Namsan Park is one of Seoul's most iconic parks, located in the city's center, with Namsan Mountain standing at 270 meters above sea level. Originally called "Ingyeong Mountain," it was renamed "Namsan" ("South Mountain") after King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty moved the capital from Kaesong to Seoul in 1394. As an important site in geomancy (feng shui), a shrine was built to honor the guardian deity, Mokmyeok Daewang, leading to the mountain also being called "Mokmyeok Mountain."
Designated as a public park on March 12, 1940, Namsan Park officially opened on September 10, 1968. From 1991 to 1999, a large-scale restoration project called the "Namsan Revitalization Project" was carried out. This involved removing 89 outdated structures and creating an outdoor botanical garden, significantly enhancing the area for citizens. Today, Namsan Park serves as a major green space in the city, providing fresh air and a relaxing environment for visitors.
Basic Information about Namsan Park
- Address: 231 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Contact: 02-3783-5900
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Total Area: 2,902,602㎡
- Forest Area: 2,458,504㎡ (84.7%)
- Green Spaces & Other Facilities: 444,098㎡ (15.3%)
- Key Facilities
- Infrastructure: Plazas, roads, hiking trails, and a circular walking path
- Landscaping: Streams, ponds, and pine tree walking trails
- Recreational Facilities: Namsan Seoul Tower, observation decks, and pavilions
- Sports Facilities: Archery range, badminton courts, tennis courts, and more
- Cultural Facilities: Namsan Library, Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall
- Amenities: Rest areas, parking lots, and restrooms
Namsan Seoul Tower Observatory
Namsan Seoul Tower is one of the city's most famous landmarks, offering a panoramic view of Seoul.
- Admission Fees:
- Adults (ages 13+) 21,000 KRW
- Children (ages 3–12) 16,000 KRW
- Opening Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Contact: 02-3455-9277, 9288
Namsan Cable Car
The Namsan Cable Car provides a convenient way to reach the mountain’s summit.
- Ticket Prices:
- Round Trip
- Adults: 15,000 KRW (Group 13,500 KRW, Local Discount 7,500 KRW)
- Children: 11,500 KRW (Group 10,500 KRW)
- One Way
- Adults: 12,000 KRW (Group 11,000 KRW, Local Discount 6,000 KRW)
- Children: 9,000 KRW (Group 8,500 KRW)
- Discounts for Seniors (65+), Veterans, and Disabled Persons
- Round Trip: 11,500 KRW
- One Way: 9,000 KRW
- Round Trip
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Extended hours on holidays and weekends)
- Contact: 02-753-2403 (Daytime), 02-757-1308 (Nighttime)
Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall
The memorial hall dedicated to Ahn Jung-geun, a prominent figure in Korea’s independence movement, is located within Namsan Park.
- Admission Fee: Free
- Opening Hours:
- Summer (March–October): 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Winter (November–February): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Every Monday
- Contact: 02-3789-1016
Children’s Forest Experience Center (Hannam & Jangchung)
This facility offers children a hands-on nature experience.
- Admission Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Contact: 02-3783-5995~6
- Eligibility:
- Preschoolers (ages 5–7) and elementary school students with their families
- Reservation:
- Required for group visits on weekdays
- Free access on weekends without reservations
How to Get to Namsan Park
Since private vehicles are restricted, public transportation is the best way to reach Namsan Park.
By Subway
- Seoul Station (Lines 1 & 4) → Bus 402 → Get off at Namsan Library
- Dongguk University Station (Line 3) → Namsan Circular Bus 01B → Get off at Namsan North Circular Road Entrance
- Chungmuro Station (Line 4) → Bus 140 → Get off at Namsan 1st Tunnel Stop → Walk 3 minutes
- Myeongdong Station (Line 4)
- Exit 1: Walk 9 minutes
- Exits 3 & 4: Walk 10 minutes toward the Namsan Cable Car
- Hoehyeon Station (Line 4) → Exit 4: Walk 8 minutes toward Baekbeom Square
- Hangangjin Station (Line 6) → Bus 405 → Get off at Grand Hyatt Hotel → Walk 2 minutes
By Bus
Since 2005, private cars and taxis have been restricted in Namsan Park, and in 2021, tour buses were also banned. Instead, visitors can take the Green Circular Bus (01A, 01B) from major locations like Myeongdong, Chungmuro, Dongguk University, and Yejang Park.
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Parking Information
Parking is limited, so public transportation is recommended.
-
Namsan Library Parking Lot (Behind Namsan Library)
- Fee: 160 KRW per 5 minutes
- Discount: 80% for disabled persons and national merit recipients
- Capacity: 72 cars
- Contact: 02-318-5575
-
Hannam Parking Lot (Across from Grand Hyatt Hotel)
- Fee: 160 KRW per 5 minutes
- Discount: 80% for disabled persons and national merit recipients
- Capacity: 33 cars
- Contact: 02-797-3838
Namsan Park: A Must-Visit Destination in Seoul
Namsan Park is a perfect place to experience the harmony of nature and history in the heart of Seoul. With scenic walking trails, panoramic city views, and cultural attractions like the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall, it is an ideal destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a chance to explore Korea’s history, Namsan Park is the perfect getaway.
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