Seoul Sky Observatory in Lotte World Tower has the Best Views in Seoul… 555 Metres Up!

If you’ve lived in Korea for any length of time, you know that clear skies and good air quality are not necessarily a given. So, when you get 3 uninterrupted weeks of glorious blue skies, fluffy clouds and bright sunshine, you know it’s time to mark the occasion with something special.

Seoul Sky Observatory sits at the top of Lotte World Tower – Korea’s tallest building.

For me, that something special, was a trip up Korea’s tallest building to the Seoul Sky Observatory. At its lofty height of 555-metres at the top of the Lotte World Tower, it’s the 3rd highest observatory in the entire world.

Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory | 롯데월드타워 서울스카이

The Seoul Sky Observatory is without a doubt the best place to get a birds eye view of one of the world’s few mega-cities. It’s located at the top of the tallest building in Korea!

It’s hard to appreciate the incredible vastness of this densely populated metropolis on ground level. But at 500+ metres up, it’s impossible not to be wowed by just how huge the city is.

Seoul goes on and on and on…

Panoramic views from the Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory are astounding, with views of the city, surrounding mountains, and far-off oceans stretching out as far as the eye can see, in every possible direction.

There’s something spectacular to see out of every single window at the Lotte World Tower observation deck, but I was particularly entranced by the south-side view. It showcases the Han River, Namsan, and the N Seoul Tower in the distance.

It was – in a word – breathtaking.

It’s impossible to find this breathtaking view anywhere else in Seoul.

How to get to Lotte World Tower and the Seoul Sky Observatory

Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300

Seoul Sky Observatory is located on the top 7 floors of the 123 story Lotte World Tower, but the ticket office and entrance is located on the B1 Level of Lotte World Mall.

Seoul Sky Observatory is on the top 7 floors of Lotte World Tower.

By Seoul Subway | The easiest way to get to Lotte World Tower is via subway. Get off at Jamsil subway station on Line 2. Take Exit 1 or 2, and follow the signs to Lotte World Mall.

Things can get a little confusing, because the OLD Lotte Mall from the 1980s is located across the street. Just make sure to follow the signs for the Lotte World Mall. This is where you can access Lotte World Tower and the Seoul Sky Observatory.

There’s signage directing you to the Observation Deck all over Lotte World Mall.

There’s tons of signage around though, so don’t worry too much about getting lost. If you do, there’s information booths in the mall, where you can ask for help. And yes, they can speak english.

By Car | If you decide to drive to Seoul Sky Observatory, you’ll can get 4 hours of parking for 4,800 won with your receipt. If you stay longer than 4 hours, you’ll have to pay regular parking rates for the extra time (500 won per 10 minutes).

READ NEXT: Where to Stay in Seoul | The 7 BEST Areas for Travelers + Hotel Recommendations and Local Travel Tips

Seoul Sky Observatory Tickets

There are 2 types of admission tickets to Seoul Sky Observatory: Regular and Fast Pass. These can be purchased in person at the ticket office on level B1, or in advance online for a small discount.

Regular admission tickets for Seoul Sky Observatory range from 25,000 – 27,000 won.

The regular admission ticket is for a set date and time. It allows you access to all levels of Seoul Sky, except the 123 Lounge. Tickets for adults cost 27,000 won (age 13+), and admission for children is 25,000 won (age 3- 12). 1 child under the age of 36 months per parent can enter free. You’ll need ID to take advantage of this.

The Fast Pass allows immediate admission at any time, and costs 50,000 won.

Once you pass ticket control, you’ll have to go through a security check that felt so much like an airport one, that I took out my electronics and placed them in a bin – not necessary – and um yeah, embarrassing.

Check out the exhibits on B2F and B1F, before heading up to the top of Lotte World Tower.

Once through security, you’ll enter the elevator boarding area. There, you’ll be entertained by huge video installations about the construction of the tower, tourist destinations in Seoul, and the natural wonders of Korea.

You can’t get back onto the exhibition level once you’ve taken the Sky Shuttle Elevator to the top, so make sure you get your fill before you step onto the elevator and ascend to Seoul Sky.

Lotte World Tower | Sky Shuttle Elevator

From the B1F level, the Sky Shuttle Elevator climbs 117 floors in less than a minute, at a world record breaking speed of 600 metres per minute.

It’s something I definitely felt in my popping ears, but couldn’t see, because the entire interior of the elevator is covered in the world’s first ceiling and four-walled screen. It shows video of Seoul, the Han River and its impressive modernization over the last 50 years.

