Seoul Sky At Lotte World Tower: A Step By Step Guide To Timing Your Visit Around Sunset

Many people squeeze Seoul Sky into their afternoon plans and only see the daytime view, but the real charm of this place begins as the sun starts to set. When I first visited, I arrived around 2 PM, spent about 30 minutes looking at the hazy daytime Seoul skyline, and left. It wasn't until I went back at sunset that I understood why people call this the 'best night view spot in Seoul.'

Seoul Sky is an observatory occupying the 117th to 123rd floors of Lotte World Tower, offering a view of the entire city from about 500 meters above ground. The Lotte World Tower itself stands at 555 meters with 123 floors, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world at the time of its completion. As an observatory at the top, Seoul Sky is recognized by the World Tourism Organization as one of the highest observatories globally.

Accessibility is also a major advantage. You can easily reach it by taking the subway to Jamsil Station and walking through Lotte World Mall, making it easy to combine with a day of shopping or a visit to Lotte World Adventure.

In this guide, I've covered everything from Seoul Sky ticket prices to what you can see on each floor, and the 'best time to visit to catch the day, sunset, and night views all at once' that I only realized after experiencing it myself.

Basic Information

Address	300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Subway	5-min walk from Exit 1 or 2, Jamsil Station (Line 2 & 8) through Lotte World Mall
Hours	Open year-round, 10:30 AM–10 PM (Sun–Thu) / 10:30 AM–11 PM (Fri, Sat, holidays), last entry 1 hour before closing
Closed Days	Open year-round
Admission	Different rates for adults, teens, and children (detailed below)
Key Tip	Enter 1 hour before sunset to see day, sunset, and night views.

How To Get There

The easiest way is to take the subway to Jamsil Station, where Lines 2 and 8 meet, and exit through Exit 1 or 2. The exits connect directly to the basement level of Lotte World Mall, where you can follow the signs to 'Seoul Sky' and find the ticket office.

One advantage is that you can move indoors, so there's no need to worry about the weather, whether it's raining or hot. If you plan to visit Lotte World Adventure or Lotte Duty Free, I recommend making Seoul Sky your last stop and going up at sunset. If you're not familiar with transferring on the Seoul subway, check out the Seoul Subway Transfer Guide to avoid getting lost at Jamsil Station where Lines 2 and 8 meet.

History & Background

When completed in 2016, Lotte World Tower became the tallest building in South Korea at 555 meters and 123 floors, and one of the tallest skyscrapers worldwide. Seoul Sky occupies the 117th to 123rd floors, becoming a new landmark in Seoul upon its completion.

Located about 500 meters above ground, Seoul Sky is known as one of the highest observatories in the world according to the World Tourism Organization. ※ Check the official website for the exact global ranking before your visit. It was a huge sensation at its opening for providing a view far superior to any other observatory previously available in Seoul.

The observatory spans 7 floors from the 117th to the 123rd, offering not just views but also different experiences on each floor, from ticketing and media art zones to glass floor experiences, indoor observation lounges, outdoor terraces, and cafes. So if you only see one floor and leave, you're missing out on half of what this observatory has to offer.

What To See — Floor Breakdown

117th Floor

The 117th floor houses the ticket office and entrance gate, where you'll pass through a media art exhibition zone before taking the elevator. As you wait, you'll watch video art unfold across large screens, and soon you'll be whisked up several hundred meters in just one minute by a high-speed elevator.

The sensation of your ears popping from the rapid ascent is part of the Seoul Sky experience. The elevator is designed with a video display on the ceiling, so you won't be bored during the ride up.

118th Floor Sky Deck

The 118th floor is the most talked-about floor at Seoul Sky. Some of the floor is made of reinforced glass, allowing you to look down at the roads and cars hundreds of meters below. When I first stood on this glass floor, my legs shook so much that I couldn't move for a few seconds, but seeing other tourists react similarly reassured me enough to take photos.

If you're afraid of heights, I recommend approaching slowly from the edge. If you enjoy thrills, this spot will be the most memorable photo spot at Seoul Sky.

119th–120th Floors

The 119th and 120th floors are indoor observation lounges surrounded by glass. You can comfortably enjoy the view of Seoul regardless of the weather or season, making it a great place to relax and take photos after the tension of the glass deck.

The panoramic view includes landmarks like the Han River, Namsan Tower, and Gangnam, with direction signs helping you identify the buildings and areas you're looking at.

121st–122nd Floors Sky Terrace

The 121st and 122nd floors feature outdoor sky terraces. This is the only area where you can feel the wind and see the Seoul skyline without glass in the way, making it ideal for photos without glass reflections.

