Seoul - Namsan and Seoul Tower

Namsan Mountain is located pretty much in the center of Seoul. It's a small peak, at only 262 meters (860 feet) high, but atop it sits Seoul Tower: a prime spot from which to view the landscape of the beautiful, capital city of South Korea.


To get to the tower itself, you can choose to take a cable car or hike one of the few trails that lead to its peak. I have never done the hike, though I'm sure it's enjoyable and have heard it doesn't take very long. The cable car however, is cheap and quick (depending on what time of day you go so you miss the lines).


Seoul Tower (sometimes called Namsan Tower) is 236 meters (774 feet) tall, and is the highest point in the city - hence the reason it is the best spot from which to view the city. It was built in 1971 and was actually Korea's first general radio wave tower.


The tower has an observatory deck, however it costs money to go up and the view from the top of the mountain is plenty good enough to enjoy the sights! The picture above is the view to the north. In the distance on the left, you can see Bukhansan (the tallest mountain in Seoul).


The picture above is of the view directly to the south. Here you can see Yongsan ("dragon hill") on the left, and then the Han River in the midst of the city behind it.


Finally, the pictures above and below are of the view to the west (before and after the sun set). The best time of day to visit the tower is just before sunset. That way you can have a view of the city in day light and watch the beautiful sunset. Then just grab a bite to eat or shop around in one of the man souvenir shops for a bit, and when you emerge you can get the view of Seoul at night!


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