Love padlocks at N Seoul Tower
Chinese tourists pose for photos in front of the ‘Trees of Love’ padlock formations at N Seoul Tower atop Namsan Mountain in Seoul on July 22. There are seven tree-shaped frames covered with padlocks at the base of the tower. (photo: Jeon Han)
N Seoul Tower is one of the iconic symbols of Seoul. This place has now become a popular date spot for couples. Like the Pont Neuf bridge in Paris, couples head to the tower to lock their “padlock of love” onto the railing and to dream that their love will last forever.
Despite the cloudy weather signaling the approach of the monsoon season, many sightseers and tourists visit N Seoul Tower and take photos of themselves and the ‘padlocks of love’ on July 22. (photo: Jeon Han)
Tourists at N Seoul Tower take photos with the ‘padlocks of love’ and the heart-shaped chairs. (photo: Jeon Han)
Thanks to TV dramas, entertainment programs featuring movie stars and travel guide books, this tower has become a must-visit spot for travelers to Seoul.
When arriving at the base of tower, its railings and fences covered with “padlocks of love,” visitors will feel the weight and importance of love. Many of the visitors speak in Mandarin, Vietnamese, English or languages other than Korean. Though unable to understand each other’s words, they all have a smile on their face, as they create loving memories at N Seoul Tower. The increased number of tourists also adds to the number of padlocks hanging on the tower’s fences.
People who visit N Seoul Tower can enjoy a cool, fresh breeze blowing across Namsan Mountain, despite the hot and humid weather of summer. (photo: Jeon Han)
The ‘padlocks of love,’ locked to the railings and fences at the base of N Seoul Tower, show the importance of love to people from all over the world, stretching beyond history, culture, religion or region. (photo: Jeon Han)
Love notes are written in various languages on the ‘padlocks of love’ hung at the base of N Seoul Tower. (photo: Jeon Han)
Across the world, there are about 40 attractions decorated with “padlocks of love.” N Seoul Tower is just one of them.
This place is also for families as well as couples. Parents who visit the tower with their children lock their own padlocks to the railing, symbolizing the love and harmony of their own family.
Seeing people take photos of family members or partners, with a background of love padlocks, is just part of the daily routine at the tower.
By Jeon Han, Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writers
hanjeon@korea.kr