First timer in Seoul - Day 3 - Nandaemun markets, Sungnyemun Gate, Namsan Park, Seoul Tower

Travelling alone in Seoul can sometimes be a bit lonely if you don't speak much Korean. However, Korean locals who do speak English have all been really nice to me, and go out of their way to help. Most places have English signs and you can get by with Google Maps.

The first day I went to Gyeongbokgung palace and Cheong Wa Dae presidential residence. Second day I went to Yeouido to see the Cherry Blossom. Day 3, I decided to go see Namsan Tower (a.k.a. Seoul Tower). Those of you who watch Korean drama must be familiar with this location, as there are usually some cut scenes showing this beautiful tower.

To go to Seoul Tower, the first step is to get to Nandaemun Markets metro station. After coming out of exit 5, head straight into the markets, walk along the street full of street foods and shops all the way till the end. At the end of the street you will see an IBK bank, then turn left.

So a whole bunch of people line up to buy some type of pie. It looks good, but I don't have time to line up! Maybe it will still be here when I return at night time.

As you arrive at the intersection, you will see Sungnyemun Gate. Sungnyemun is another name for Nandaemun (which literally translates to South Large Door). The gate was constructed in 1398, it looks majestic. In 2008 it was destroyed by an arsonist setting it on fire. It look five years to rebuild and now it looks as good as new.

After you cross the road you can go to the other side of the gate.

You'll also see some royal guards. You may also witness the guard changing ceremony which happens once in a while. The guards have a very loud and authoritative voice.

From Sungnyemun Gate you can see Seoul Tower. Excited! Follow the road signs all the way and you will get to Namsan Park, which is where Seoul Tower is located. If you want to save some time, you could also catch the bus or taxi.

This is the entrance to Namsan Park. The huge white letters say Namsan Park in Korean. Namsan translates into "South Mountain".

Start climbing up! Namsan Tower is still a long way away. If you love climbing you'll enjoy this!

A sculpture of Kim Yu-sin, a famous Silla general in the 7th century who unified the Korean peninsula.

This is Yi Si-yeong, the first Korean Vice President in 1948.

Some stones commemorating revolutionary martyrs against the Japanese occupation of Korea.

A sculture of An Jung-geun, a Korean national hero.

You can see Namsan tower through the cherry blossoms (Only in April if you are lucky) on the way up. Beautiful.

There are outdoor bookshelves in the garden of the Namsan Library!

The footpath on the way up to Seoul Tower is soft, very easy on your feet.

When you see this wall, you are close to the top! Keep going!

There are many people at the top. Since I didn't see them on the way up, I am guessing they got here by bus. If you didn't want to climb yourself, you could also catch the taxi (I believe only foreigners are allowed to come up by taxi).

The view is nicer if you climbed up here by foot.

Buying a ticket to go up to the Seoul Tower observation deck costs about 10000 Korean Won (approximately $10 US).

Have a nice drink while admiring the view from the observation deck.

You can see the shadow casted by Seoul Tower in the middle of this picture. It's so long!

Can you see the three bright lines in a distance? Those are bridges going across the Han River.

The toilet at the top of Namsan Tower has a transparent wall. Be careful!

Before you leave the observation deck, buy a photo of yourself in Hanbok (Korean clothing) as a souvenir. This is a King's robe.

Back down to level 1, there are many cool things to do, such as this awesome 3D movie where the ceiling and side walls are all 3D screens.

A night view of Seoul Tower with pretty lights.

On the way back, I saw an awesome street food stall, and practised some basic Korean with the owner. It's as if I was in Korean drama!

Did you love coming to Seoul with me today? Follow me for more travel photo stories! @magicmonk