[Yongsan's Future] Better Utilization Than Neglect... Namsan 'Gondola', The Beginning of Change

Construction may start within this year... Completion next year, only 3 minutes to the summit
'Sustainable use' must be discussed... Installation of eco-friendly facilities
Additional economic effects expected with expanded transportation... To Yongsan

#. Getting off at Myeongdong Station and walking less than 100 meters along the path, you will notice the gondola boarding station set up in Namsan Yejang Park. The gondola takes just 3 minutes to ascend a total of 804 meters to the summit. With 25 cabins (each seating 10 people), it transports 1,600 visitors per hour, eliminating any congestion. Beyond Namsan, visitors head to Yongsan, where the international business district and large-scale parks unfold. For foreigners who previously only glanced at Namsan from afar after visiting Myeongdong, Namsan has now become a must-visit destination.

The changing values of Seoul citizens have brought about changes to Namsan. Instead of imposing various regulations, it was judged more beneficial to establish a sustainable management system that all citizens can enjoy. The goal is simple: to make it more convenient for citizens to access Namsan and to restore its ecological value.

This is also the focus of the "Sustainable Namsan Project" announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government last year. The main point is to install an "eco-friendly gondola" to better utilize Namsan as a tourist resource. This means adding a new mode of transportation for the first time in about 60 years since the cable car was installed on Namsan.

In fact, this is not the first attempt to install a gondola. It was discussed twice before?once in 2009 during the previous term of Mayor Oh Se-hoon and again in 2016 under Mayor Park Won-soon?but each time it was scrapped due to greater concerns about environmental damage.

However, as access to Namsan did not improve, the demand for new transportation methods remained steady. The number of foreigners visiting the mid-slope of Namsan in Hoehyeon-dong to take the cable car has decreased. The limitations of transportation to accommodate tourists displaced by bus restrictions also persist.

The long-standing business model of the existing cable car has also been problematic. The Namsan cable car has been monopolized by a private individual for over 60 years. The business profits go entirely to the operator, with reportedly low public contributions.

The groundbreaking for the renewed gondola installation is scheduled within this year, with completion by the end of next year. The project cost is approximately 40 billion KRW, funded by public resources. Annual demand is estimated at around 3 million people, and the operating revenue generated by the gondola will be used for Namsan’s management. In particular, Seoul plans to operate a separate fund using the operating revenue from the gondola for ecological and environmental management of Namsan. To this end, discussions are underway to establish a new ordinance related to "Sustainable Namsan." Based on this fund, the ecological conservation areas designated in the northern slope’s Quercus acutissima forest and the southern slope’s pine forest will be expanded, and eco-friendly pest control activities will be conducted to prevent and manage vegetation diseases, pests, and invasive plants.

Concerns raised by some about infringement on the learning rights of nearby schools are being addressed. Since the gondola is close to surrounding schools such as Lira Art High School near Namsan, as well as Lira and Sungui Elementary Schools, Seoul City stated that through meetings and on-site inspections, a consensus was reached that adverse effects would not be significant.

Public response has also been positive. According to a public opinion survey conducted by Korea Research in November last year targeting 1,000 Seoul citizens, 80.7% of respondents supported the introduction of the Namsan gondola. Additionally, 89% agreed with the "Sustainable Namsan Project," which harmonizes ecology and leisure, announced in June, showing strong public approval and considerable interest in the gondola installation.

Although the Namsan gondola is classified as a northern slope transportation option by location, it is expected to have economic effects on the surrounding areas as visitors use it for second or third trips. Seoul plans to create a skywalk where visitors can enjoy views of Namsan’s natural scenery and relax, as well as an outdoor forest museum. During this process, the Namsan Dulle-gil trail will also be maintained, and additional educational programs will be operated. A Seoul city official stated, "As an asset of Seoul and a space for all Seoul citizens, we will continue to explore various ways to make Namsan accessible and enjoyable not only for tourists but for everyone."