Refreshing break at facelifted Mt. Namsan

Mongmyeoksanjang Lounge

By Chah Kyoung-won

For those too busy to escape Seoul, the city recommends you to take a walk along Mt. Namsan’s Jangchung Park, Dadametteul
(Garden), Northern trail walks and the Mongmyuksan lounge.

Namsan is a 262-meter-high mountain, which overlooks central Seoul and River Han. The 237-meter-high N Seoul Tower on top of the mountain is one of the favorite things that foreign residents like about living in Seoul.

After a major renovation under Seoul mayor Oh Se-hoon's "Namsan Renaissance" plan, which was to transform its landscape to a signature park like Central Park in New York, multiple tourist spots have became more accessible and attractive.

Jangchung Park has undergone a major facelift since May. The park has been unpopular among young people because it was mostly known as a place older generations frequented. However, as the plan proceeded, worn out buildings and facilities were demolished and many cultural and historical heritages were maintained. Native Korean trees such as the Kousa dogwood and wild cherry replaced imported trees during the overhaul.

Refurbished historical heritages at the park include the stone monument showing the site of Jangchungdan, an altar for the fallen soldiers who fought the Japanese when they killed Empress Myeongseong, the last empress of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) in 1895; Supyo Bridge, which was originally built in the early Joseon period (1420) where the Cheonggye stream is now but has been relocated to the park; the bronze statue of patriot Lee Jun who fought for the independence of Korea during Japanese colonial rule in the 20th century. Thanks to these efforts, the park has returned to its most natural ecology and is now a resting place where nature and culture are fused.

After looking around the park, enjoy the cool summer breeze in the Dadame Garden. “Dadam” means tea and traditional refreshments in Korean. Befitting its name, the newly open Dadame Garden is a hanok, a traditional Korean style house, restaurant and tea shop. Take a weekend retreat with some traditional tea with an eye-catching view of the waterfalls. It is quite unbelievable to find such serenity in the heart of the city.

Pass the garden and Dongguk University starts the 3.5 km-long Northern trail that traces the hillsides of Mt. Namsan. One of the most beloved walks in Seoul. The Northern trail welcomes its visitors with shade from cherry and maple trees. Spots to observe the panorama of the city's entire sky line are available as well.

Lastly, Mongmyuksanjang Lounge, another hanok named after Namsan’s old name, is popular among foreign residents in Seoul and nearby workers. It is embraced by Silgae streams and an artificial waterfall to please its visitors. After enjoying a quick bite, visitors can also hike to the top of Mt. Nam or take the cable car.

"If you're looking for an alternative to a far away nature experience, Mt. Nam is the right place," said Baek Hyun-sik, an official in charge of the Mt. Nam Renaissance master plan at the Municipal Government.

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