Lotte World Tower: Embracing Seoul’s Sky and Sea
Lotte World Tower, which adorns Seoul’s skyline, is not just a building. From the top of the tower boasting an overwhelming height of 123 floors, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Seoul, and at the lower part of the tower, a mysterious marine world unfolds. This is thanks to the observatory ‘Seoul Sky’ and ‘Lotte World Aquarium.’
In this article, we will thoroughly explore the charms of both places for everyone planning to visit Lotte World Tower. From the latest admission fee information to convenient operating hours and efficient ways to enjoy both places, we’ve packed it with useful information that will enrich your visit.
Seoul Sky: Meeting the Sky in 11.7 Seconds
The highlight of Lotte World Tower is undoubtedly the observatory ‘Seoul Sky,’ which extends from the 117th to the 123rd floor. This place goes beyond simply viewing scenery from a high place and offers diverse experiences that satisfy all five senses.
How High is Seoul Sky?
Seoul Sky boasts a height of 499.1m above sea level and 500m from the ground. This is not only the highest in Korea but also among the highest in the world. From the observatory on the 117th floor to the Sky Deck on the 123rd floor, you can have a thrilling yet enchanting experience.
Main Attractions of Seoul Sky
- 117th Floor Observatory: The main space where you can capture Seoul’s panoramic view at a glance. On clear days, you can see as far as the sea off Incheon, and at night, Seoul’s romantic night view unfolds.
- 118th Floor Sky Deck: A thrilling space with a transparent glass floor where you can vividly feel Seoul unfolding beneath your feet. It may not be easy to challenge if you have acrophobia, but it offers an unforgettable experience.
- 119th Floor Sky Museum: An exhibition space where you can glimpse the construction process of Lotte World Tower and Seoul’s history and culture. You can deepen your understanding of the tower through interesting videos and photo materials.
- 120th Floor Sky Theater: A space that shows Seoul unfolding 360 degrees through sensory videos. It creates the illusion of flying over Seoul.
- 123rd Floor Lounge & Dining: You can create unforgettable moments enjoying elegant meals or beverages on the top floor. (Separate reservation and usage fee required)
Seoul Sky Admission and Operating Hours
- Admission Fee: 27,000 KRW for adults, with discount benefits for children/seniors/disabled/national merit recipients, etc. (As of May 2024, subject to change)
- Operating Hours: Weekdays and Sundays 10:00 ~ 20:00, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 ~ 21:00 (Admission closes 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed Days: Open year-round (However, some facilities may have restricted operation during bad weather)
- Tip: You can receive discount benefits when booking online, and you can use it at even lower prices by utilizing specific time slots or seasonal promotions.
Seoul Sky Visiting Tips
- Optimal Visit Time: During the day, enjoy Seoul’s open view; at sunset, enjoy the beautiful sunset; at night, enjoy the splendid night view. Choose your visit time according to your personal preference.
- Must Check Weather: Visibility may be difficult on days with thick fog or severe fine dust. Be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting.
- Photo Taking: You can capture wonderful lifetime shots throughout Seoul Sky. Photography at the Sky Deck and 120th floor Sky Theater is essential.
- Transportation Information: Directly connected to Jamsil Station on Subway Lines 2 and 8, making public transportation very convenient. If using your own car, it’s good to check parking information in advance.
Lotte World Aquarium: Mysterious Underwater Exploration
Lotte World Aquarium, extending from B1 to the 2nd floor of Lotte World Tower, is Korea’s largest aquarium with a capacity of about 5,000 tons. You can meet a fantastic underwater world presented by about 800 species and 55,000 marine creatures.
Main Highlights of Lotte World Aquarium
- Main Tank: In the 20m-long giant main tank, you can see various large marine creatures such as sharks, rays, and turtles swimming leisurely. It gives the feeling of being deep in the ocean.
- Themed Exhibitions: Tanks decorated with different themes such as Amazon, mangrove, coral reef, and polar regions offer the pleasure of exploring seas from around the world.
- Various Marine Creatures: From cute penguins and seals to colorful tropical fish and mysterious jellyfish, you can meet diverse creatures beyond imagination.
