Namsan Park (남산 공원)

  Mt. Namsan (265m above sea level) is a symbolic mountain located at the center of Seoul. Although not so high, because of its location and view at the top, Mt. Namsan is very popular as a resting site. At the top of Mt. Namsan, there are various facilities such as Palgakjeong (octagonal hall), Seoul Tower, Maritime Aquarium, fountains, botanical gardens and Namsan Library.

You may take a cable car to the top or walk up the stairway path. Other than this path, there are many other walkways to Namdaemun, Haehyun-dong, Taegyero 3(sam)-ga, Jangchung Park, Itaewon, Huam-dong etc. The driving courses here are also popular to couples.

Namsan Park is a historical site. You will find Bonghwadae (beacon mound) at the top because it was once the center of capital defense. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) the capital was changed to Hanyang,(current Seoul) and to protect the city from invasions, castle walls were built on the 4 major mountains like Mt. Bukaksan, Mt. Inwangsan, Mt. Naksan and Mt. Namsan. On Namsan peak, five beacons were built to report the news from local governments to the central government with a five-signal system.

Also on the top of Mt. Namsan, there is the Palgakjeong Pavilion, which has a fantastic view. At Seoul Tower (479.7m), you can view the whole landscape of Seoul and the West Sea beyond Incheon. The rotating restaurant in the Seoul Tower has an excellent view of Seoul. Because night view is excellent from Mt. Namsan, you should try having dinner at the tower and enjoy the night view of Seoul. It would be great as well to visit Namsangol Traditional Korean Village which is a village of 5 traditional Korean houses.

Source:

www.english.kbs.co.kr

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