Namsan Seoul Tower stands as a prominent landmark in Seoul, having become a global center of communication by joining the World Tower Federation (WFGT). Since its completion in 1975, the tower, reaching a height of 480 meters, has admirably preserved the natural beauty of Mother Nature, offering a stunning panoramic view of Seoul.
Attracting approximately 8.4 million tourists annually, the tower's allure is heightened by its location amidst Namsan Park and Hanok Village, complementing various attractions in Seoul. Namsan Seoul Tower stands as a key highlight on the journey to this global city, promising visitors a breathtaking cityscape.
Learn more about the enchanting charm of Namsan Seoul Tower through this blog!
Namsan Seoul Tower History
Construction commenced on December 15, 1969, concluding on July 30, 1975. Prior to its construction, numerous broadcasting transmission towers were scattered across Seoul. In the 1970s, a policy aimed at consolidating these towers was enacted. Notably, the three major private broadcasting stations at the time—Dongyang Broadcasting, Dong-A Broadcasting, and Munhwa Broadcasting—invested in erecting a tall tower on Namsan to function as a base transmission station for the Seoul metropolitan area. However, the tower's primary purpose was to transmit interference to North Korean radio audible throughout Seoul and North Korean TV broadcasts visible in northern Seoul. Initially managed by the government, the tower later evolved into its current form with an observatory, officially opening to the private sector on October 15, 1980.
Initially, Namsan Seoul Tower was in the form of no observatory, but later a tourist observatory was also built, and the current tower was completed in 1975. In the early days, due to security concerns, the observatory was built but not opened. In the early days, it was pre-released to reporters, and at that time, a newspaper article said, "If the weather is clear, you can see not only the sea off Incheon but also Kaesong beyond the armistice line," and even security problems were raised that secret photos could be taken with high-performance small cameras at the time of security inspection. At the time of learning this, the Korean government ordered, "We will not allow entry to the Namsan Seoul Tower for any purpose other than the transmission tower, and we will take special measures for security issues." For this reason, the observatory was opened to the private sector only on October 15, 1980.
Namsan Seoul Tower as a Tourist Destination
It is a landmark tower representing South Korea or Seoul. Namsan Seoul Tower, which stands tall on 900,000 pyeong of wide and pleasant Namsan Mountain, which looks different and feels new and has a unique beauty of Mother Nature, is 480 meters above sea level, giving you a panoramic view of Seoul.
The beautiful view of the city center at Namsan Seoul Tower is one of the unforgettable experiences. At night, the shining city scenery creates an ecstatic atmosphere, and enjoying a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul from the top of Namsan Mountain is one of the must-do activities. Accordingly, Namsan Seoul Tower is considered the number one tourist attraction chosen by foreigners.
As such, about 8.4 million tourists visit Namsan Seoul Tower every year. Namsan Seoul Tower is surrounded by many attractions offered by Korea, including Namsan Park and Namsangol Hanok Village. Visitors can climb the tower for a fee, depending on groups such as children, the elderly, teenagers, and adults. The fee depends on the package and group size. Namsan Seoul Tower is divided into three parts: N lobby, N Plaza, and N Tower. N Plaza consists of two floors and N Tower consists of four floors.
You can go up to the tower observation deck from the strata mall. At night, various colored lights come in depending on the atmosphere. When yellow dust warnings or ultrafine dust warnings are issued, red, blue on days with good air quality with a concentration of 20㎍/㎥ or less, and lighting that changes every moment on other days. In addition, colors may change on certain anniversaries, such as using red lights on World Blood Donor Day.
Although it is a landmark representing Seoul in name and reality, it is not seriously crowded. However, on Lunar New Year and Chuseok, the anniversary of Korea, the number of visitors increases exponentially, and buses and cable cars are overcrowded. On Jan. 1, Namsan Circulation Bus, Namsan Seoul Tower, and cable car facilities will open and operate early to welcome the new year. Namsan Circulation Bus is open at 5:30 and Namsan Seoul Tower and cable cars are open at 6 p.m.
Seoul Tower in Namsan, a Romantic Oasis in the City
Namsan Seoul Tower is one of the most popular dating courses in downtown Seoul. In particular, Namsan Seoul Tower is famous for its lock culture among lovers.
There are numerous small locks hanging on the Namsan Seoul Tower, which were brought by lovers to travel together or to commemorate special moments, meaning that if you hang a lock with each other's names on the hem, you will share your eternal love there.
Lovers usually buy locks, climb to Seoul Tower in Namsan, and install locks on lock hangers. The lock bears the names of lovers or special messages, and hangs them on the skirt and makes a wish. These events have established themselves as one of the beautiful ceremonies that symbolizes affection and promise between lovers.
As such, the lock space of Namsan Seoul Tower creates a calm and beautiful landscape with locks of various sizes and designs. Especially when the sun goes down, the locks receive a sparkling light, creating a romantic yet touching atmosphere.
Namsan Tower in Popular Culture
4-1. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
The Mickey Mouse YouTube channel released a short story titled "Locked in Love" set in Namsan, Seoul, in 2017. The story revolves around Mickey and Minnie Mouse's visit to Namsan Seoul Tower, engaging in the tower's "LOCK OF LOVE" tradition.
"Locked in Love" tells the story of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse visiting Seoul Tower in Namsan. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse visit Namsan Seoul Tower's specialty, "LOCK OF LOVE," which any lover must go through. Mickey Mouse locks Minnie Mouse by confessing his love "I love you," "I love you" and "I love you." Mickey and Minnie Mouse lock each other's arms and face a situation as if they were handcuffed together. This short story cheerfully captures the process of Mickey Mouse accidentally dropping the key and chasing it.
4-2. BTS
In 2023, BTS dyed all of Seoul's landmarks purple symbolizing BTS with the slogan of "BTS FESTA," which is underway to mark its 10th anniversary.
At that time, BTS collaborated with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to greet the "ARMY" (fandom name) by lighting purple lights throughout Seoul's landmarks such as Namsan Seoul Tower, Sebitseom Island, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Lotte World Tower, Seoul Metropolitan Government, World Cup, Banpo, Yanghwa, and Yeongdong Bridge. It stands out that.
4-3. BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK released their second full album in 2022 and hosted BLACKPINK - "Pink Venom" [Light Up The Pink] Campaign 2022. It was an event that lit up representative attractions around the world with pink lights before and after the release date of BLACKPINK's second full-length pre-release song "Pink Venom."
According to the video posted on YG Entertainment's official SNS, Black Pink's iconic media facade was held at Seoul Tower in Namsan, Korea, including Tokyo Tower in Japan, Brooklyn Bridge in New York, LA Santa Monica Ferris wheel, and Central World in Bangkok, Thailand.
conclusion
Namsan Seoul Tower, rising majestically in Seoul's city center, combines historical significance with modern entertainment, solidifying its status as a representative Korean landmark. A visit to Namsan Seoul Tower not only captures the city's beauty but also creates romantic moments. The tower, now a hub of Korean pop culture, is a must-visit gem in the heart of the city, offering a harmonious blend of history, culture, and romantic allure. Your visit to Namsan Seoul Tower promises a special experience amidst the captivating beauty of Seoul.
Discover the Enchanting Charms of Namsan Seoul Tower – From its Rich History to Locks of Love and Illuminating K-Pop Influence
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