A funky video plays on the walls of the Sky Shuttle Elevator as you rocket up the Lotte World Tower

It was kind of a bummer not to be able to see outside as we rocketed up Lotte World Tower, but since the elevator isn’t on an outside wall, you wouldn’t see much anyway.

READ NEXT: 11 Brilliant Things to do at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP Seoul)

Seoul Sky Observatory | What to Expect

Your skyward exploration of Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory begins on the 117th floor. From there, you can take escalators up 1 floor at a time, until you reach the top and final floor accessible with a general admission ticket – the 122nd.

Windows are unique at Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory.

To keep things interesting, each level is slightly different with unique features and engaging window layouts.

117th Floor | Sky Show

The Seoul Sky observation platforms start on the 117th floor, where you can enjoy a Sky Show and Media Room, along with your views of Seoul.

118th Floor | Sky Deck

On the 118th floor Sky Deck, you can test whether you’re ACTUALLY afraid of heights by walking out onto transparent glass floors that give you an unobstructed view of just how high above ground you are.

Transparent floors at Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory.

I admit to shaky knees and a sickening feeling of vertigo as I made my way onto the Sky Deck, but I’m proud to say I did it. I even spent some time lounging around on top of them.

These people don’t know that the floor can disappear from beneath them.

If you ARE afraid of heights though, beware – because you might find yourself standing atop transparent glass unawares. Staff have control of the clarity of the Sky Deck, and I bet they have quite a bit of fun scaring those among us who have a phobia of heights!

119th Floor | Sky Friends Cafe

There’s a small cafe on the 119th Floor, where you can grab an ice cream or drinks.

120th Floor | Sky Terrace

The Sky Terrace is 486-metres up!

The Sky Terrace on the 120th floor is a definite highlight of the Seoul Sky Observatory. At 486 metres, it’s the highest outdoor observation deck in the world. It’s absolutely the best spot to get crystal clear pics of the fantastic landscapes around you, without dirty windows getting in the way.

Since this the only outdoor area at Seoul Sky Observatory, it can be closed unexpectedly due to bad weather.

The Sky Terrace is exposed to the elements.

READ NEXT: You HAVE to get your noodle fix at the Ramyun Library in Seoul

121st Floor | Sky Mapping Show

The Sky Mapping Show offers a media art display on the windows of Seoul Sky Observatory.

122nd Floor | Seoul Sky Cafe

The 122nd floor is the last floor you can access with a general admission ticket. You can enjoy the views, while sipping a coffee from the Seoul Sky Cafe.

Best Time to Visit the Seoul Sky Observatory

It’s understandably very popular to visit Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory during sunset hours. On a clear day, the views are beyond extraordinary and what could be better than watching sunset from that high above.

It can get very busy at that time though, so it’s probably a good idea to reserve tickets in advance, especially if you’ve got your heart set on visiting during magic hour, on a weekend night or holiday.

Sunset is probably the most popular time to visit Seoul Sky Observatory.

If you’d like a more peaceful experience, I recommend going in the morning, on a weekday. You’re much more likely to avoid queues and crowds.

We visited the observation deck on a Friday around 11:30 in the morning. It was essentially empty, aside from a few super noisy elementary school groups, which are easily avoided by moving to a different floor.

It was easy to get pictures without people in them when we visited

Tickets can be purchased on-site for a 30 minute elevator boarding slot, on the hour or half hour. We’d bought tickets for the 12:00 – 12:30 time slot, but were able to go up earlier since there was no line. There’s a handy electronic board outside the ticket office that lets you know how many slots are available in real time.

Note that this is ONLY a boarding time for the Sky Shuttle elevator. You can spend as much time up at Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory as you want.

Sky Bridge Tour at Lotte World Tower

The latest attraction at Lotte World Tower is the thrilling Sky Bridge tour. If you’ve got the nerve, this is a totally unique experience that gives you totally unobstructed views of Seoul, from 541-metres above ground, as you walk across a tiny bridge between the 2 peaks of the Tower.

It is possible to reserve a spot one month in advance, but it can be challenging for non-Koreans to do so. It’s probably easier to book tickets on-site, on the same day on the B1 or 117th floor of Lotte World Tower. Costs range from 96,000 to 132,000 won, and includes admission to Seoul Sky Observatory, the Sky Bridge tour, and 2 photos.

Did this article help you? Writers (and moms especially) need caffeine!

Help support my small business with a cup of coffee.

What’s the tallest building you’ve visited? Would you stand on a glass floored observation deck?