Anyeong Noona

From the window of Namsan Seoul Tower Observatory 

You can use the binocular which direction has been set to popular landmark in Seoul for free.

A lot of cute souvenirs can be found at the souvenir store located in the middle of the observatory. 

The Koreans are really into writing messages everywhere, really. There is a section inside the observatory set up as a writing block where visitors can purchase a wooden block and write about their feeling and experience here. Some visitors are being creative by writing directly on the empty space without purchasing the block. LOL.

Nice view of Myeongdong from the top. What should Noona have for dinner? Which store she hasn't visited yet? Hahaha Myeongdong is really all about food and shop. 

But since Noona and her friend have taken a lot of efforts to climb up here, let's enjoy a cafe moment at Namsan Observatory cafe. Yum! 

But, anyway, if you have already made your way all the way here, you may as well go and purchase your ticket for the observatory tower. The ticket costs 10,000 KRW for adults and 8,000 KRW for children and elderly.

The tower itself is actually not that tall but since it is located on a mountain, the height of the tower is kinda boosted by the terrain. Well, Noona guesses we should be able to see a decent view of Seoul from the observatory deck. 

But before we go up, we should check out the area near the entrance of the tower first. Thanks to the variety show, Noona knows that there is a dedicated area catered for lovebirds, to allow them to lock their love to a keychain. If you think it's cheesy, the Korean seems to love this idea very much because the number of the locks locked here looks uncountable.

The locks come in any type and size too. It is normal to write the love message on the locks and some people really have a lot of things to write. Hahaha.

Popular photo-taking spot here. 

Certain spot takes a certain degree of challenge. Well, this is the time to prove your life, anyway, so why not? =P

Noona heard about the trail being considered "mild" and not even a "hiking trail" but to tell you the truth, Namsan walking trail is pretty much tiring when the weather is hot. The trail is full of staircases.

More stairs. Although these few stairs are not steep, thankfully.

Noona shrieked with excitement when she saw this set of stairs. This what seems to be a normal stairs is actually quite famous thanks to the influence of Korean drama and variety show. The stairs was first featured in the movie, My Lovely Sam Soon, and hence, the name "Sam Soon Stairs". 

The wall beside the stairs.

The Namsan Park is located right at the top of Sam Soon stairs. You will see a monument once you have reached the top.

The park is pretty nice to take a stroll. You can see a fountain with the view of Namsan Seoul Tower behind. If you go further beyond the fountain, you can continue your walking trail leading to the tower but we chose to find the cable car station, thank you very much. 

At the price of KRW 8,500 (return), Namsan Cable Car runs from the base of Namsan Mountain up to Namsan Seoul Tower.

We still had time before we needed to board the next cable car, so we bought something to quench our thirst. 

Up, up and above. Oh right, if you don't want to walk to the Namsan Cable Car Station (like what we did because we got lost), you can take the Namsan Oreumi (i.e. Namsan outdoor elevator), the inclined outdoor elevator. It only takes about two minutes from the entrance of Namsan 3rd tunnel (near Myeongdong Cathedral) to the parking lot of Namsan Cable Car station. 

After you have alighted at the station near to Namsan Seoul Tower, you still need to walk a bit to reach the tower. Along the way, you will see Namsan Bongsudae Beacon Tower site. 

You will be able to see the re-enactment of how the beacon light was used during the Joseon Dynasty daily from 11.30 AM to 12.30 PM (except on Mondays). 

We know we were pretty much near to Namsan Seoul Tower when we passed by this pagoda, which was used as one of the mission venue for Running Man in its earlier episode.