If you are visiting Seoul for the first time, there is a high likelihood that you are planning to pay a visit to N Seoul Tower. It is such an iconic landmark and its location at the top of Namsam mountain makes it visible from all around the capital city of South Korea.
But in case you think that the only thing there is to do at Namsam mountain and N Seoul Tower is to head up to the top of the tower, that isn’t the case. While, a trip up to the observation deck of N Seoul Tower is well worth it for the amazing views, there’s more to Namsan than just the tower.
What is Namsan Mountain in Seoul?
Namsan literally means South Mountain in Korean. So, Namsan Mountain means “South Mountain Mountain”!
It stands 270 meters or 890 feet tall and is home to Namsan Park, a public park that you can enjoy if you are walking up or down the mountain. The hike up the mountain can take between 45 minutes to one-and-a-half hours, depending on how fit you are and whether or not you want to stop to take the views.
Another way to get up Namsan Mountain without having to huff and puff is to take the popular Namsan Cable Car. The Namsam Cable Car Station is within walking distance from Myeongdong and provides a fast way to ascend the mountain.
An interesting fact about Namsan is that it is mentioned in the second verse of South Korea’s National Anthem.
What to Do at the Top of Namsan Mountain
If you are planning a trip up to the summit of Namsan, it may surprise you that there are quite a number of things to do at the top of the mountain. Here’s a look at some of the attractions and activities that you can do at the top of Namsan mountain.
N Seoul Tower
We’ll start with the obvious. The N Seoul Tower dominates the top of Namsan. This tower houses a two-level observation deck and also serves the purpose as a radio communications tower. Admission to N Seoul Tower is ticketed and you can purchase your tickets from a booth at the top of Namsan.
Seoul Tower Plaza
At the base of the N Seoul Tower is the Seoul Tower Plaza shopping mall.
This shopping mall has three publicly accessible levels.
If you are arriving via by road, you will arrive the 1F. Enter in via an OLED Tunnel, meant to showcase OLED technology. You will find a convenience store, GS25, just beside the entrance, as well as eateries and cafes, including Starbucks, on this level.
The second floor also has more restaurants. The Cinnabon on this level has an outdoor seating area where you can lounge about and soak in the views.
It is probably the best Cinnabon with a view in the world.
Make your way up to Level 4 of Seoul Tower Plaza where there’s a free art gallery and, those who wish to relax, the Bodyfriend Lounge’s coin-operated massage chairs will help you to recharge.
There is a game arcade too.
Locks of Love at Namsan
When you reach the top of Namsan mountain, you will find countless padlocks chained to the railings at the base of the tower.
These love padlocks have been placed there by couples who buy a lock, write a message and then lock it to the railing as a sign of their undying love. Once the locks have been put in place, many of the couples will throw away the key as it symbolizes their unbreakable bond.
There are vending machines at the top of Namsan mountain where you can buy a love lock. This will cost you around 8,500 won. It is a bit expensive for a lock that you will probably have contact with for around 10 minutes as your write a message and secure to a fence and never see it again.
But there is nothing stopping you from buying your own lock and bringing it up the mountain with you and padlocking it too!
Do take note that locks in non-designated places will be removed.
Mongmyeoksan Beacon Hill Site
Even before Namsam was used as a site for a communication tower, it already served as a point for communications by way of beacon fire.
It was known as Mongmyeoksan or Gyeongbongsu which literally means beacon hill in the capital. This was the final destination of all the beacon fires lite to warn of an enemy invasion from the border areas.
Used during the Joseon period, the beacon system was a form of means of long-distance communication. Fire signals were lit and smoke emitted from the hills to warn of an enemy raid and to alert the military defenses.
The first beacon hill was located in the northeastern province of Hamgyeong-do and the system could be used to transmit messages all the way to southwestern province of Jeolla-do.
Namsan mountain used to have five beacon stations. The present-day one was built in 1993 on the site of one of the five original stations.
Pay it a visit at the right time and you will be able to see “guards” patrolling the site. The Namsan Beacon Fire Station Ceremony takes place from 11 am to 12.10 pm daily, except Mondays.
Get more details about the Namsan Beacon Fire Station Ceremony.
Traditional Cultural Performances
Besides the beacon guards, there are also free cultural performances held at the open atrium at Namsan mountain. Even though they are touristy, they can be quite entertaining.
These take place at the plaza in front of the steps where the pavilion is located.
The Namsan Traditional Cultural Performances take place from 3 pm to 3.40 pm daily, except on Mondays.
Dining and Restaurants at Namsan
The top of Namsan is a great place to dine with a view.
There is a mix of both Korean restaurants and international chains within Namsan Plaza. Some of the regional speciality restaurants that you can try include those from Jeju island.
Other more international fare include Steff Hotdog and Cinnabon.
Or pick up a burger and a beer from N Burger from the top deck area and sit back and enjoy the view.
If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will also enjoy this one on the Seoul City Wall Museum.
