Seoul will expand its guided nighttime walking tour program with a new route on Namsan -- a 262-meter-high mountain and one of the city's best-known landmarks -- and tours starting as late as 9 p.m. on Fridays, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Friday.
The newly launched 2.06-kilometer Namsan course takes about an hour, running twice daily at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Starting near the entrance to Namsan Sky Forest Trail, it passes observation decks, a wellness garden, N Seoul Tower and the Locks of Love deck before ending at Palgakjeong Pavilion.
The operating season of the nighttime walking tours will also be extended from May-October to mid-March through mid-November, while the final daily departure will be pushed back from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to the city government.
Special 9 p.m. tours will be offered on Fridays at Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream and along the Naksan city wall.
Participants will be guided by cultural tourism interpreters who explain the historical and cultural significance of sites along the route.
The expansion is part of Seoul's broader nighttime economy initiative, launched in August to encourage residents and tourists to spend more time in the city after dark and enjoy a wider range of activities.
The city is also redesigning several existing routes to direct visitors toward nearby commercial districts after their tours. Including the Namsan course, the city runs 10 programs of nighttime walking courses.
Reservations must be made at least three days in advance through the Seoul Guided Walking Tour website.
yunapark@heraldcorp.com