LOTTE WORLD TOWER
A long-planned supertall development in Jamsil, combining an observation deck, shopping mall, aquarium, cinema, hotel, offices, and cultural facilities within one major destination.
Drag to compare · Jamsil’s newly developed land before the construction of Lotte World, 1979 ↔ Jamsil’s newly developed land, 2022
Before Development
Before development, the Jamsil site was largely open land created through Han River reclamation in the 1970s. Lotte acquired the site in 1981, and its western section was later developed into Lotte World, while the eastern section was reserved for a future high-rise complex.
1987-1990s
Lotte founder Shin Kyuk-ho first proposed building a major landmark tower in Jamsil during the late 1980s.
The project was intended to create a symbolic center for Seoul and strengthen Jamsil as a destination for tourism, shopping and entertainment. However, height restrictions, safety reviews and planning negotiations delayed the proposal for many years.
Lotte obtained an early construction permit for a smaller version of the development in 1998, but the final supertall design was not approved at that time.
2000s-2010
Throughout the 2000s, the tower plan was repeatedly revised as Lotte negotiated height limits, aviation safety concerns, and government approvals. The project gradually evolved from earlier mid-rise proposals into the 123-story, 555-meter tower that was ultimately approved in 2010.
This approval marked the point when the long-delayed project could finally move from planning into construction.
2010-2016
Construction began in 2010, and the tower gradually became a defining part of the Jamsil skyline. During this period, the surrounding Lotte World Mall also opened in 2014, bringing retail, dining, entertainment, and an aquarium to the site while the tower was still under construction.
By 2016, the 123-story structure had reached its full height of 555 meters, completing the physical centerpiece of the larger Lotte World complex.
2017-Present
Lotte World Tower officially opened in 2017 and became the new visual landmark of Jamsil. Since then, the tower has operated together with Seoul Sky, Lotte World Mall, the aquarium, cinema, hotel, offices, and nearby Lotte World, turning the site into a destination used by tourists, families, shoppers, and office workers.