chloedickensonLast Updated on 11th August 2023
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Are you planning to visit the Lotte World Tower Observatory on your trip to Seoul? This ultimate guide includes everything you need to know about visiting the Seoul Sky Observation Deck inside Lotte World Tower!
Whenever I visit a new place, I always love to check out a city’s observation deck to get the best views of the city from above. Some of my favourite observation decks in the world include the Top of the Rock and Summit One Vanderbilt in NYC, Auckland Sky Tower in New Zealand, Shibuya Sky in Tokyo and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai .
When we discovered the Seoul Sky Observatory at the top of Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea, we immediately added it to our Seoul itinerary to check out the views of the city.
At 555m tall, Lotte World Tower is currently the sixth tallest building in the world and the Seoul Sky Observatory spans across seven different floors to give you an incredible vantage point of the city of Seoul.
If you’re wondering if Seoul Sky is worth visiting, check out my ultimate guide below which includes everything you need to know about Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory!
Seoul Sky Observatory summary – is Seoul Sky worth visiting?
In this ultimate guide to visiting the Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observation Deck, we’ll cover the following topics:
- Is Seoul Sky worth visiting?
- Is the Seoul Sky Bridge tour worth it?
- Observation deck tickets and prices
- Best time to visit Seoul Sky
- Seoul Sky vs Namsan Tower
- Top tips for visiting Seoul Sky Observatory
- & more!
Is Seoul Sky Worth Visiting?
Seoul Sky is 100% worth visiting while you’re in Seoul! The sixth tallest building in the world and the tallest building in the city boasts some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen from an observation deck anywhere in the world!
With a height of 555m and an observatory spread across floors 117 to 123, there is so much to see from Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower and you could easily spend hours enjoying all the different features, exhibits and views that the observation deck offers.
If you’re not sure whether to visit Seoul Sky, I can assure you that it’s 100% worth doing so!
Is Lotte World Tower the same as Seoul Sky?
Seoul Sky and Lotte World Tower are technically the same thing as the Seoul Sky Observatory resides at the very top of Lotte World Tower.
Lotte World Tower is the sixth tallest building in the world, standing at an impressive 555m and 123 stories high. You’ll find the Seoul Sky Observatory on floors 117 to 123 of the tallest tower in Seoul.
Features and attractions at Seoul Sky Lotte World Tower
- BF 1 – Seoul Sky Lobby/Gift Shop
- Sky Shuttle Elevator
- 117th Floor – Entrance/Sky Show/Sky Station
- 118th Floor – Sky Deck/Entrance Floor
- 119th Floor – Sky Friends Cafe
- 120th Floor – Sky Terrace/Exit Floor
- 121st Floor – Seoul Sky Shop/Exit Floor
- 122nd Floor – Seoul Sky Cafe
- 123rd Floor – 123Lounge
Lotte World Tower is 123 stories high, but the Seoul Sky Observation Deck doesn’t begin until floor 117 (technically it begins in Basement Floor 1 where you purchase tickets from the Seoul Sky Lobby, but the observation deck doesn’t begin until the 117th floor).
In the section below, you can find all the information you need to know about visiting the different floors of Seoul Sky inside Lotte World Tower.
Basement Floor 1 – Seoul Sky Lobby/Gift Shop/Exhibition Zone
If you haven’t already purchased tickets online (which I would recommend doing so that you can guarantee your visit and often get cheaper tickets in advance when you buy online), you can head to Basement Floor 1 of Lotte World Tower to get tickets from the Seoul Sky Lobby.
I’ll share more about the different ticket options for Seoul Sky in the section below!
Once you’ve purchased your tickets from the lobby (or if you’ve just arrived with your online ticket), you’ll head to the Exhibition Zone Gallery on B1.
Depending on when you visit Seoul Sky, there will be a different exhibit showcasing the city of Seoul, South Korea as a whole or even specific exhibits such as the racing car event that was showcased when we visited in August 2023.
