No matter if you’re a first-time visitor or a returnee to Seoul, you can’t go wrong with the Lotte World Tower. It seems like whenever you’re in doubt, head to Lotte World to see the Seoul Sky or walk the Lotte World Aquarium and your day is complete.
There’s so much going on behind this magnificent piece of art rather than just a skyscraper. On any given day, this gigantic pillar in Gangnam provides amazing views of the city skyline from the 117th floor. Rain or shine, families with kids flock here to find a piece of fun at this beacon, whether it’s an extra kick of adrenaline or a drink with photo-ops.
Wondering what else you can see at the 6th TALLEST building in the world? Read on to find out!
How to Get To Lotte World from Jamsil Station?
Lotte World Tower is located right at Jamsil station in Gangnam. Take the metro Line 2 or 8 and head towards Exit 1, 2, 10, or 11 and you’re right there. Going on further you’ll see the Lotte World Mall. The spacious modern lobby is located on the ground floor with a ticket counter for check-in.
Lotte World boasts a whopping height of 555 meters comprising 123 floors. As soon as you have the ticket in your hands, head into the elevator and it will shoot you up the top floors of the tower at a speed of 10 meters every second.
Lotte World Tower Ticket
Buying the ticket online is the best way to guarantee discounts and a hassle-free check-in situation. On a vacation, I’m not really keen on the idea of keeping too much cash walking down the streets, and that’s when online tickets come into play.
Now you don’t need to carry too many Korean won with you or find a place to exchange money to buy the tickets on-site. Plus, the language barrier is also eliminated.
Reminder: If you plan to visit Lotte World and the Aquarium in one day, it’s better to purchase a discount coupon with access to both attractions. At the end of the day, you can save a whole lot more rather than buying separate tickets.
The ticket gives you access to all of the floors within the Seoul Sky limit, including the observatory on the 117th floor but does not include the VIP-type lounge.
Show your ticket at the lobby where there is the main ticket counter next to the entryway. After you’ve redeemed your ticket voucher, walk through a digital corridor for the security check-in, hit the lift down to BF2, and start the journey there.
What to See and Do at Lotte World Seoul Sky?
The main thrill here is everything technology, views, and entertainment relayed. First off, you can explore the Exhibition zone where they display multiple pieces of art with awe-inspiring screens and light displays along the way to the lift. Even the lift ride is a mesmerizing journey itself where you’ll get to see a time-lapse construction of the tower.
From there, it takes about a minute to reach the observatory on floor 117. That is where the Seoul Sky is located, spanning all the way from floor 117 to 123.
The Observatory on Floor 117
The main thrill starts here. The sweeping wraparound vista runs for miles, peppered with high-rise buildings and condos all over the city. In the middle of the city, a dreamy river snakes through town, casting a dramatic backdrop to feast your eyes as you’re standing from above.
Walk the World’s Largest Indoor Glass Floor on Floor 118
Ever felt intimidated by a walk over a glass floor hundreds of meters off the ground? Well, test your gut with a visit to floor 118 where they keep the world’s highest indoor glass floor which was recognized by the Korea Record Institute and the Guinness book of world records.
The glass is reported to be 45mm thick. Once I got on it, my legs started shaking a little while my eyes were gazing toward the scenery at the bottom. I couldn’t even last one minute looking at my feet. So spare me!
Kick Back at the Sky Friends Dessert Café on Floor 119
Now while you’re still there, head upstairs to steal a seat and munch on a soft serve. This floor can’t guarantee much of a view but people-watching is also part of the fun.
The Sky Terrace on Floor 120
Floor 120 gives you a chance to step outside to get some fresh air and recharge while gazing at the view hundreds of meters above the city. There is also a lift to exit on floor 120 once you’re done with the exploring.
Souvenir Shop on Floor 121
Get a keepsake like a postcard or anything related to the tower. On the day I was there, some local artists set up seats next to the escalator doing some portrait paintings for tourists.
Want to know more about South Korea’s Observation Decks? Find out: Seoul’s Iconic Landmarks: N Seoul Tower and More
Lotte World Theme Park
What’s so special about one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world? Well, that means if you go into Lotte World, there is always something for you to enjoy despite your age.
I’m personally not crazy about the thrilling rides but Lotte World totally amazed me. It’s never enough to spend half a day there so make sure you come early and spend the entire day there with your loved ones.
Going beyond the top-of-the-line rides, there are fantastic parades, performances, and global cuisine. One of my favorite things to see there is the Folk Museum. I’m more of a museum girl given my huge love for history. And the Folk Museum got me thrilled, hooking me up with an extensive exhibition of miniature models of Korea over 5,000 years in history.
Not get back to the rides because it’s the main thrill here. No matter what type of ride you’re looking for, you’ll always find one (or more) for yourself. If you’re looking for a kiddy ride to have fun with your kids, you’d definitely have to go for the Jumping Fish. If you are looking for more thrilling rides, I would recommend Everland instead.
Lotte World Aquarium
On the second half of the day trip, I saved it for the Lotte World Aquarium. It is located on the 1st and 2nd levels of the basement at Lotte World Mall. If you want to reach the aquarium from Jamsil Station, you’d better take Metro Line 2 and take exit 11. Keep going further until you find the entrance of the Lotte World Mall where the aquarium is based.
Take a trip under the sea (sort of) to explore a gigantic collection of more than 55,000 fish of all kinds along with a tremendous aquatic life from over 650 different species.
The mystical feeling literally sends chills down your spine as you traverse one of the largest marine life exhibitions in South Korea. From penguins to jellyfish, from stingrays to sea lions – you name it. But my favorite one of all is the Beluga whales.
Reminder: It’s impossible to squeeze Seoul Sky, Lotte World Theme Park, and Aquarium into one day. So you’d better save one for each day or smush the Seoul Sky with Aquarium in one and save the theme park for one separate day.
Key Takeaway
Both the aquarium, the mall, and the Lotte World observatory are busiest on weekends. The biggest crowds can be seen from noon towards 3 pm. Even if you have to go there on the weekend, try to plan it early in the morning when the crowds are not there yet so you can get the perfect shots, especially at the observatory.
Everything You Need to Know about Korea
Explore more of our adventures around Korea:
- Travel Guide: A Pocket South Korea Travel Guide
- Attractions: Nami Island, Gwangjang Market
- Food: Ultimate South Korea Food Guide
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