Seoul Sky Observatory: Complete Guide, Tickets & Is It Worth It?

Last Updated on September 15, 2026

The Seoul Sky Observatory (서울스카이), the third highest observatory in the world but featuring the highest glass deck in the world, sits in Lotte World Tower. It is easily a must see spot in Seoul and should make it into the top 10 things to see in Seoul every time.

If you’re looking for the most amazing view of the Seoul skyline, then this is the tower you should be seeking out on your next trip to Seoul as you can get panoramic views and you’ll literally be standing higher than the helicopters that check the traffic are flying down below. On clear days, you can see as far as Songdo, Incheon. Get ready to see Seoul from above in Lotte World Tower.r.

Skip around and get all of the details so you can SEE IT ALL!

• Is Seoul Sky Observatory Worth It?
• How To Get To Seoul Sky Observatory
• Basic Information To Know
• What To Experience
• Stay In Lotte World Tower
• Plan Your Trip In The Area
• FAQ

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Is Seoul Sky Observatory Worth It?

The view really is spectacular, and going up feels like an experience rather than just a photo op. That said, in my opinion, it’s really only an easy add for most tourists if you’re already planning to be in Jamsil for Lotte World, the aquarium, or something else in the area. If your trip is centered on downtown or Myeongdong, N Seoul Tower is a much easier detour, and it’ll scratch the same “get a panoramic view of Seoul” itch without the extra travel time out to Songpa-gu. Neither one is the wrong choice. It’s more a question of what’s already on your route.

	Seoul Sky Observatory	N Seoul Tower
Height	500m (observation floors)	236m (mountain) + tower
Location	Jamsil, Songpa-gu	Namsan, central Seoul
Best for	Pairing with a Jamsil/Lotte World day	Pairing with Myeongdong, Itaewon, or a downtown day
Standout feature	Glass floor Sky Deck, Sky Bridge	Central location, easy walk-up views

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Basic Information To Know

Address: Lotte World Tower, 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300 롯데월드타워 (신천동))

By Subway: Make sure you have your T-Money card topped off and ready to go and hop on the subway. On the green line, you can head to Jamsil Subway Station and go out of exit 1 or 2 to head right out and find the tower. You’ll see it as soon as you exit.. just look up!

To actually find the entrance and go up though, you’ll want to go into the building and then go down as the elevator that goes up into the tower on the basement level. Head to B1 and just follow signs to find it.

Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm; Friday – Saturday: 11:00am ~ 11:00pm

• Note the Sky Bridge Tour experience runs on its own separate schedule and is only open seasonally, see the Sky Bridge section below for current hours and closure dates.

Days: Open all year round

General Admission: Adult (13+): W33,000; Youth (36 months to under 13): W29,000; Children under 36 months are free with an adult guardian and proof of age.

• Seoul Sky + Aquarium Package: Adult 62,000 KRW; Youth 56,000 KRW. This package must be used same-day, and only qualifies for a full refund if used before either ticket is redeemed.

Fast Pass: 62,000 KRW, valid for immediate entry without a reservation.

• On Fast Pass: I’ve never found it necessary. Every time I’ve visited, standard entry moved quickly and I barely waited at all. If you’re going during a major holiday or a weekend in cherry blossom or fall foliage season, it might be worth the extra cost for peace of mind, but for a normal weekday visit, I’d save the money.

Sky Bridge Tour: 130,000 KRW per person (general admission, tour ticket, and 2 photos included), or 106,000 KRW if you already have separate general admission and just need the tour pass. Group rate (10+ people): 118,000 KRW. Full details, hours, and current closure dates are in the Sky Bridge section below.

How To Get Tickets: While I have been fairly lucky to get in fairly quickly without a wait, I’ve heard from other visitors that there can be a pretty tremendous line up at times so I’d recommend getting tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait! Anything to make the process faster, right? The tickets are also limited to 500 entrants per 30 minutes so you need to check how many people are with you.

When there aren’t close to 500 people, you can enter early or late without problem it seems, as that’s what we did. When we were headed in, there were still 425 some tickets open for our time slot so it was practically devoid of people. However, if you’ll be traveling over a holiday period and have a set itinerary, you’ll want to get the tickets online to make sure you can get that time without a problem.

• Creatrip: If you get tickets in advance, you can get discounted rates. Check the discounts available on Creatrip.
• Klook: Klook has the Sky Tower General Tickets available at a discount. Check it out to save some money.
• kkday: kkday also has discounted tickets available. Check out the discounted rates.

Guidelines for tickets:

• Tickets are only valid for the day of issue.
• Admission is only permitted for the date/time printed on the ticket.
• Admission may be delayed depending on the number of visitors.
• Re-admission is prohibited and tickets cannot be transferred to others.

