VOL.93/2026.04

Icons of Seoul: Namsan and the N Seoul Tower

2025.07.07

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a dynamic city where skyscrapers, ancient palaces, and the Han River coexist harmoniously. However, amid its bustling urban landscape, there is a place that symbolically embodies Seoul’s identity: Namsan and the N Seoul Tower atop it. Namsan is a mountain located in the heart of Seoul, standing at approximately 262 meters above sea level. It has long been cherished by Seoul citizens as a place of relaxation and a green oasis within the city. Its well-maintained walking and hiking trails make it a popular spot not only for locals but also for many foreign tourists. The natural scenery, which changes with the seasons, offers a sense of leisure and peacefulness that is difficult to experience in the busy urban world.
Atop Namsan stands the N Seoul Tower, one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built in 1969 as a broadcasting tower, it has since become a popular tourist attraction offering panoramic views of Seoul. From the observation deck at 480 meters above sea level, visitors can take in the entire cityscape of Seoul, and on clear days, even the mountain ranges of Gyeonggi Province. Especially at night, the dazzling lights enhance the beauty, making it one of the best spots to enjoy Seoul’s nighttime view. Also, one of the most popular spots at N Seoul Tower is the “Love Lock” area. Many couples come here to hang locks on the railing as a symbol of their love, creating a romantic atmosphere. This scene is often featured in dramas and movies, making it a familiar sight for many foreigners visiting Korea. Namsan and N Seoul Tower are more than just tourist attractions; they are symbolic places where nature and the city, tradition and modernity coexist, offering a glimpse into the diversity and depth of Korean culture. For foreigners visiting Seoul for the first time, this is a must-visit destination.
The book we would like to introduce in this issue is Welcome to Hotel Namsan! (Words of Tree), a picture book that invites readers to view Namsan, the center of Seoul, from a unique and fresh perspective. The story begins with the ingenious idea that Namsan transforms into a “hotel for animals” for one day. Only once a year, when a large pine cone falls and opens up “Hotel Namsan,” Namsan, which was once crowded with people, becomes a haven for animals. On that day, even the N Seoul Tower, the octagonal pavilion, and the cable car become playgrounds for animals!

Author Kim Yeo-Jin unfolds the story from the question, “What if there were signs for animals?” leaving a new impression on readers by prompting them to take another look at urban spaces, which they usually view from a human-centered perspective, from the perspective of animals. Illustrator Orosi also expressively depicts this imaginary space in a more appealing way with gorgeous, dreamlike colors reminiscent of nightscapes. As an architecture major, the illustrator demonstrates a unique sense of spatial interpretation. Reading this book makes one reflect on the relationship between nature and humans. How much are we aware of the countless animals living in the city? We may think of Namsan as “a space for people,” but in reality, there are living beings there as well. This book imagines their daily lives and questions the meaning of coexistence.
What would a space where humans and animals can live happily together look like? Upon closing the book, the familiar scenery of Namsan comes into view in a new light. The sunlight filtering through the trees, the quiet walking paths, and the N Seoul Tower sparkling with lights at night make you wonder if there might actually be a hotel for animals somewhere down there. Just imagining it fills your heart with warmth. For everyone living in a city, this book is like a “small invitation” to pause and look around. It reminds us of the value of living in harmony with nature, and the coexistence and consideration that bloom within it. For those who love Namsan and everyone interested in nature within the city, Welcome to Hotel Namsan! is a picture book I highly recommend.

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