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

With a total height of 555 meters (1,819 feet) and 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 various retail and entertainment spaces.

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

Location and Geographical Features

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

The tower is located within the large Lotte World complex, which features a theme park, an indoor shopping mall, luxury hotels, and other entertainment facilities.

The tower itself stands at a height of 555 meters (1,819 feet), making it the sixth tallest building in the world as of 2024.

​Its design is inspired by Korean traditional art and architecture, particularly the "Taegeuk" symbol that appears on the South Korean flag.

The tower's tapered shape and curves reflect this inspiration, along with the core principles of "lightness" and "flow" in Korean design philosophy.

​Beyond its impressive height and unique design, Lotte World Tower is notable for its incorporation of advanced technology and sustainable design elements.

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

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

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

History

Construction of Lotte World Tower began in 2011 and was completed in 2017, making it the tallest building in South Korea at the time and the sixth tallest building 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 became a prominent landmark in Seoul and has received numerous awards for its design and engineering, including the 2018 CTBUH Best Tall Building Award.

Composition

Lotte World Tower is equipped with a wide range of amenities for visitors.

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

There are also skywalks and glass floors for those who want to experience the thrill of looking down.

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

The tower also offers diverse dining options, ranging from fine dining restaurants to casual restaurants and cafes, serving a mix of international and local cuisines.

Additionally, 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 breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul and is known as Seoul Sky, one of the highest observation decks in the world.

​2. Mall

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

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

3. Cinema

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

It provides state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and screens a diverse range of local and international films.

4. Aquarium

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

It is one of the largest aquariums in South Korea and features a 25-meter-long underwater tunnel.

5. Luxury Hotel

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

It offers 235 rooms, including suites, with stunning city views.

It boasts Michelin-starred restaurants and a spa.

6. Offices

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

7. Cultural Center

Lotte Concert Hall, located on the 3rd floor of the tower, is a cultural center with over 2,000 seats, hosting various performances such as classical music concerts and musicals.

Besides these, Lotte World Tower boasts a range of other facilities, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Historical Significance

As a newly constructed building, Lotte World Tower doesn't have a significant historical background.

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

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