Recently I was invited to go to Namsan Park with my co-worker and her two sons. One of her son’s is in my kindergarten class, and I’d met the other one (who is in preschool) one time, and because they are adorable and can speak amazing English, I jumped at the opportunity!
Namsan (“South Mountain”) Park is a massive public park operated by the city of Seoul, and at the top of this peak sits Namsan Tower (also known as the North Seoul Tower), one of the most famous attractions in Seoul. There are two ways to reach the tower: you can hike, or you can take the Namsan cable car. With the two little guys in tow, we took the cable car. It’s a short ride, but it provides breathtaking views of the city. The kids were amazed, and it was really cool to experience everything through their eyes. Before we got on it they kept yelling “There is the cable car!” “Look! The cable car!” every time it went over us. Once they were on it, they pressed their faces against the glass, silent with amazement.
Once we reached the top, we enjoyed the view for a few minutes, and then made our way to the Mongmyeoksan Beacon Tower, an old smoke signal station used as an emergency communication system until as late as 1985.
We also visited the “Lock Trees” or “Locks of Love” and went up in the tower for even more impressive views of Seoul…but alas, those are stories for another day!
To get to the Namsan cable car, take the Seoul subway Line 4 to Myeongdong Station, and take exit 3. Go south along Toegye-ro 18-gil street to the Pacific Hotel and turn left. Walk along Toegye-ro 20 gil street until you see the Ministop, and then turn right and walk along Toegye-ro 20-na-gil street. At the end of the street, you will see the stairway to the cable car.
If you’re over 13 years old, a two-way cable car ticket costs 8,000 won, one-way tickets are 6,00 won. For those under 13, round trips tickets are 5,000 won and one way tickets are 3,500 won.
The boys are adorable!
They are pretty cute
Great photos! Looks like you had a good day out with your co-worker and her kids. Korea looks like an interesting place – can’t believe I still haven’t been there!
Thank you! Korea is an interesting place, and you should most definitely check it out someday. Thanks for reading!