"Seoul Tower"-A must see in Seoul..!

“Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower or N Seoul Tower” (N stands for ‘New’ as it is recently renovated/ remodeled and renamed) is located in center of Seoul on 'Mt Namsan' which is a 262 m peak mountain. This Seoul tower which measures 236.7m height is located at top & center of this Mountain 'Namsan'. This is of course a famous landmark as both major tourist attraction and space for Korean cultural displays. It’s providing various forms of enjoyable moments to spend like Hiking, experiencing 'Cultural Exhibitions & Programs, capturing panoramic view through 'Digital and Analog Observatories', relaxing at 'Media zone' and also as a best place to hang out for the weekends too.

It was a  breezy, bright day of Autumn season to start with. We got down at 'Myeongdong' station in Subway line-4 and reached the Cable car platform which is at ten minutes of walking distance from Exit-3. There are two options for getting to Seoul tower; either by walk or by taking Bus or Cable car. We preferred to hike for the upward journey and take Cable car for the downward journey.

The tower is located over a vast terrace at the top of the mountain where Cable Car platform, Pavilion-a Korean architectural hut like hall to hang out with, Tower plaza and 'Beacons-Lighthouses' are located. The story inscribed on the Stone at the entrance of the terrace says that these Beacons were used to lit the lights to alert Korean people about invasion of enemies during olden historical days.

Luckily on our day of visit, we had an opportunity to watch a “Korean Martial Art” performance which was held on the terrace of the tower Plaza. Visitors largely gathered around the gallery were literally amazed by the show. The icing on the cake was the enthusiastic act of 'Show organizers & Performers' who invited and involved few visitors also on their show as participants, which made the show much more lively.

The tower plaza has Ticket Reservation Center, Photo Zone, Souvenir Shop, Food Court, Café Shop, a Korean Restaurant and Media Zone where films and music videos are shown. It has two cultural halls called Pavilion A and B which are spacious halls dedicated for cultural exhibitions and performances. 

 

From reservation centre we reached the elevator lobby and boarded the elevator which landed us on T3 floor-‘Digital Observatory’ which is equipped with high-powered telescopes offering a 360 degree view of the Seoul city. It gives a complete view of Seoul city. The view of Hans River which bisects the city, the closely embedded Sky scrapers of Seoul, Green and colorful ‘Namsan’ due to the starting of autumn, grand view of Seoul surrounded by Mountains will always flash in our memory while remembering this trip. 

 

There are four observation decks T1(T-Tower), T2, T3 and T5 respectively from bottom to top in the tower. Above this T3 deck is the top floor where the revolving restaurant ‘N Grill’ is located. It’s stated that the restaurant revolves and completes a 360 degree for every 48 minutes. To enjoy the revolving experience and ambiance one has to have prior reservation.

Below T3 floor is T2 which is also having the same window panel views but without digital high- powered telescopes. This floor has Snack Area, Sky Rest Rooms for relaxations. The Seoul city major destinations, landmarks and markets are indicated by a small red circle on the transparent window panels which is also termed as ‘Window guide’ to view those destinations by focusing on its's centre.  Many visitors, like me, immersed in viewing the landmarks through the window. I viewed ‘Dongdaemun’ the old grand market through the red circle marked on the window panel as I have recently visited and got my heart lost to its versatility. The T2 deck is also having a Souvenir Shop and platform for boarding Down Elevator. The most popular things available in this Souvenir shop are ‘N Seoul Tower key chains’, ‘N Seoul Tower & Cable car motif’ and ‘Postcards’ to cherish Seoul tower memory. Visitors write their names, quotes, thoughts on the cards, place on a wall dedicated for sticking it and take photographs by standing in front of it. Below this floor is T1 where a Korean restaurant is located.

After spending some three hours on the observatory decks we came down to the Plaza. At immediate to the exit there are series of “Love Lock trees”. Visitors from all over the world locked like love birds around these metal trees in love enjoying their moments and taking snaps of their romancing, cuddling, kissing there.

As planned we boarded the cable car for our downward journey from Seoul tower which took only few minutes to reach the entrance. Despite the car was fully packed and the windows were occupied by the visitors who boarded before us, it gave a pleasant feeling like flying. I took some good snaps too.

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