Could a tower symbolize a city? N Seoul Tower does. It is a prominent landmark in Seoul. This communication and observation tower sits atop Namsan Mountain.
N Seoul Tower is also known as the YTN Seoul Tower and Namsan Tower. It is a major tourist attraction. Millions visit each year. The tower provides stunning panoramic views of Seoul. It stands 236 meters tall. Add that to the height of Namsan Mountain at 262 meters. The total height is 479.7 meters above sea level. This makes it the second highest point in Seoul.
Let’s step back in time. Construction began in 1969. The tower was completed in 1971. It was designed by Jangjongryul architects. Initially it served as South Korea’s first general radio wave tower. It broadcast TV and radio signals across Seoul. The observatory wasn’t built until 1975.
Initially, the tower wasn’t open to the public due to security concerns. The Blue House, the presidential residence, was visible from the tower. Telescopes still do not point in that direction. The N Seoul Tower finally opened to the public in October 1980.
In 2005, it was renamed N Seoul Tower. The N stands for new, Namsan Mountain, and nature. About 15 billion won was spent on renovations that year. YTN acquired the tower in 1999.
The N Seoul Tower is divided into three main sections. These sections are N Lobby, N Plaza and N Tower. N Plaza has two floors. N Tower has four floors. There are observation decks. Restaurants offer similar views.
The N Lobby includes the entrance to the observatory. It also has an information desk, a museum and a cafe. There is a children’s theater and a nursing room. The N Plaza includes ticket booths and souvenir shops. You can also find cafes and restaurants. The “Locks of Love” are here too.
The N Tower has a Korean restaurant. It also has a digital observatory. It showcases Korean history through LCD screens. Observation decks and gift shops are on other floors. A revolving French restaurant is on the top floor. It completes one rotation every 48 minutes.
Many visitors take the Namsan cable car up the mountain. It is a quick way to reach the tower. Approximately 8.4 million people visit N Seoul Tower every year. Nearby attractions include Namsan Park and Namsangol Hanok Village.
Foreign tourists often rank N Seoul Tower as the top attraction in Seoul. The tower lights up in blue when the air quality is good. It is an amazing sight at night. The tower also features light art shows.
One popular activity is placing love padlocks on the fence. Couples write their names and messages on the locks. They attach them to symbolize eternal love.
Another attraction is the Wishing Pond. Visitors toss coins into the pond to make wishes. The money collected is donated to schools in Asia.
N Seoul Tower is a must-see. It offers a blend of culture, views and fun.