Sky Shuttle Elevator
Next up is a ride in the Sky Shuttle Elevator which will take you all the way from B1 to the 117th floor of Lotte World Tower to the Seoul Sky Observatory.
Renowned for being the first double-deck elevator in the world, the Sky Shuttle features monitors projected onto 3 walls and the ceiling of the elevator to showcase a themed video of the city of Seoul based on the viewpoint of Lotte World Tower.
It actually made me feel a little motion sick with all the moving pictures and flashing lights, but the elevator ride goes so quickly, that you’re at the 117th floor in just a matter of seconds!
117th Floor – Entrance/Sky Show/Sky Station
Once you arrive on the 117th floor of Lotte World Tower, you’ll watch a short video introducing Seoul Sky, before the screen withdraws to the first glimpse of the views from the observation deck.
From there, you’ll head out onto the first part of the observation deck where you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the entire city of Seoul and beyond.
118th Floor – Sky Deck/Entrance Floor
Floor 118 includes one of the coolest features of the Seoul Sky Observatory; the famous Sky Deck.
The Seoul Sky Deck is the highest indoor glass floor at a whopping 478m in the air! If you’re feeling brave enough, you can step out onto the glass floor where you’ll see all the way down to the streets of Seoul below!
It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted as it feels a little scary to step out onto a glass floor that looks directly down to the city below, but it is a very cool experience!
As well as the Sky Deck, you can also enjoy views of the city from the many windows on the 118th floor.
119th Floor – Sky Friends Cafe
Travelling up to the 119th floor via the escalator, you’ll arrive at the Sky Friends Cafe which features the Pasteur Milkbar where you can get delicious soft-serve ice cream 119 floors in the air!
120th Floor – Sky Terrace/Exit Floor
Floor 120 of the Seoul Sky Observatory features the Sky Terrace where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city from the outdoor viewing platform.
Unlike other observation decks I’ve been to around the world (such as the Top of the Rock in New York City), the outdoor Sky Terrace at Seoul Sky is super small and gets very crowded.
There are actually two outdoor viewing decks on the 120th floor; one as soon as you step off the escalator and one on the opposite side of the observatory, so you can try and find a quiet spot in either one if you want to check out the views from the outdoor platform.
We actually spent over an hour just on the 120th floor as we set my phone up against the indoor window to take a timelapse at sunset. Head over to my Instagram to check it out!
121st Floor – Seoul Sky Shop/Exit Floor
The Seoul Sky Shop can be found on the 121st floor of the observation deck where you can purchase souvenirs such as postcards, fridge magnets and mugs to commemorate your visit to Seoul Sky.
You can also enjoy checking out the views from the many windows on this platform.
122nd Floor – Seoul Sky Cafe
If you continue up to the 122nd floor, you’ll find the Seoul Sky Cafe known as Angel-in-us Coffee. Here you can purchase hot drinks and sweet treats to enjoy with the mesmerising views of the city in the background.
123rd Floor – 123Lounge
For an extra special visit to Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower, head up to the highest part of the observatory to the 123Lounge on the 123rd floor.
At 123Lounge, you can enjoy a drinking and dining experience like no other. A variety of menus are on offer, depending on when you visit Seoul Sky and if you don’t want to eat here, it might still be a good idea to grab a cocktail to enjoy 123 stories in the sky!
Seoul Sky Bridge Tour – is Seoul Sky worth visiting?
As well as the seven different observation deck levels at Seoul Sky, Lotte World Tower also offers a truly unforgettable experience known as the Seoul Sky Bridge Tour.
The Sky Bridge Tour is a thrilling addition to any visit to Seoul Sky as it takes you out onto the outdoor platform (bridge) 541m in the air! It’s an absolutely terrifying experience, but one that thrill-seekers are sure to enjoy!
You can book tickets for the Sky Bridge at Seoul Sky up to one month in advance, but you can also purchase them on the day of your visit from the lobby on B1 or from the Sky Station on the 117th floor.
Just be aware that tickets can sell out fast as only a certain number of people can go out onto the bridge at one time, so it’s worth purchasing tickets in advance if possible.
