Ground 123 floors, height 555m.
As of 2024, the tallest building in South Korea and the 6th tallest building in the world. Among OECD countries, it's the tallest.
There would hardly be any tourist visiting Seoul these days who hasn't seen this building. I mean literally, you can't miss it. Because it's tall enough and you can see it anywhere from Seoul.
Located in Songpa-gu, Seoul, Lotte World Tower was completed in 2016 and established itself as one of the tallest and most iconic structures in Korea.
Lotte Group official website
Lotte World Tower was designed with the motif of Korean ceramics and traditional brushes. Curves were implemented to embody the flexibility and simplicity commonly found in Korean traditional objects. With these traditional motives, LED lights were added on the exterior.
Lotte World Tower was designed with the motif of Korean ceramics and traditional brushes. Curves were implemented to embody the flexibility and simplicity commonly found in Korean traditional objects. With these traditional motives, LED lights were added on the exterior.
Lotte Group official website
Although the tower consists of 123 above-ground floors, it practically has 129 floors with 6 underground levels. Facilities within the tower include a 5-star hotel, offices, residences, an observation deck, and duty-free shops.
The 5-star hotel, known as Signiel Seoul, boasts a breathtaking view even enjoyed by many Koreans. Positioned between the 87th and 101st floors, it's naturally the highest hotel in Korea, with prices to match its height. However, judging by the reviews, guests are generally satisfied. There's even a bathtub with a view, catering to those seeking relaxation and visual satisfaction simultaneously.
Signiel Seoul Official Website
Signiel Seoul Official Website
Signiel Seoul Official Website
Between the 42nd and 71st floors lies Signiel Residences, high-end serviced apartments. With a total of 233 units, they are priced from 420 million to 3.7 billion won. Renowned celebrities reside here, and the residences are known for their services comparable to those of a 5-star hotel.
Haanong
Floors 14 to 38 host offices of Lotte Group subsidiaries and other companies.
The observation deck, called the 'Seoul Sky', probably the most anticipated spot for tourists, spans from the 117th to the 123rd floors. On clear days, views stretch from Gangnam to Yeouido, Dongducheon in Gyeonggi Province, and Songdo in Incheon. However, it's wise to check the weather before visiting on days with severe fine dust pollution.
Seoul Sky
With so many facilities and a significant population living in this tall building, concerns about safety are inevitable. To address this, there are evacuation safety zones every 20 floors, along with provisions for oxygen generators, food, and gas masks in case of emergencies. The tower is designed to withstand typhoons of up to 80m/s and earthquakes with a magnitude of over 9.
With so many facilities and a significant population living in this tall building, concerns about safety are inevitable. To address this, there are evacuation safety zones every 20 floors, along with provisions for oxygen generators, food, and gas masks in case of emergencies. The tower is designed to withstand typhoons of up to 80m/s and earthquakes with a magnitude of over 9.
Lotte Group official website
Interestingly, Lotte operates the nation's first and only private counter-terrorism team, L-SWAT, tasked with monitoring Lotte World Tower for immediate response and prevention of terrorist attacks and disasters. Comprised of individuals with over 4 years of experience in special forces, they are capable of real-world deployment.
Lotte Group official website
Near Lotte World Tower are Lotte World Mall, a massive shopping complex, Avenue L, a luxury goods section, Lotte Duty-Free, Lotte Department Store, and Lotte World Adventure and Magic Island which are amusement parks. Given the vast area, visitors planning to visit Lotte "World" should plan their itinerary carefully.
Koreatodo
Lastly, the fireworks festival is a must-see. Officially known as the 'LOTTE WORLD TOWER FIREWORKS FESTIVAL', it's reminiscent of the New Year's fireworks at Taipei 101. A considerable budget is allocated, attracting a massive crowd. In 2024, they launched over 2,500 fireworks for a minute to celebrate the New Year.
Lotte Group official website
Of course, it's not without its controversies. Lotte World Tower faced numerous issues during planning and construction, sparking anger among many Koreans. Despite controversies, it was completed in 2016, encapsulating a slice of Korean modern history from planning to completion.
SBS
This colossal structure is laden with controversies spanning politics, economics, society, and military, truly bearing the weight of history. However, it cannot be denied that Lotte World Tower has become a representative icon of South Korea.
How should Koreans regard this building? What historical assessment should be made about this towering structure in Seoul?