Discovering the Hidden Gem of Namsan — The “Sky Forest Trail” Opens in Seoul There’s a new way to experience Seoul’s most iconic mountain — one that combines nature, accessibility, and breathtaking city views. The newly opened Namsan Sky Forest Trail (남산하늘숲길) invites visitors to enjoy the serenity of Namsan like never before, with a barrier-free path that stretches 1.45 kilometers from Namsan Library to the Huam-dong Fitness Center. https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2015960 🌳 A New Chapter for Namsan On October 29, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon led members of the press and citizens on a guided walk through the new trail, personally introducing the highlights of the project. The Sky Forest Trail, which officially opened on October 25, begins next to the newly designed Sowol Garden beside Namsan Library. From the very first step, the path reveals the mountain’s quieter side — what locals call “the hidden heart of Namsan.” Instead of the familiar paved roads that lead up to N Seoul Tower, this new wooden deck pathway takes visitors through a peaceful stretch of forest, filled with the scent of pine and the colors of autumn. Designed with a gentle slope and smooth deck surface, the trail is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring that everyone — regardless of age or mobility — can enjoy Namsan’s beauty comfortably. https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2015960 🌲 Built with Care for Nature What makes the Namsan Sky Forest Trail truly special is its thoughtful design. The project avoided cutting down a single tree. The route follows a zigzag pattern through open clearings to minimize forest impact. In areas with trees, builders used raised structures or gently curved detours to protect the natural environment. According to Shin Jae-won, Director of the Seoul Central Parks and Leisure Center, “Not one tree was removed to build this trail.” Even the handrails were adjusted to match the terrain — lower in safe sections to maintain open views, reducing costs while allowing walkers to feel closer to nature. https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2015960 🌇 A Trail of Scenic Viewpoints As you stroll along the path, you’ll encounter a series of five scenic observatories, each offering a unique angle on Seoul’s skyline and Namsan’s forested slopes: Zelkova Observatory Oak Observatory Pine Light Observatory Cherry Blossom Observatory Sunset Observatory Among them, the Sunset Observatory stands out as the trail’s signature landmark. Featuring a glass fence that creates a floating sensation, it’s a sky-view photo zone where visitors can admire the city bathed in warm golden light. According to city officials, this design was inspired by Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Sky, which Mayor Oh visited during an official trip to Japan. https://search.pstatic.net/sunny/?src=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.eyesmag.com%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2FsliderImages%2F2025%2F03%2F25%2FSDDA-ab389acc-a2b4-4bfb-a405-0b1bed7dced1.jpg&type=sc960_832 🌿 Spaces to Rest, Reflect, and Reconnect The Sky Forest Trail isn’t just about walking — it’s about reconnecting with nature in the middle of the city. Along the route, you’ll find charming rest areas such as: Birdsong Path, where visitors can hear the natural symphony of the forest Rock Rest Area, shaded by ancient boulders Starlight Marronnier Forest, a romantic evening spot Healthy Garden, with open green space for relaxation For families, there’s even an Adventure Deck Playground, designed to spark curiosity and imagination in children. The Wind Observatory Bridge, surrounded by tall metasequoia trees, offers a panoramic view of Seoul from a completely new perspective. https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2015960 💬 Citizens’ Reactions: “It Feels Like a Gift” Local residents who joined the mayor on the walk couldn’t hide their excitement. “This is wonderful — I can enjoy the view and walk comfortably even at my age,” said one elderly visitor. Mayor Oh responded with a smile, “That makes it all worth it. We’ll continue creating more spaces like this for everyone.” Many citizens praised the trail as a meaningful public project that makes the best use of taxes — turning Namsan into a truly open and inclusive space for all. 🏙 Expanding the Namsan Experience The Sky Forest Trail follows another recent addition: the North Trail, which opened in late July. That path connects N Seoul Tower to Myeongdong, reducing the walking time from the north side of the mountain to just 20 minutes thanks to new decked stairways. Together, these trails form part of Seoul’s broader initiative to make Namsan more accessible and enjoyable — a mountain for everyone, not just seasoned hikers. https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2015960 🚡 The Gondola Project: A Vision Still in Motion Mayor Oh also expressed regret that the long-planned Namsan Gondola Project remains stalled. Originally, the Sky Forest Trail was meant to open alongside the gondola, which would transport up to 1,600 people per hour from Myeongdong Station to the summit. However, construction was halted at 15% progress due to legal disputes with the operator of the existing Namsan Cable Car. The city is now awaiting a court ruling on December 19. If the city wins the case, construction will resume immediately, with hopes of opening the new gondola by mid-2027. Mayor Oh emphasized that the gondola remains essential for ensuring accessibility to Namsan, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities. 🌆 A New Way to Love Namsan With the Sky Forest Trail now open, Seoulites and visitors alike have a new way to fall in love with Namsan — not just as a tourist spot, but as a living forest in the heart of the city. From morning walks in the crisp air to sunset views glowing over the skyline, this new trail captures what makes Seoul special: the harmony between nature, people, and urban life. So next time you’re in the city, take a detour from the usual N Seoul Tower route and follow the wooden path through the trees. You might just discover that Namsan’s most beautiful secret was hiding in plain sight all along. #NamsanSkyForestTrail #SeoulTravel #Namsan #SeoulParks #SeoulCityLife #SkyWalk #SunsetView #KoreaTravel #HealingRoad #SowolGarden #NatureWalk #SeoulView #TravelSeoul #AccessibleTourism #SeoulForest
