Lotte World Tower, the 6th Tallest Building in the World in Seoul

Lotte World Toweris a supertall skyscraper located in Seoul, South Korea.

Standing at 555 meters (1,819 ft) tall with 123 floors, it is the fifth tallest building in the world.

Opened in April 2017, the tower houses a variety of facilities, including a luxury hotel, offices, residences, an observation deck, and a wide range of retail and entertainment spaces.

Its sleek and modern design, combined with cutting-edge technology, has established it as a landmark symbolizing South Korea's economic and cultural growth.

Location and Geographical Features

Lotte World Tower is situated in Jamsil, Songpa District, Seoul, on the southern bank of the Han River.

The tower is part of the larger Lotte World complex, which includes a theme park, an indoor shopping mall, a luxury hotel, and other entertainment facilities.

The tower itself stands at 555 meters (1,819 ft) tall, making it the 6th tallest building in the world as of 2024.

Its design draws inspiration from traditional Korean art and architecture, particularly the Taegeuk (太極) pattern featured in the South Korean flag.

The tower's tapered form and curves reflect this inspiration and embody the core principles of Korean design philosophy – 'lightness' and 'flow'.

Beyond its height and unique design, Lotte World Tower is noteworthy for its incorporation of advanced technologies and sustainable design principles.

For instance, it utilizes a high-efficiency energy-saving heating and cooling system and a rainwater harvesting system to reduce water consumption.

Furthermore, the tower features state-of-the-art elevators that can travel at speeds of up to 600 meters per minute, making them among the fastest in the world.

Overall, Lotte World Tower serves as an iconic landmark of Seoul, offering visitors not only stunning views of the city but also a glimpse into the future of architecture and engineering through its cutting-edge technology and design.

History

Construction of Lotte World Tower commenced in 2011 and was completed in 2017, becoming the tallest building in South Korea at the time and the sixth tallest in the world.

It was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and built by Lotte Construction.

Opened to the public in April 2017, it quickly established itself as a major Seoul landmark and has garnered numerous awards for its design and engineering, including the CTBUH Best Tall Building Award in 2018.

Composition

Lotte World Tower boasts a wide range of amenities for visitors.

Observation decks are located on the 117th, 118th, and 123rd floors, offering panoramic views of Seoul.

There are also skywalks and glass-floored sections for those who dare to look down.

Lotte World Tower also features a variety of shopping and entertainment options, including luxury boutiques, a cinema, a concert hall, and an aquarium.

The tower also offers a diverse range of dining options, from fine-dining restaurants to casual eateries and cafes, serving both international and local cuisine.

Furthermore, the luxury hotel, Signiel Seoul, located on floors 76 to 101, provides world-class accommodation and amenities.

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1. Observation Deck

Located on the 118th floor, the observation deck offers stunning, unobstructed views of Seoul and is known as Seoul Sky, one of the highest observation decks globally.

​2. Mall

Lotte World Mall is one of Seoul's largest shopping centers, featuring over 1,000 stores and restaurants.

It spans the lower levels of the tower and is designed for a one-stop shopping and entertainment experience.

3. Cinema

Lotte Cinema within the tower is one of Seoul's largest cinemas, with 21 screens and over 4,000 seats.

It offers state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and screens a variety of domestic and international films.

4. Aquarium

Lotte World Aquarium is located on the B1 floor of the tower and is home to over 650 species of marine life.

It's one of the largest aquariums in South Korea, featuring a 25-meter-long underwater tunnel.

5. Luxury Hotel

Signiel Seoul is a luxury hotel located in the upper floors of the tower.

It boasts 235 guest rooms, including suites, and offers breathtaking city views.

It also includes Michelin-starred restaurants and a spa.

6. Offices

The tower also houses offices for various companies, including the Lotte Group.

7. Culture Center

Lotte Concert Hall, a cultural center located on the 3rd floor of the tower, has over 2,000 seats and hosts a variety of performances, including classical music concerts and musicals.

In addition to these, Lotte World Tower offers numerous other facilities, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Historical Significance

Lotte World Tower, being a newly constructed building, doesn't have a vast historical background.

However, it stands as a symbol of modern South Korean technology and design and is considered a major landmark in Seoul.

The tower has become a symbol of South Korea's economic growth and development in recent years and has contributed to the revitalization of the Jamsil area.