Dave McNally Photography

Story, pho­tos by Dave McNally

The Seoul sky­line is unique because of a land­mark tower sit­ting on top of Nam Moun­tain in the city’s cen­ter. Nam Moun­tain is known by its Korean name, “Namsan.”

The tower, built in 1969, orig­i­nally opened to the pub­lic in 1980. How­ever, the facil­ity received exten­sive ren­o­va­tions in 2005 and is now a must-see tourist attrac­tion for vis­i­tors to Seoul. On a clear day, vis­i­tors can see for miles. 

The Seoul Tower rises to 777 feet tall and fea­tures an obser­va­tion deck rotat­ing slowly to give a com­plete view of the city.

There is also a restau­rant above the obser­va­tion deck. Two high-speed ele­va­tors whisk vis­i­tors to the top and back. Seoul Tower is also home to an under­ground aquar­ium, World Folk Museum, Fan­tasy Land and a 3D theater.

Vis­i­tors can ride a cable car to the tower, take a bus or taxi, drive or hike. Next to the Nam­san Pub­lic Library at the base of the west­ern slope there is a park with eater­ies and small zoo.

The path to the stair­case starts here. The stairs wind through the for­est and up the side of the mountain.

Along the way, there are plenty of benches for rest and relax­ation. An eas­ier way to get up Nam­san is the cable car, but the hike offers good exercise.

Another option is Seoul City Bus No. 2. or a drive up the east road.

Hours for the tower obser­va­tory are 9 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., but ticket sales stop at mid­night. There is a nom­i­nal fee for adults and dis­counts for chil­dren to visit the obser­va­tion deck. 

Korea offers many things to do through­out the year.

A visit to Seoul Tower is a chance to see the city in a unique and breath­tak­ing way.