NAMSAN | Creatrip Locals' Guide
Complete Guide To Namsan! Must-Eats, Must-Drionks And Must-Dos
Namsan is one of the must-visit landmark if it's your first time in Seoul. In the media, merchandise that covers Seoul, you'll find Namsan and its N-Seoul tower. Even for locals, it is one of the first places that comes to mind when you think of Seoul.
It is located in the center of Seoul. You can find a peaceful natural atmosphere, nice hiking courses, and a perfect night view of Seoul. Let's find out all that you need to know about the locals' favourite place, Namsan.
INTRODUCTION
The word Namsan (南山) means a mountain in the South. If you look at it now, it is located in the district of Yongsan-gu and north of Hangang. But why is it called the south mountain?
It's because it is one of the four mountains that protect Gyeongbokgung. Mt. Bukaksan in the north, Mt. Inwangsan in the west, Mt. Naksan in the east, and Namsan in the South surrounds the palace of Joseon and protects it.
One of the reasons it is so loved by the locals is its location. It is in the middle of Myeongdong, Itaewon, Yongsan and Chungmuro, and you can easily get to it from almost anywhere in Seoul.
Because of its history and significance, Japan built the Residency-General building in Namsan to pressure the Korean government. During the dictatorship period, the National Security Agency building was located here and feared by Korean citizens. You can still find some traces of the dark history of Korea in Namsan.
After Korea was democratized, Namsan has cleaned up its vestiges of the past and has become the place where locals can rest their peace and mind. And is still considered as one of the picnic sites for locals.
HOW TO GET THERE
Bus
It is forbidden for private cars to get to N Seoul Tower. If you want to get to the top by public transportation you'll have to take the bus. Two buses, #2 and #4 gots to the top. If you are in Jongno or Myeongdong area, it is the easiest way to get to Namsan and N-Seoul Tower.
Bus 02
Nearby Stations: Chungmuro Station, Dongguk Univ. Station
Source: seoultower.co.kr
Route: N Seoul Tower → Namsan Public Library → Namsan Cable Car → Hanok Village → Chungmuro Station → Dongguk Univ. Station → National Theater of Korea → N Seoul Tower
Interval: 7~12 minutes
First Bus: 06:30
Last Bus: 22:45
Bus 04
Nearby Stations: City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, Dongdaemun Station
Route: N Seoul Tower → Namsan Public Library→ Baekbeom Square → Namdaemun Market → City Hall → Jongno → Dongdamun History & Culture Park Station → Dongguk Univ. Station → National Theater of Korea → N Seoul Tower
Interval: 11~13 minutes
First Bus: 06:30
Last Bus: 22:30
The most memorable and convenient way to the top would be the cable car. You can see the whole of Seoul around you, and it delivers you directly to the top. You can get the ticket for a round trip or one-way. If you have enough time, buy a one-way ticket, and it would be better to take a walk along the trail as you go up or down.
From Myeongdong Station Exit 3, walk past Pacific Hotel and GS25, and you will find Namsan Cable Car near the Chinese Consulate.
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Price
| One-way | Round Trip | |
| Adult (Over 13) | 7,000 | 9,500 |
| Children (3-12) | 4,000 | 6,500 |
Hiking
If you've been to Namsan before, I recommend that you walk to the top. The most well-known route would be from Myeongdong. Get past the Namsan Cable Car station and follow the staircases and you'll get to the top in less than an hour.
Another popular route to Namsan is from Itaewon. We started from Hangangjin station and got past Sowol-gil, which was a small trail through a forest. We arrived in Namsan Dulle-gil in less than 15 minutes and started climbing to the top.
Unlike the route from the Myeongdong, it wasn't paved and felt like a real natural mountain which is not your typical image of Namsan. If you want some natural forest atmosphere, I recommend that you start hiking from the Itaewon area.
Enjoy the cool breeze along with the Seoul view to cool down from the hike!
THINGS TO DO
Address: 서울특별시 용산구 용산2가동 남산공원길 105
Hours: Sun-Fri 10:00-23:00
Sat 10:00-24:00
Price: Adult ₩11,000
Children (3-12) ₩9,000
N Seoul Tower is one of the most famous landmarks of all Korea, and you can find it at the top of Namsan. There is an observatory to look around all Seoul, prestigious restaurants, and gift shops. You can get a 50% discount if you book a ticket from Creatrip. Don't miss the exclusive benefits.
Namsan Love Locks
Price: Free
Note: You need to bring your own lock
For locals, Namsan is a must-visit place if you are in love with someone. The love lock has a large portion of its popularity. If you lock it with your lover, your love will go as long as the lock is secure. You can purchase the lock at the tower, but it's more expensive. It's better to prepare a lock if you want to place it with your lover!
Address: 서울 중구 퇴계로 34길 28
15 minutes walk from Myeongdong station
Hours
April to October 09:00-21:00
November to March 09:00-20:00
Mon Closed
If you arrive here, you will feel like time has frozen up. The buildings from hundreds of years ago still stands, giving people a glimpse of what it was like back then. It's a great place to take pictures with a hanbok on. No entrance fee!
