Namsan
Namsan is perhaps the most recognizable and iconic landmark in Seoul. This short mountain rises out of the middle of Seoul and thanks to the prominent N Seoul Tower that sits atop the mountain, is easily seen from many parts of the city. The aforementioned tower often gets all the attention, but Namsan is a mountain that has so much more than a tower.
The Scouting Report
Namsan is only 122 meters high. That is pretty short. In fact, it is short enough to put Namsan toward the tail end of the list for highest mountains in or near Seoul. Despite its low elevation, Namsan is one of the most visited mountains in Seoul.
The main draw for Namsan is the N Seoul Tower which sits atop the mountain. It is a popular destination for everyone from expats to tourists to locals to even dogs. Just visit the tower on a clear afternoon and you will get a full helping of people watching.
N Seoul Tower is not the only reason to visit the mountain, though. It has a number of interesting sites that should be given attention. The traditional Hanok Village at the northern base of the mountain gives a nice taste of traditional life in Seoul. A small garden on the southern base of the mountain is a beautiful place to visit and doesn't require much climbing to enjoy. Hikers following the Seoul Fortress Trail must traverse Namsan as it was one of the ancient barrier mountains of Seoul. Aside from all this, Namsan has plenty of trails criss-crossing it that provide ample opportunities for exercise.
Opportunities to explore and experience nature abound in this green space in the middle of Seoul thanks to practically the entire mountain being encompassed by Namsan Park.
Namsan is truly a mountain that outdoes itself. It should be able to feel good about itself.
-Good Job, Namsan--
Pavilion at the top of Namsan
Namsan as seen from Naksan
Things to Do
- Botanical Garden
- Gambling
- Hanok Village
- Hiking
- Cable Car / N Seoul Tower
- Seoul Fortress Wall
- N Seoul Tower
- Photography
Elsewhere on the Web
- Mt. Namsan is a symbol of Seoul itself - by Korea.net
- Namsan Park [N Seoul Tower] - by Junggu Culture & Tourism
- Finding Seoul: Namsan Tower and the Locks of Love - by GrrrlTraveler
- Namsan Mountain and North Seoul Tower - by Seoul Mates Korea
- The Best Restroom in Seoul - by The Seoul Stop
Gallery
To see more photos, check out the Namsan photo album.
Also, check out Seoul Scout: Namsan.
YouTube
"Hiking up Namsan Mountain to reach Seoul Tower on a gorgeous fall afternoon" by Samuel & Audrey
Vine
Clips from N Seoul Tower on Namsan
How To Get There
Where: Seoul-si, Jung-gu
From Line 4 - Myeongdong Station (명동역):
-Walk about 200 meters straight out of exit 4. Turn left when you get to an intersection that has the Sinsegae Department Store on the corner.
-Walk another 300 meters slightly uphill. You will see a small railcar/tram that takes you to the Namsan Cable Car.
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Originally posted September 21, 2015
Updated October 16, 2015