Finding Seoul: The Locks of Love

There’s only one word for my first visit to Seoul: Romance! Passion and devotion come in various forms; the best ones are those which lift us high, touching us with  friendship and love.  Perched atop Namsan Seoul Tower is an observation deck overlooking a breathtaking view of Seoul. Upon it, flourishes what Seoulites call The Locks of Love. What is this? Just as it says. Locks. It’s a crazy tradition that Seoul youth have started there, in the act of bringing friends and romantic partners up to the observation deck to join their lockets in an unbreakable bond. Some lockets are inscribed by pen or engraved, some have pictures, stickers and some lock formations have even mutated into add-on barnacles!  The observation deck fences are virus-clothed with them in mass sentiment of what the Korean heart draws forth and wants to keep near.

This is my #1 Favorite Recommendation in Seoul:
I would go back. Taking in this awesome and be-speckled sight filled with hearts, wishes, tears, joy and laughter, I couldn’t help but find a surprising magic in it all. And within my short time there, something in me clicked and locked onto the city. Perhaps it was the millions of locks gleaming in the sunlight as small reminders of the dreaming human heart. Perhaps it was the sunset, the friends I made or re-united with, sightseeing Seoul from the back of a scooter (which is an amazingly rock-awesome way to see Seoul!), the artistic inspiration I received or the calm reflection that solitude brings at the close of the day…. Whatever it was and as corny as it sounds, a gentle poetry entered me and let me know the rough edges I hit early off in Korea would turn out alright.  I had made a new friend in Seoul and we now held a memorable bond, which wouldn’t break.

How to Get there:
Information below is found here: http://www.seoulkoreaasia.com/seoul-tower.htm

It is not possible to drive to N Seoul Tower, so the only options are either walk, take a bus or a cable car.
Getting to N Seoul Tower by cable car: Getting to Seoul Tower by cable car offers the opportunity to enjoy a nice view of Seoul and of Namsan Park. You can get to the cable car station by getting off at Myeongdong Station (Line n. 4, exit 3) and walking for ten minutes from the subway station.
Getting to N Seoul Tower by bus: You can take a bus at Chungmuro Station (line n. 3 or 4) or at Dongguk University Station (line 3), which will take you to the parking area of N Seoul Tower. Buses run every six minutes from 8am until midnight.
Getting to N Seoul Tower on foot: walk 30 minutes from exit 3 of Myeongdong subway station (Line n. 4).

Coming Next: “Finding Seoul: 6 Neighborhoods to Make you Fall in Love with Seoul ”