Address: 서울특별시 중구 퇴계로 189 동화빌딩 B1
Hours: 09:30-20:00
Wed: Closed
Price:
All-day (Adult) ₩24,000
All-day Children ₩20,000
4 Hour (Adult) ₩20,000
4 Hour (Children) ₩15,000
To enjoy authentic Hanok Village experience, you'd better rent a Hanbok to leave memorable pictures. It's possible to wear it and climb Namsan, but beware of the rental hours and try not to make it dirty.
Address: 서울시 용산구 남산공원길 126 남산서울타워
Hours: Tues-Sat 11:00-18:00, Closed Sun & Mon
Price:
1 Attraction: ￦9,500
2 Attraction: ￦15,200
3 Attraction: ￦19,000
If you want to enjoy something exciting on Namsan, other than the beautiful sceneries, try Kakao VR Theme Park. It's a great place to take pictures with the cute Ryan, and enjoy some exciting VR games. For Kakao Friends fans, it's a must-visit place!
Address: 서울시 중구 예장동 1-3
Palgakjeong means octagonal pavilion, and just like its name Palgakjeong has eight edges. It's one of the largest pavilions I've ever seen in Korea, and you can sit here and enjoy the cool breeze that passes by Namsan.
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Address: 서울시 중구 남산동2가 퇴계로20길 71
Hours: 10:30-20:00
Break Time 15:00-16:00
Best menu: Bulgogi Bibimbap ₩10,000
Around Namsan, it's hard to find a decent restaurant at a reasonable price. At Mokmyeok Sanbang, you can have authentic Korean bibimbap at a reasonable price, starting from ￦7,000. Best menus are Bulgogi Bibimbap and Yukhoe Bibimbap (raw beef).
Address: 서울특별시 용산구 용산동2가 남산공원길 126
Hours: 11:00-23:00
Last Order 21:30
Best Menu: The PLACE Dining Package (2 pax) ₩126,000
THE PLACE Dining is located in the N Seoul Tower, and you can enjoy fine dining while looking over the beautiful landscape of Namsan and Seoul. If you are planning a romantic date with your lover, reserve the dining package for two and enjoy your luxurious dinner at Namsan. Get exclusive discount benefits if you are a Creatrip member!
Address: 서울특별시 용산구 용산동2가 남산공원길 126
Hours: 11:00-23:00
Last Orders: 15:00 / 21:30
Best Menu: Observatory+Meal ￦33,000
HanCook is a Korean food buffet restaurant. It's not your ordinary buffet, and all the menus are prepared with delicacy. Make your reservation, and you can get a discount on Observatory+Meal set.
Address: 서울 중구 충무로3가 28-2
Hours: Weekdays 11:00-22:00
Weekends 11:00-21:00
Best Menu: Toegeun Set ₩35,000
Namsan Dodam is located between Chungmuro and Euljiro. It's a great place to quench your thirst with makgeolli after hiking. The Toegeun Set (after-work set) has kimchi jjim, pajeon, and makgeolli in it. You can enjoy a variety of Korean food at a reasonable price.
Namsangol Sanchaejip
Address: 서울 종로구 평창30길 24
Hours: 08:00-21:00
Best Menu: Tonkatsu ₩9,000
For locals, no one really knows why, but the most famous food of Namsan is tonkatsu. And Namsangol Sanchaejip is the most well-known place for large size tonkatsu. It's a place where you can enjoy tonkatsu and bibimbap at a low price!
Address: 서울 중구 소파로 95
Hours: 17:00-22:00
Last Order 20:30
Best Menu: Romantic Package ₩270,000
It's a fine-dining restaurant for western cuisine. If you had a romantic date at Namsan with the love locks, how about ending it in Candle 1978. Choose the course menu that best suits your taste and budget from its official website!
Address: 서울 용산구 이태원2동 258-202
Hours: 14:00-23:00
Harvest Namsan is located in the Itaewon area and is famous for its rooftop and beautiful scenery. It's a fine-dining restaurant, and the price is quite high. If you are planning an event, we recommend that you reserve the best spot in Harvest Namsan.
Address: 서울 용산구 소월로20길 26-14
Hours: 11:00-22:00
Orang Orang is located at the Gyeongridan Road at the end of Namsan. It is a bit far from the subway station, but if you are on your way down from Namsan, this is a cafe worth visiting for its fabulous view. Not just the view, but you can enjoy decent coffee at reasonable prices here!
Mamoe
Address: 서울특별시 중구 회현동 소파로 41
Hours: Sun-Thu 12:00-22:00
Frie-Sat 12:00-23:00
Mamoe is a pure Korean name for Namsan. You can spot this cafe on your way to the top of Namsan. It's a place with great exterior and interior design, and a perfect place to upload on your instagram.
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