Could you think of a better way to show your affection for someone than climbing a mountain 262 meters, tackling great feats with your lover to lock up a lock on a mountain, signifying a binding of each other together forever and throwing away the key to symbolize that you're locked in and will never be apart? Well yeah, I'm sure you probably could think of a more original way to do something of the sort. But many couples flock to South Korea's 남산 (Namsan; or South Mountain) to bind a love between them to ensure its existence.
When I say "many couples", I'm underestimating it. Hundreds and hundreds of locks are left dangling from the gates that protect visitors from slipping off the edge. All inscribed in sharpie with devoted words of dedication. An overwhelming amount of lovebirds from around the world looking for a secure sense of romance. This comes as no surprise but the mountain does not hold any mystical powers of establishing an enduring love, as I've read, the management has actually witnessed repeat offenders at the mountains surface trying their luck again to lock in with a different mate.
However, even if you're living the single life these days the mountain still provides something that you may be proud of doing on your own or with friends. The North Seoul Tower stands high on this particular mountain and offers relief from the rushing buses and crowded walkways of downtown. Being 479 meters above sea level at its peak, spending the 8,000 Won for the elevator ride to the third floor observation deck of the tower will bestow on you a view of central Seoul that leaves you in awe. Day or night standing atop gazing at the urban Korean life down below as the city folk sit, drink their Soju and chew their samgyeopsal. You stand there over millions of people with your imagination in gear creating stories for the dwellers under you.
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