However, the wind can be quite strong depending on the season, so if you visit in winter, it's a good idea to bring a thick coat.

123rd Floor Sky Cafe

The 123rd floor is home to one of the highest cafes in the world. ※ Check the official website for the exact global ranking before your visit. While the coffee is pricier than at ground-level cafes, the breathtaking view makes it worth it.

If you visit at sunset, I recommend sitting by the window to watch the transition from sunset to the city lights of Seoul.

Sky Bridge Tour

In addition to the regular Seoul Sky visit, there's a program called the Sky Bridge Tour, which requires an additional fee. This tour allows you to walk on an outdoor bridge about 11 meters long, located approximately 541 meters above ground, offering a completely different experience from the regular observatory visit.

The tour has age, height, and weight restrictions, so not everyone can participate. You must be at least 12 years old, at least 140 cm tall, and weigh less than 120 kg. For safety, you'll be part of a small group led by a professional guide and equipped with safety gear. ※ Check the official website for the exact participation conditions and prices before your visit.

While the regular observatory visit lets you look down on the city through glass, the Sky Bridge Tour offers the experience of standing on an outdoor bridge with the wind in your face. If you're not afraid of heights and want a unique experience, it's worth considering, but it's much more expensive than the regular ticket and often requires reservations, so plan ahead.

When To Go — Sunset Timing Strategy

The biggest regret from my first visit to Seoul Sky was the timing. I arrived around 2 PM and only saw the hazy daytime view before leaving, but later realized the real charm lies in the transition from day to sunset to night view.

Now, I recommend checking the sunset time in advance and entering one hour before sunset. This way, you can see the bright daytime view for the first 20–30 minutes, then watch the sky turn red at sunset, and finally see the city lights come on for the night view.

However, this isn't a secret tip, so it can get crowded just before sunset, especially on weekends. There are often long lines in front of the glass floor on the 118th floor, so if you can visit on a weekday, that's the best way to enjoy it leisurely.

Conversely, weekday mornings are definitely less crowded, but since you'll only see the daytime view, I personally don't recommend it. If you have enough time, visiting once in the morning and once at sunset is a great way to fully enjoy Seoul Sky. If it's your first visit to Seoul and you're unsure how to plan your itinerary, check out the 7-Day Itinerary Guide for tips on when to fit in Seoul Sky.

Where To Spend Time Nearby

Lotte World Tower, where Seoul Sky is located, is connected to Lotte World Mall, Lotte World Adventure, and Lotte Duty Free, so you can spend an entire day in this area without getting bored. A popular itinerary is to enjoy the indoor amusement park, Lotte World Adventure, during the day and finish with Seoul Sky at sunset.

Seokchon Lake, within walking distance, is also great to combine for cherry blossom season or a night stroll. If you want to explore more around the COEX Mall area and Gangnam, check out the COEX Mall & Starfield Library Guide. On a nice day, you can also head to nearby Han River picnic spots to rent a bike and end your day.

Accommodation Recommendations

The Jamsil area has a range of accommodations, including Lotte Hotel World, making it a convenient location for visiting Seoul Sky and Lotte World on foot. Refer to the Korea Travel Budget Per Day to decide on your accommodation grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much is the admission to Seoul Sky?

Prices vary by age group and have changed over time. ※ Check the official website for the most up-to-date prices before your visit.

Q. What are the operating hours?

Open year-round with different closing times depending on the day. ※ Check the official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.

Q. Is a separate reservation required for the Sky Bridge Tour?

Yes, it requires a separate reservation from the general admission ticket, and there are limited spots, so it's safer to book in advance.

Q. What time should I go to see both the sunset and night view?

Check the sunset time in advance and enter one hour before to see the day, sunset, and night views in sequence.

Q. Is the glass floor on the 118th floor safe?

It's made of reinforced glass and is safe, but it can be psychologically challenging if you're afraid of heights.

Q. How long does it take to get there from Jamsil Station?

It's about a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 or 2 of Jamsil Station (Line 2 & 8) through Lotte World Mall.

Q. Is there a discount if I buy tickets with Lotte World Adventure?

Combo discount tickets are sometimes available depending on the season, so check the official website or booking platforms for combo options before your visit.

Q. Which floor is best for taking photos?

For thrilling photos, the glass floor on the 118th floor is best, while the 121st–122nd floor outdoor terraces are ideal for clear photos without reflections.

On my second visit to Seoul Sky at sunset, I realized exactly what I missed the first time. While daytime Seoul is impressive, it's those few minutes when the sky turns red and the city lights up that make you want to return.