Tuesday, September 9, 2025

DIY Budget Travel to South Korea Day 4 - Seoul Tower Plaza

July 13, 2024
Mabuhay!
This is a photo and video journal of Day 4 of our DIY budget trip to the beautiful country of South Korea, featuring our visit to Seoul Tower Plaza.
Breakfast
These pre-cooked rice meals save time. Just microwave them, and you can enjoy a hot breakfast with coffee in a few minutes.




Walk to the Market


At 7-11, we buy and reload our T-Money card, used for public transportation in Korea.





Cheongnyangni Fruit and Vegetable Market
After 4 days, our taste buds are now craving Filipino dishes. So we went to the market to buy meat and vegetables for a home-cooked Filipino meal. The nearest market we searched is the Cheongnyangni Fruit and Vegetable Market.









Home-cooked lunch
My wife made a chicken soup dish we call "Tinola" in Filipino.



The tinola dish is best with rice.

We even have grapes for dessert.

Visit to Namsan Seoul Tower
Getting there
From Sinseoldong Bus Stop, it's a 43-minute bus ride to the National Theater of Korea. Then there is a special bus going up to Namsan Seoul Tower.



The bus stops at the National Theater of Korea

This bus goes to the Namsan Tower








A short walk to the tower






The Namsan Seoul Tower

Perched atop Namsan Mountain in central Seoul, the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower—often simply called N Seoul Tower—is more than just a viewing deck. It’s a piece of architecture that symbolizes the city’s modern rise.

  • Designer: The tower was designed by architect Jang Jong-ryul, who envisioned a broadcasting and observation tower that would also stand as a cultural landmark.

  • Contractor: Construction was spearheaded by Shinsegae Construction Co., a major Korean firm that handled the technical demands of erecting such a tall structure on a mountain site.

  • Timeline: Work began in 1969 and took about five years to complete. The tower was structurally finished by 1971, but it officially opened to the public in October 1975 after the observatory and cultural facilities were completed.

  • Cost: At the time, the project cost was estimated at around 2.5 billion won (a substantial investment in the late 1960s and early 70s), reflecting Korea’s determination to showcase its technological and cultural progress.

Today, what began as a TV and radio transmission tower has transformed into one of Seoul’s most beloved tourist attractions, complete with observation decks, restaurants, digital art exhibitions, and the famous “Locks of Love” fences.
















Namsan Seoul Tower Upper Floor

























Love Lock

How & When It Started at Namsan Tower
  • The tradition at N Seoul Tower is believed to have started in the mid-2000s. Couples began attaching padlocks to the fences around the tower’s observation areas, writing their names or wishes, and tossing away the key as a symbol of “unbreakable love.”

  • The practice was inspired by a global love lock trend, which had already been seen in places like Rome’s Ponte Milvio (popularized after an Italian novel/film in 2006) and in Paris on the Pont des Arts.

Who Put the First Lock?

  • The very first couple who attached a lock at Namsan Tower is not known—there’s no official record of a “first lock.”

  • Its popularity in Korea was fueled by exposure through K-dramas and media. When hit dramas in the 2000s showed couples visiting Namsan Tower, fans quickly adopted the ritual.

The Tradition Today

  • Now, thousands of locks cover the railings and are designated “lock trees” installed by the management to hold them.

  • It has become one of Seoul’s top romantic attractions, though the actual origin couple remains a mystery—perhaps making it even more magical.






















OLED Tunnel

OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode












Riding the Namsan Cable Car – Your Gateway to Seoul’s Iconic Tower

If you plan to visit Namsan Seoul Tower, one of the most memorable ways to get there is by riding the Namsan Cable Car. It’s not just transportation—it’s an experience, gliding above the city with spectacular views of Seoul unfolding beneath you.





📏 Distance & Route

The cable car travels a short but scenic route of about 605 meters from the base station near Myeongdong up toward the top of Namsan Mountain, where you can continue your walk to the tower. The ride takes only 3 minutes, but the views make it unforgettable.

🚡 Capacity

Each cable car can hold around 48 passengers, making it spacious enough for families, groups of friends, or couples heading up for a romantic evening.




💰 Fare

As of recent years, the fare is approximately:

  • ₩14,000 (round trip) per adult

  • ₩11,000 (round trip) for children
    (One-way tickets are also available for those who prefer to hike one way.)

🌆 What to Expect

  • Daytime rides give you sweeping views of the bustling city and green slopes of Namsan.

  • Evening rides are extra magical—watching Seoul light up as the sun sets is a memory you won’t forget.

  • At the upper station, you’ll find walking paths, shops, and signs pointing you toward the tower itself.




Taking the cable car is a blend of convenience and adventure—it saves you the uphill climb, while giving you a sky-high preview of why Namsan is such a beloved spot for locals and travelers alike.

Back to the city proper





Peaceful protest rally




Dinner time

Filipino all-time favorite dish, Adobo 

























 

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