Step by Step to Seoul’s Best Views: A Climb Up Namsan Tower

During my recent trip to Seoul, I eagerly took on one of the city’s most iconic challenges: the 1,200-meter climb along the hillside steps leading up to Namsan Tower. While many visitors opt for the more convenient cable car, I felt drawn to the physical journey, believing that making the ascent on foot would enhance my experience and make reaching the summit gratifying.

As I embarked on the climb, I was greeted by a peaceful, winding path flanked by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The steps varied in height, making some sections more strenuous than others, but the anticipation kept me motivated. I encountered fellow climbers with each step, some jogging past me and others pausing to catch their breath. The atmosphere was filled with friendly chatter and laughter, enriching the exhausting journey.

Upon reaching the summit, I was rewarded with breathtaking views of the sprawling city below. Stretching as far as the eye could see, the cityscape was a patchwork of dazzling skyscrapers, rustic neighbourhoods, and distant mountains. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of Seoul from this vantage point.

Exploring the top, I discovered the romantic Love Locks, where couples affix padlocks to symbolise their love, creating a colourful and heartwarming display. I also found several diverse dining options, ranging from cozy cafes to restaurants offering traditional Korean cuisine. I indulged in a delicious bibimbap bowl, savouring the flavours while soaking in the vibrant energy of eager tourists desiring the best views in the South Korean Capital.

Ultimately, my journey to Namsan Tower was not just about reaching the top but about the incredible experiences and sights along the way. After soaking in all the beauty, I began my descent, which was simultaneously sore yet satisfying. I knew I had conquered the stair climb and embraced every moment of my adventure in South Korea.

 

Buy your ticket to access the viewing area of Namsan Tower by clicking the link!

 

 

 

 

The Climb Begins: Step by Step to the Heart of Seoul

Starting at the base of Namsan hill, I could see Namsan Tower rising in the distance, an inviting yet challenging sight. The hillside path of steps snaked upwards, and as I took my first steps, the sounds of the bustling city quickly faded, replaced by the peaceful ambience of nature. Step by step, I ascended through lush trees, occasionally pausing to catch my breath and take in glimpses of Seoul peeking through the foliage.

The incline was no joke, and my legs felt the burn when I neared the top. But the growing view of the city below motivated me to keep going, and I wasn’t alone. Along the way, other hikers made the same journey, each inching closer to the summit. When I finally reached the top of the steps, the sense of accomplishment was worth it — and I was greeted by sights that made every bit of effort worthwhile.

 

 

 

 

 

A Romantic Sight at the Top: Seoul’s Famous Love Locks

Apart from the iconic tower, one of the first things I noticed at the summit was a sea of colourful Love Locks. Everywhere you looked, fences and railings were adorned with padlocks left by couples worldwide, each symbolising a piece of their love. Some locks bore initials, others had dates, and some even included handwritten messages expressing hopes and memories.

The Love Locks added an intimate and romantic charm to the top of Namsan. It wasn’t just a scenic viewpoint but a place filled with stories, emotions, and connections shared by people from across the globe. Standing among them, I felt a warm connection to Seoul, as if I were part of the collective stories surrounding me. For couples visiting the city, leaving a lock here is a beautiful way to make a lasting memory together.

 

 

 

 

 

Dining at the Base: Delicious Options with a View

After exploring the Love Locks and taking in the view, I was ready for a meal. The base of Namsan Tower offers a variety of dining spots, perfect for anyone who’s worked up an appetite from the climb. Whether you’re craving something hearty or just a quick snack, there’s something for everyone:

• Owl’s Cutlet is a cozy spot that serves delicious, crispy tonkatsu, a breaded pork cutlet that’s perfect after a climb.
• BHC Chicken is the place to go for classic Korean fried chicken. It offers crispy, flavorful pieces that are ideal for sharing.
• N Burger provides a casual burger experience with seating where you can enjoy the city view while you eat.
• Mom’s Touch is a Korean fast-food favourite that serves fried chicken and burgers with a local twist.
• A Twosome Place is perfect for coffee and dessert, offering cakes and pastries with the option to enjoy Seoul’s skyline as a backdrop.

These spots allow you to sit back and relax while still soaking up the tower’s atmosphere without needing a ticket for the observation deck. The views are great, and the variety of food options makes it easy to find something for any craving.

 

 

 

 

 

Riding the Elevator: A Whimsical Journey Through Seoul’s Attractions

After refuelling, it was time to head up to the observation deck for the best views of Seoul. I bought my ticket through Klook, making the process simple and smooth. As I stepped into the elevator with other visitors, the walls came alive with animated footage of Seoul’s iconic attractions, displayed in vibrant, cartoon-style visuals.

The short elevator ride was like a mini-tour of the city, showcasing famous landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the bustling streets of Myeongdong, the serene Han River, and the vibrant markets of Dongdaemun and Namdaemun. The animation was playful and charming, adding a fun touch to the ride and building excitement for the view that awaited us at the top.

 

 

 

 

The Ultimate View: Namsan Tower’s Observation Deck

When the elevator doors opened, I stepped onto the observation deck and was greeted by a breathtaking 360-degree view of Seoul. From this height, the city sprawled below like a living map, with clusters of high-rises, traditional temples, and the Han River weaving through the landscape. It was as if I were seeing the entire city at once, from the modern skyscrapers to the distant hills that mark the city’s boundaries.

For those wanting to make their visit even more memorable, the observation deck also features a few premium dining options:

• N Grill is an upscale French restaurant where you can enjoy fine dining on a rotating platform, allowing for a complete view of Seoul as you eat.
• HanCook offers traditional Korean cuisine, beautifully plated and served with a stunning cityscape view at the HanCook Restaurant. 
• The Place Dining is a Western-style restaurant with hearty meals and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed dinner with friends or family.

 

 

 

 

 

The Most Scenic Toilets in Seoul: A View Like No Other

One of the quirkiest highlights of the observation deck experience was, surprisingly, the bathrooms. As unusual as it sounds, the restrooms at Namsan Tower boast one of the best views in Seoul. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathroom give you an unobstructed view of the city, making it possible to look out over all of Seoul — even while you’re taking a break.

Standing there, with Seoul’s skyline stretching out in front of me, I couldn’t help but laugh at the novelty of the moment. Not every day you get a view like this in such an unexpected place, making it a unique memory. The bathroom view is one of those quirky touches that make Namsan Tower a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

 

 

 

 

 

The Journey Down: Sore but Satisfied

After taking in the sights from every angle, it was time to go back down. My legs, already feeling the strain from the ascent, were not thrilled about the 1,200-meter descent. Each step down reminded me of the effort it had taken to reach the top, and I felt my legs grow stiffer with every step. But with each step, I also reflected on the experience — the challenging climb, the romantic Love Locks, the incredible city views, and even the unexpected bathroom with the best view in Seoul.

My legs and feet were sore when I finally reached the base again, but the sense of accomplishment was deeply satisfying. Climbing Namsan Tower had been more than just a physical feat; it had been a journey through the heart of Seoul, full of sights, stories, and surprises that made every step worth it.

For anyone visiting Seoul, I highly recommend taking on this adventure. Whether you’re there for the climb, the Love Locks, the food, or the unbeatable views, Namsan Tower promises an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a genuine connection to this incredible city.

 

Buy your ticket to access the viewing area of Namsan Tower by clicking the link!

 

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