Lotte World Tower rises 555 metres above Jamsil in eastern Seoul, its tapered glass silhouette visible across much of the city. Completed in 2017 after decades of planning, the 123-storey skyscraper is South Korea’s tallest building and a defining feature of the modern Seoul skyline.
The tower’s shape draws on the curves of Korean ceramics and the sweep of calligraphy, giving its sleek design a connection to local craft traditions. Its main attraction for visitors is Seoul Sky, the observation deck near the top, where views stretch over the Han River, Seokchon Lake and the surrounding mountains. A glass-floored section adds a vertiginous perspective on the streets below.
For a chance to see Seoul in daylight and after dark, aim for a visit around sunset, though this is a popular time and queues can be longer. Book tickets ahead, especially on weekends, and check the weather: haze or low clouds can obscure the view. Jamsil Station, on subway lines 2 and 8, connects conveniently to the tower and Lotte World Mall.