"Opening Namsan to the World"... Fire Headquarters Demolished, Observatory and Gondola to Be Installed at the Summit

Seoul Unveils "Better Namsan Revitalization Plan"
Improving Accessibility, Creating Attractions, and Expanding Participatory Content
Restoring the Namsan Landscape by Demolishing Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters
Gondola Profits to Drive Ecological Restoration Efforts

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will demolish the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters building near Yejang Park to restore the Namsan landscape. In particular, a 360-degree observatory will be installed at the summit of Namsan, and a gondola will be operated to enhance its value as a global attraction.

On December 2, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the "Better Namsan Revitalization Plan," which includes a comprehensive redevelopment strategy for Namsan. The plan consists of 13 projects across four areas: improving accessibility, creating attractions, participatory programs, and restoring the ecological environment. The goal is to elevate Seoul's urban competitiveness to the fifth position globally by 2030.

On the 2nd, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the "Better Namsan Revitalization Plan," focusing on four areas: ▲ accessibility improvement ▲ creation of attractions ▲ participatory programs ▲ ecological environment restoration. Seoul Metropolitan Government

Namsan attracts 11 million visitors annually and enjoys a 96% visitor satisfaction rate. However, there have been persistent calls for improvement due to inconvenient access, outdated facilities, and ecological damage. The Seoul Metropolitan Government began preparing the Namsan urban regeneration plan in April last year for these reasons. As Namsan acts as the "lungs" of the city, with a carbon absorption capacity equivalent to the emissions of 880,000 cars, the city has prioritized addressing indiscriminate traffic and environmental changes that threaten its ecological environment.

Accordingly, the city will finalize the "Better Namsan Revitalization Plan" within this year, hold a public hearing in early 2026, and officially launch the main projects in the first half of next year.

First, the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters building, constructed in 1961 and obstructing the Yejang hillside landscape, will be demolished. The area from Yejang hillside to the Namsan summit will be restored, and a new ecological archive space will be created, allowing visitors to experience Namsan's diverse ecology at a glance.

The introduction of the "Namsan Gondola," which will transport visitors from Myeong-dong Station to the Namsan summit in just five minutes, will also be accelerated. With 25 cabins, each accommodating 10 people, the gondola will transport more than 2,000 people per hour, making it accessible for wheelchair and stroller users to enjoy the scenery of Namsan and Seoul. The city plans to reinvest the gondola's operating profits into a "Sustainable Ecology and Leisure Fund," establishing a virtuous cycle for Namsan's restoration and the expansion of leisure spaces.

The city will also improve the pedestrian environment around Namsan. Obstacles hindering walking will be removed, sidewalks will be widened, and road spaces will be reorganized to make Namsan more accessible by foot. In popular tourist areas such as Myeong-dong, Haebangchon, and Gyeongridan-gil, "Welcome Gardens" will be created.

Inside Namsan, a 1.9-kilometer walking trail will be established, connecting the Sky Forest Trail and North Forest Trail, both of which opened this year. In addition, five themed forest trails-focusing on ecological, historical, and tourism elements-will be improved so that visitors can experience the diverse charms of Namsan in each section.

At the summit, a 360-degree observatory will be built, providing photo zones in every direction. The upper part of the existing plaza will become the observatory, while the lower part will serve as a resting area. A circular trail with night lighting and a media wall will allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of Seoul at any time, day or night, transforming the area into a vibrant leisure space.

The city will also diversify historical, cultural, and experiential content. Programs will be introduced to help visitors learn about Namsan's history through experiences such as exploring the Hanyang City Wall and visiting heritage exhibition halls. New programs will also highlight Namsan as a K-content landmark and offer themed running events. Next year, a "Foreign Language Seoul Walking Tour Course" will be launched, allowing international tourists to enjoy Seoul Tower, the Hanyang City Wall, the Bongudae Beacon Mound, and other attractions with guided commentary.

Furthermore, plans have been prepared to restore Namsan's ecological value. The city is considering designating additional ecological landscape conservation areas for pine forests with high historical and scenic value, restoring native species such as pine trees, and removing invasive plants. Kim Changgyu, Director General for Balanced Development at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "Through this plan, Namsan, which has been part of Seoul's long history, will regain its value and reemerge as a core tourism and leisure hub. We will accelerate the implementation of these projects to help Seoul rise to become one of the world's top five global cities."

Detailed plan of the "Better Namsan Revitalization Plan" announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the 2nd. Seoul Metropolitan Government

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.