- Ecology Explanations and Performances: Ecology explanations are held daily where you can listen to expert commentators’ explanations along with feeding demonstrations for belugas, seals, penguins, etc. Also, mermaid performances are held to add to the attractions. (Must check schedule in advance)
- Experience Programs: You can have more special experiences through various experience programs such as directly touching starfish or sea cucumbers at the touch pool or experiencing doctor fish. (Some are paid)
Lotte World Aquarium Admission and Operating Hours
- Admission Fee: 31,000 KRW for adults, with discount benefits for children/seniors/disabled/national merit recipients, etc. (As of May 2024, subject to change)
- Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 ~ 20:00, Friday-Sunday and holidays 10:00 ~ 21:00 (Admission closes 1 hour before closing)
- Closed Days: Open year-round
- Tip: Lotte World Aquarium also has discount benefits for online booking, and you can enjoy it more economically by using package products linked with other facilities such as Lotte World Adventure.
Lotte World Aquarium Visiting Tips
- If With Children: You can have a more enjoyable time by actively utilizing character theme zones or experience programs that children like.
- Utilize Feeding Times: It’s good to check and visit feeding times in advance when you can see the most lively marine creatures.
- Photo Taking: When photographing creatures in tanks, you should refrain from using flash. We ask for cooperation to protect the underwater ecosystem.
- Comfortable Clothing: The inside of the aquarium is comfortable, but since there is walking distance, it’s good to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Enjoying Lotte World Tower Observatory & Aquarium to the Fullest
Both places are attractive, but it’s important to visit efficiently considering time and stamina.
Recommended Visit Course
Morning: Visit Lotte World Aquarium (about 2-3 hours)
- Visit at opening time to view relatively uncrowded.
- Leisurely look around various themed tanks and marine creatures.
- If time permits, watch ecology explanations or performances.
Lunch: Use Lotte World Mall or restaurants in the tower
- Enjoy a delicious meal to satisfy hunger after aquarium viewing.
Afternoon: Visit Seoul Sky (about 1.5-2 hours)
- Move to the observatory after lunch to view Seoul’s scenery.
- If the weather is good, visit during the day; if you want to see the night view, visit after sunset.
- Don’t miss the thrilling experience at the Sky Deck and viewing the Sky Museum.
Tip: If it’s difficult to see both places in one day, focusing on one place according to your interests is also a good method.
Integrated Lotte World Tower Visiting Tips
- Transportation: Directly connected from Jamsil Station, so using public transportation is highly recommended.
- Parking: When using your own car, you can use the Lotte World Mall parking lot, and parking fees are discounted according to usage amount. (Need to check parking time and fees)
- Linked Facilities: Lotte World Tower has various facilities besides the aquarium and observatory, including shopping malls, cinemas, and hotels. There are plenty of things to enjoy all day.
- Discount Information: Check various discount information in advance to save costs, such as credit card company discounts, telecommunication membership discounts, and online social commerce discounts.
- Use Lotte World Tower App: Using the Lotte World Tower app, you can check facility information, performance and event information, and discount benefits in real-time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How much time does it take to visit both Lotte World Tower Observatory and Aquarium? A1. You need at least 4-5 hours to visit both places. It’s good to plan leisurely considering viewing time for each facility, travel time, meal time, etc.
Q2. Do I need to purchase tickets separately for Lotte World Tower Observatory and Aquarium? A2. Yes, Seoul Sky and Lotte World Aquarium are separate facilities, so you must purchase tickets for each. However, there may be package products or discount promotions available for integrated purchase within Lotte World Mall, so it’s good to check.
Q3. Where is the highest place in Lotte World Tower Observatory? A3. The highest place in Lotte World Tower Observatory ‘Seoul Sky’ is the ‘Sky Deck’ located on the 123rd floor. This place has a transparent glass floor, offering a thrilling experience.
Q4. What are the most popular animals at Lotte World Aquarium? A4. At Lotte World Aquarium, cute belugas, penguins, and seals are especially popular with children. Also, the sight of giant sharks and rays swimming captures the attention of many visitors.
Conclusion
Lotte World Tower Observatory ‘Seoul Sky’ and ‘Lotte World Aquarium’ are special spaces where you can simultaneously meet Seoul’s wonderful scenery and mysterious marine creatures. Before visiting, carefully check admission fees, operating hours, main attractions, etc., and plan a course that fits your taste to create unforgettable memories.
EXTERNAL_LINKS: Lotte World Tower Website, Seoulsky Website, Lotte World Aquarium Website