Lotte World Tower observation deck tickets
There are multiple ticket options for visiting Seoul Sky Observatory and many ways to purchase tickets, both online and in-person at Lotte World Tower.
We visited Seoul Sky at around 6.30 PM on a Tuesday evening, just an hour before sunset and we had no issue purchasing tickets just before we headed up to the observation deck, but it can get busy in peak summer periods, especially during the weekends, so if you want to visit at a specific time (such as sunset, which I would highly recommend!), I’d suggest booking tickets online in advance.
Seoul Sky Tower ticket price
| Adults (13+) | Children (3-12) | |
| General admission | ₩29,000 (~£17.30) | ₩25,000 (~£15) |
| Admission ticket + drink at 123Lounge | ₩39,000 (~£23.30) | ₩35,000 (~£21) |
| Fast pass ticket) | ₩50,000 (~£30) | ₩50,000 (~£30) |
| Sky Bridge (Admission & Bridge Tour, 2 Photos) at B1 | ₩120,000 (~£71.50) | ₩120,000 (~£71.50) |
| Sky Bridge Tour bought at 117F Sky Station | ₩96,000 (~£57.25) | ₩96,000 (~£57.25) |
*Prices are accurate at the time of writing in August 2023.
Seoul Sky Klook tickets
I would recommend buying your ticket to Seoul Sky in advance via Klook as they often offer cheaper tickets than the Seoul Sky website or at the lobby inside Lotte World Tower.
Tickets to Seoul Sky via Klook currently cost approximately £15 (₩25,000) when purchased in advance, compared to £17.30 (₩29,000) when purchased directly from the Seoul Sky website or from the lobby on the day of your visit, so it’s worth buying them through Klook to save a few pounds!
Seoul Sky Trazy tickets
You can also get discount tickets to Seoul Sky by purchasing them via the South Korea attraction website known as Trazy.
Tickets to Seoul Sky are currently on sale for just ₩27,200 (~£16.25) which is still cheaper than purchasing them directly from the Seoul Sky website, but slightly more expensive than buying them via Klook.
Seoul Sky Bridge tickets
Seoul Sky Bridge tickets can be purchased online via the Seoul Sky website or at the lobby desk on B1 inside Lotte World Tower.
You can also upgrade your ticket on the day of your visit to Seoul Sky by purchasing tickets for the Sky Bridge Tour on the 117th floor of the observatory.
Seoul Sky Lotte World Tower opening times
The observatory at Seoul Sky is open every day from 10.30 AM.
- Sunday – Thursday 10.30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday/Saturday 10.30 AM to 11 PM
FAQs about Lotte World Tower Observatory – is Seoul Sky worth visiting?
In the FAQ section below, you can find more questions and answers to help you plan the perfect visit to Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower!
How to visit Seoul Sky Observatory – which station is closest to Lotte World Tower?
The easiest subway station to get to the tower is Jamsil Station as it’s directly connected to Lotte World.
The transport system in Seoul is very quick and efficient and there are so many subway lines and different buses you can take to get around the city.
We actually walked to Lotte World Tower as we were visiting other things nearby, so the following transport information for getting to Seoul Sky has been taken from the official Seoul Sky website.
How to get to the Seoul Sky Observatory – by subway
- Green Line 2 – exits 1 and 2 at Jamsil Station
- Pink Line 8 – exits 10 and 11 at Jamsil Station
How to visit Seoul Sky – by bus
- Green Bus – 3217, 3313, 3314, 3315, 3317, 3411, 3414, 4319
- Blue Bus – 301, 341, 360, 362
- Red Bus – 1007-1, 1100, 1700, 2000, 6900, 7007, 8001
- Airport Shuttle – 6000, 6006, 6705, 6706A
Best time to visit Seoul Sky in Lotte World Tower
The best time to visit Seoul Sky Observatory is at sunset, especially if it’s a clear day as you’ll be treated to some of the very best city views in the whole of Seoul.