Amenities: nursing lounge, disabled and elderly accessible, restrooms, cafe, parking vouchers

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What To Experience

Basement Exhibition Zone

After getting tickets and entering, you actually don’t go straight up up up to the top. The designers have considered that at times there may be lines and so to help disperse people but keep you interested, they’ve created an exhibition zone that you actually weave through. The halls are dark and the artistic works are all light based so you just sort of follow the beautiful light scenery before you as you head to the elevators. The works are really intriguing and are meant to showcase Korea’s history and culture through media.

Honestly, if you have the time, you should spend at least a half hour just watching because most of the works actually move and change so the displays are colorful and consistently moving. This is another great thing if you have kids and there are lines because they’ll have plenty to see while you’re just waiting. I’ve been twice now and haven’t waited in lines ever though so go on a weekday if you can and you’ll probably find few people in line with you.

The screens cover the walls and ceilings so it makes the basement that you’re walking through feel quite spacious. The exhibition zone is dark and feels a bit like going through airport security but in a cool and moody fashion like you’re really going onto some sort of space ship.

The large-scale projections were clearly and cleverly installed so that people waiting in line would have something visually stimulating to observe as they waited. Our bags were checked for prohibited items including knives, scissors, stun guns, nunchaks, baseball bats, golf clubs, explosives and apparently tripods, selfie sticks and chairs if you’re carrying one of those with you.

After heading through the different media spaces, you’ll eventually land on a corridor that takes you to the Sky Shuttle. This elevator was also considered thoughtfully when planning and features Korea’s nature and nightscapes in media format on the ceiling of the elevator as you take the right from B2 up to floor 118. The trip is only 1 minute long so make sure you have your camera ready if you want to take pics inside of the elevator.

In fact, the Sky Shuttle holds the Guinness World Record for being the fastest double-deck elevator in the world and travels 600 meters per minute. The elevator also holds the Guinnes World Record for being the world’s tallest double deck elevator. So there’s space… and it’s fast. Enjoy the ride!

Entrance Floor/ Sky Deck

Here’s the thing, and a special thing at that, about this tower: there are multiple floors for views. While most observatories shoot you up to one floor to walk around to get panoramic views and see the scenes, Seoul Sky Tower actually features views from floors 117 through 123 so you’ll see and see and see some more.

Pro Tip: If there are a lot of people when you’re visiting, most people take in all of the views on that first entrance floor because they just think that’s going to be where the views are, but you could bypass them/groups, and head up to see the views from a different floor before coming back down again if you’d like. You’ll actually be able to move freely around with escalators between floors 117 and 123 so you can go up, down, up, up, down, down, and all around again.

Want to get the best view of Seoul? This is definitely the thing that needs to be on your Seoul itinerary. Not only was it amazing to go somewhere in Seoul that has been highly promoted and NOT find lines, but the hype was legit. If you’re planning an itinerary, plan to spend a whole day in Jamsil.

Lotte Tower is really just one of the amazing architectural spots in Seoul, but it truly is one of the highlights of the list. There are different photo-zone options on each floor so check them all out. On the floor 117, there’s the pretty standard observatory deck and views. The (second) Entrance Floor 118 is also where the Sky Deck is, there are two, pictured below, so that is tall floor to ceiling windows with glass underfoot too. This is a popular photo-zone for visitors for obvious reasons. 

I’m not sure why floor 117 and 118 are both called “Entrance Floors” on their guide but they are so presumably the elevator stops on either floor depending on the time of day or how many people are headed up. Both times I went, they dropped us at 117 and we started from there but 118 is also called an entrance floor so just notice where you are when you get off.

Due to the few people visiting the day we went, no one was pushing or shoving to get that iconic photo. We even laid down on the glass to get some photos taken by a friendly stranger. As we walked around to the one on the north side of the structure, we also realized that the attendants can also apparently control whether or not the glass is transparent.

When we got to the north side, we were surprised that this side DIDN’T have a transparent floor. My friend walked out nonchalantly only to have the guy turn on the transparent floor just as I started snapping pics. Needless to say, there’s some fun to be had up there along with taking in the spectacular views.

Sky Bridge Experience

Visitors can literally walk on a bridge between the towers at the top of the building. The outdoor bridge spans just 11 meters and is 541 meters above the ground. It’s definitely for the thrill seekers. The entrance to this can be found on the 117th floor where visitors are briefed with safety instructions and outfitted in red jumpsuits and helmets the adventure outside.

People are taken out on the bridge every hour on the hour between 1:00pm and 7:00pm so you’ll want to plan your trip accordingly. The last trip is at 6:00pm. You can book these tickets online and I definitely recommend it as only a certain number of people can go each hour.

