Day 4 in Seoul: Kwang Jang Market --> N Seoul Tower
After the bout of morning shopping at Kwang Jang Market, my parents and I spent some time back in the hotel. We returned primarily to drop off the huge shopping load and we polished off our yummy packed lunch from the market in the comfort of our room.
Once we were sufficiently rested, we headed off to yet another famous K-drama location: the N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower. Now, this is one location every hardcore K-drama fan should know. From Boys over Flowers to My Love from Another Star, The Legend of the Blue Sea to the more recent A Korean Odyssey and Hotel Del Luna. And that's a list just off the top of my head. I'm very sure there's a lot more shows that were filmed there.
The easiest way to get from our hotel to N Seoul Tower was to hop onto the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus No. 5. However we opted to take a taxi up with the idea of taking the cable car up. Unfortunately, the cable car was closed for maintenance when we arrived and with it, my fantasy of pretending to be on a date with a cute oppa died.
So we ended up having to walk up a really steep slope to get to the tower. And that slope "killed" my mom because of her poor knees and mobility. She was so tired by the time she got to the top, she needed another break. Those of you travelling with elderly, please do take note of this; check before going and make sure the cable car is in operation.
Taking that break with mom was easy though, especially since there were stunning views from an observation deck built into the side of the Namsan mountain.
The few maple trees there were also just turning their leaves red.
Since I had time while waiting for mom to catch her breath, I compared prices and options between KKday and Klook using their apps that I had already installed in my phone. Eventually I bought some discounted tickets off the KKday app and made use of them to gain entrance to the tower once mom was feeling ready.
There is also a Hello Kitty museum at the base of the tower, and some of the options offered a combined deal of the N Seoul Observation Tower together with the Hello Kitty museum. We weren't exactly in the mood for the 5-apples tall kitty and just bought the tickets for the observation tower only. Fans of HK should however, definitely consider the combined deal.
I will admit to spending some time in the Sanrio shop next to the museum though and bought home a lovely Little Twin Star coin bank.
We were treated to a light show before taking the lift up to the tower's observation deck.
More panoramic views of Seoul abound while at the observation tower. The observation tower also hosts a couple of cafés and restaurants, including a revolving one. You may wish to consider having a meal there while watching the sun set. I can imagine the night lights would be a spectacular (and romantic!) backdrop to your meal as well.
We did a round admiring Seoul's skyline from the observation tower but got bored rather quickly. So we headed back down to check out the love padlocks on the tower fence. There are vending machines selling these locks should you wish hang one with your loved ones.
Mom and I however, preferred to spend our time taking tons of selfies and wefies together with these colourful locks instead of buying them. There were also designed photo spots around that were really Instagram-friendly. While we were taking photos, dad entertained himself watching a performance at the square.
It was late afternoon by the time we were done. We then took the No. 5 shuttle bus back to Myeongdong, where we stopped by Paris Baguette for coffee and some yummy sandwiches before heading to Shinsegae for more shopping.
Tourist Information
N Seoul Tower
Website: https://www.nseoultower.co.kr:8501/eng/index.asp
Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Operating hours: Mondays to Fridays and Sundays - 10 am to 11 pm, Saturdays - 10 am to 12 midnight
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