The Lotte World Tower in Seoul is more than just a skyscraper – it is an architectural masterpiece, a symbol of modern South Korea and a highlight for any traveller. At 555 metres, it is the sixth tallest building in the world and towers high above the capital’s skyline. From luxury apartments and a 5-star hotel to one of the world’s highest observation decks, the tower offers a spectacular experience. The Lotte World Tower is a must-see for anyone visiting Seoul.
Location and architecture
Lotte World Tower is located in Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu district, in the southeastern part of Seoul. Its location on the shores of Seokchon Lake offers a picturesque setting and good public transport links.
At 555 metres and 123 floors above ground, Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea and one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. The tower’s design is characterised by a slender, conical shape reminiscent of traditional Korean ceramics. The façade is made of light glass panels, giving the building an elegant appearance.
History and construction
Planning for the Lotte World Tower began in 2005, but construction was delayed due to height restrictions and safety concerns. The restrictions were lifted in 2009 and construction officially began in March 2012. The tower was completed on 22nd of December 2016 and officially opened on 3rd of April 2017. The total construction cost was approximately 3.8 trillion South Korean won.
Facilities
The Lotte World Tower houses various facilities:
- Shopping centre: The lower floors house a large shopping mall with numerous shops and restaurants.
- Offices: Floors 14 to 38 and 105 to 114 are intended for offices.
- Residences: The Lotte Signiel Residences cover floors 42 to 71 and are considered the most expensive apartments in South Korea with a price per square metre of around 23 million won.
- Hotel: The Signiel Seoul luxury hotel occupies floors 76 to 101 and has 235 rooms.
- Viewing platform: The Seoul Sky observation deck is located on floors 117 to 123 and offers breathtaking views of the city. A special highlight is the glass floor, which is the highest glass floor viewing platform in the world. A two-storey lift takes visitors from the ground floor to the 118th floor in just one minute.
‘Seoul Sky’ Observation Deck
The Seoul Sky observation deck offers visitors a 360-degree view of Seoul and beyond. The glass floor at a dizzying height provides an unforgettable experience. A special highlight is the ‘Sky Deck’ on the 118th floor, which features a glass floor. At a height of 478 metres, it offers a fascinating view straight down and is considered to be the highest glass floor viewing platform in the world. For visitors seeking an even more immersive experience, the Sky Bridge Tour offers the opportunity to walk on an 11 metre long bridge between the upper parts of the tower at a height of 541 metres. This tour is weather dependent and limited to a maximum of 12 people per hour. Participants must be at least 12 years old and meet certain height and weight restrictions.
In addition to the impressive view, Seoul Sky also offers cultural experiences. On floors 117 and 118, there are interactive media booths that present the history and development of Seoul using the latest 3D technology. When visibility is poor, such as when it is foggy or raining, the Sky Theatre on the 118th floor shows a special video that complements the view and allows visitors to virtually experience the city by day and by night.
Lotte World Tower is an impressive example of modern architecture and engineering. With its variety of facilities, cultural events and breathtaking views, it is a must-see for any visitor to Seoul. A symbol of South Korea’s progress and innovation, the tower provides an unforgettable experience for tourists and locals alike.