The sunset we saw at Seoul Sky in August 2023 was one of the most beautiful and breathtaking city sunsets I’ve ever seen and I love that you don’t have to pay extra to visit at sunset (unlike some other observation decks in the world such as the Top of the Rock and Summit in NYC).
Of course, visiting Seoul Sky at sunset means that it will be much busier than other times of the day as it’s such a popular time to visit, but it’s 100% worth tackling the crowds to see Seoul at sunset from the observatory.
Just remember to book your tickets online in advance!
Is there a time limit at Seoul Sky?
Another thing I love about Seoul Sky is that there is no time limit once you’ve got your ticket and headed up to the observation platforms.
Seoul Sky vs Namsan Tower – which tower is best to visit in Seoul?
You can actually see Lotte World Tower from Namsan Tower and vice versa!
Seoul is a huge metropolis with thousands of tall buildings and skyscrapers, but its two main towers; Lotte World Tower and N Tower Seoul are two of the best places in the city to enjoy incredible views.
If you’re wondering which tower to visit in Seoul, I would 100% recommend Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower.
The N Seoul Tower (also known as Namsan Tower) is often cited as the best tower in Seoul as it resides on top of a huge hill that overlooks the city, but after visiting both towers in the space of two days, I definitely prefer Lotte World Tower and would 100% recommend visiting that!
However, you don’t actually have to go up the N Seoul Tower to enjoy views of the city as it has an awesome panoramic viewing platform in the garden area just below the tower (shown in the pictures above), so I would still recommend visiting the hill, but I wouldn’t bother paying to go up the tower.
How long do people stay at Seoul Sky?
I think 1-2 hours is the perfect amount of time to stay at Seoul Sky, especially if you visit at sunset as you’ll get to see views of the city during the day, at sunset and as night falls on the city.
As I mentioned above, there are no time limits for how long you can stay at the Seoul Sky Observatory at Lotte World, so you can really stay as long as you want (until it closes!).
When did Seoul Sky open?
Seoul Sky Observatory opened to the public in April 2017, so it’s a relatively new observation deck in the city of Seoul, especially compared to the N Seoul Tower which opened back in 1980!
Top tips for visiting Seoul Sky Observatory in Lotte World Tower – Is Seoul Sky worth visiting?
Below you can find some of my top tips and advice for visiting Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower based on my own visit to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.
- Buy your ticket online via Klook in advance to save money and avoid the disappointment of it being too busy on the day of your visit.
- Be prepared for the crowds – Seoul Sky can get super busy, especially at peak times such as sunset, so be aware that it will likely be very crowded!
- Having said that, it’s still worth visiting Seoul Sky at sunset as the views are truly unparalleled.
- Dress appropriately for the weather – if you want to visit the outdoor Sky Terrace at Seoul Sky, make sure you dress accordingly depending on the time of year. Winter in Seoul can be extremely cold and the summer months are super hot, so be prepared by dressing appropriately for the time of year you visit.
- Make sure you spend time on each of the seven floors of the observatory. As there is no time limit at Seoul Sky, there’s no need to rush through everything, so take your time and enjoy every single part of it.
- Bring your camera! This is an obvious tip, but one that’s definitely worth remembering as you won’t want to miss out on taking pictures of one of the best viewpoints in Seoul!
- Bring water with you. There are no restrictions on what you can take to the observatory at Seoul Sky (unlike at the Shibuya Sky observatory in Tokyo, where you can only bring what you can physically carry such as your phone and camera), so make sure to pack water for your trip if you don’t want to spend money on drinks at the cafes or gift shops.
Is Seoul Sky worth visiting – conclusion
As you can tell from my rave review throughout this post, I think that Seoul Sky is 100% worth visiting!
With tickets costing as little as £15 per person, it’s such a great place to visit in Seoul and the views you’ll enjoy on a clear day, especially at sunset, are truly unforgettable!
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Pin for later – is Seoul Sky worth visiting?
Do you think Seoul Sky is worth visiting? Is it somewhere you’d like to visit while in Seoul? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram at @imjustagirl_16.
amazing picture and beautiful place thank you for creating this article