from our Hotel.

Jangchungdan Park is small community park with playground equipment for children, a reflexology path, quaint landscaping, a tea garden, rock garden.

The Park connects to the Nanam Mountain, through a walking path that will take you up to the Tower.  The first part of the walking path is just pedestrians but as you get closer to the top the walking path is shared with automobiles (mostly buses).   One thing that is necessary for the making the hike up to the top of Nanam Mountain is water… make sure you carry a bottle of water with you.

A Place to Gather 

When you make it to the top of Nanam Mountain there are various places for people to gather. The area around the Tower is a park like atmosphere.  Love is theme that runs through much of the park area; flowers are even planted in heart designs.  There are various outlook where you can take in breath taking views of Seoul both during the day and at night.

While at the top it was explained to me, by a young couple, that it is the Korean tradition when you fall in love you make a pilgrimage to the N. Seoul Tower / Nanam Mountain area to declare your love to your significant other.  Centered in the middle of the park is a Gazeboo, which serves as a meeting place or a ceremonial gathering place for events such as weddings.   During the day it is a common place for pictures or where one can sit and relax.

Namsan Cable Car

If you prefer not walk or hike up to the N. Tower there is a cable car that will take you up and bring you back down.   During the week the cable car is fairly easy to catch.   On the weekends and Friday evenings it can be a be more crowded and it is not common to spend over an hour waiting in line to go up and come back down … And the cable car will be packed.  The views from the cable car are not overly impressive but it is also impressive to see the city as your rise and lower from the mountain.

Mongmyeoksan Beacon Hill Site (Namsan Bongsudae)

To the right of the Tower is the Mongmyeoksan Beacons.  During the Joseon Period the Beacons were used as a signaling system, to alarm the city in the event of an enemy invasion. Reportedly, smoke was used during the day, and fire at night. Also, the signals were encoded based on the number of beacons that are lit with each representing a different message.

During the week an re-enactment ceremony takes place, which includes patrolling, lighting the bacons, and the changing of guards

Locks of love

As previously mentioned, “Love” is a theme at the N. Seoul Tower and people take pilgrimages there to declare their love to each other.  The N. Seoul Tower is one of the few places in the world where people are encouraged to leave “locks” with love messages on them.  There are several places around the tower designated for this, the authority overseeing the Tower has even commissioned metal trees and hearts for this purpose.

Locks of all shapes and sizes are affixed around the Tower.  Many of them are traditional locks, while some are made from cell phone cover, scrapes of paper, plastic miniature figures and balls.   Then there are some really creative locks, such as the one made from a piece of chopping board, a spoon, a sock and a condom.  Beside messages, many people also include or attach a photo to their lock.

View from the Top

Going up to the top of N. Seoul Tower is quite the attraction.  Tickets can be bought in combination with popcorn and drinks. The observation deck is open from 10 am to 11 pm.   If possible, it is nice to visit twice… once during the day and again after dark; you will see two completely different views.   If you don’t want to pay to go up to the observation deck twice you can always take in the view from the various vantage points around the tower.

If you go on the weekends or Friday nights it is wise to purchase tickets in advance, for the wait can be long.

Once you arrive at the observation deck you will be able to see a 360 degree view of Seoul by walking around the observation deck.  The observation deck is indoors only.   There are markers and signage which points various landmarks and parts of the city.  There are telescope available which allow you to view far away places close up.

The only disappointment is that if you are hoping to take pictures the glass at the top is very reflective and you have to know how to work your camera to make sure you do not get the glass reflecting back in your picture.

On the observation deck there is bar, which serves a variety of drinks and candy shop. There is also a gift shop where you buy various tower or Seoul memorabilia.  Since the Tower is a place for “love”there is also a wishing pond where you can throw your coins and wish for eternal love.   (Since I was visiting the tower with my eternal love I decided not part-take).

The night we went up to the Tower, it was fairly busy, plus it was an ending to a very long day for us.  I think what I enjoyed the most was just sitting and reflecting out on the lights of the city and what a remarkable adventure we have had over the last week.

Dinning at the N Seoul Tower

There are plenty of places to eat at the base of the Tower.  The Tower has three sit down restaurants: n Grill, Hancock, and the Place.

n Grill, a high class French restaurant, is located at the highest point of the Tower and has best view. And very high prices!!!!

Hancock is a traditional yet modern Korean restaurant.

The Place is a casual Italian restaurant.   It has a very romantic ambiance with couple’s seats which over look the city.   We were lucky and were able to enjoy our last meal in Seoul together here.

The food was amazing.  The view was priceless.  Above all it was one of the most rememberable and romantic dinners Allyn and I have had together when traveling.

There are also several more casual restaurants around the base of the tower including, a burger and pizza place and several bar and treat places.

View pictures from my adventures at N. Seoul Tower at the following gallery:

Nansam Mountain, N. Seoul Tower, Beacon Mound, Seoul Fortress Wall, Jangchungdam Park