Important: the Sky Bridge is a seasonal attraction, not a year-round one. It closes for winter and reopens in the spring, the most recently published closure window runs from late November/early December through late February. If you’re visiting in winter, don’t count on the Sky Bridge being part of your trip; check current dates before you plan around it.

When it is running, hours are: Monday-Thursday, four sessions at 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, and 7:00pm. Friday through Sunday and holidays, seven sessions at 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and 7:00pm. Each session takes up to 12 people and runs about an hour total, including the safety briefing, so you’ll want to arrive at the observatory at least 30 minutes before your session and be at the 117th floor Sky Station 15 minutes before it starts.

There are restrictions worth knowing before you book:

• You need to be at least 12 years old, at least 140cm tall, and under 120kg, and anyone under 14 needs a guardian’s consent for the required personal information.
• Only phones are allowed for photos or video, other cameras and personal equipment aren’t permitted on the bridge itself.
• Alcohol use disqualifies you from the tour, and if there’s any question about it, staff can do an on-site check.
• If you have a cardiovascular or musculoskeletal condition, it’s worth reading the safety notes closely before booking.

Pricing: W130,000 per person if you need general admission and the tour together (includes 2 photos), or W106,000 if you already have general admission and just want the Sky Bridge tour pass. Group rate for 10 or more is W118,000. Fees aren’t refundable once you’ve used the tour, though weather-related cancellations are an exception.

Sky Terrace

Located in Lotte World Tower (롯데월드타워) which also features the tallest hotel in Korea, Signiel Hotel, is the fifth tallest building in the world at 555 meters tall, the observatory has a super interesting design with platforms for viewing from floors 117 to 121.

Most observatories I’ve visited are just one or two floors with windows all around. Sky Seoul, however, not only offers the window view, but there are transparent glass floors jutting out to the north and the south and then there is an open air observatory another floor up. It’s basically a great way to accommodate a ton of people yet keep them moving and viewing without bumping into each other. Something that always seems to be an issue here in Seoul.

The 120th floor offers the open-air outdoor terrace a staggering 483 meters high up in the sky. Even though it was sunny, the wind was blowing pleasantly so we weren’t hot or cold and we were having a ball taking photos clearly. The views were spectacular and having a clear blue day allowed us to see really as far as the eye can see.

Taking selfies almost 500 meters up in the sky is hard stuff though. Take a friend to get some awesome shots with spectacular backdrops. The attendants are numerous though and if there aren’t a billion people.. or 500 visiting, they’d probably step up to help you with a photo if you asked nicely.

Seoul Sky Shop/ Seoul Sky Cafe

Continue to head up on the escalators in the center of the floors and at the 121st floor there is still more to see as well as pricey coffees to drink and souvenirs to buy. Again the circular windows abound, but in the center above where the lookout decks and terraces below are, is one more almost floor to ceiling view. This was one of my favorite views.

For those of you that want a one of a kind experience that you can only get here, then make sure to order the Seoul Sky Juice. It’s a vibrantly colored fruit juice. We didn’t have it, but it’s a thing if you want to go ahead and try.

Look out over the Han River parks system far below and see what is going on. You can then go up just one more flight and see this same view from above to get some different angles too. Clearly the design of this observatory was well thought out and planned. The city of Seoul is impressive and often it’s hard to appreciate how impressive it is. From above seeing just how sprawling it is and how much it has been built up in just the past few decades is really astounding.

This is just ONE of the spots that you can get a truly breathtaking view of Seoul, but don’t miss these other highlights around the city that I would highly recommend. Some other spots are also FREE so if you’re looking for that budget friendly stop, don’t miss the spots I recommend in the post I just linked.

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Stay In Lotte World Tower

Signiel Hotel

Signiel Hotel is an absolutely stunning place to stay in Seoul. It is the tallest hotel in Seoul and I had the opportunity to stay there twice. It is the most luxurious hotel in the city and I highly recommend it for a staycation or your trip to the capital of Korea. The hotel is located between floors 76 and 101 in Lotte World Tower which means you’re still getting the breathtaking views of the city from high high above and still sitting above where the helicopters fly.

The 5-star hotel features a champagne bar with the largest collection of champagne in Korea, a Michelin starred restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and the Evian Spa. The breakfast in STAY is beyond compare and every single room is spacious. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Take advantage of their special offers and book a stay with Signiel Hotel on Booking.com or on Agoda.com

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Plan Your Trip In The Area

Visit in the spring and don’t miss the cherry blossoms at nearby Seokchon Lake. It’s one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. And if you have kids, head down into the Lotte Mall or visit Lotte World which is the amusement park just next to the tower. Lotte pretty much owns the entire block and you could spend the whole day visiting their various fun and breathtaking facilities. You could very feasibly spend a whole day in the area.

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FAQ

Is Seoul Sky Observatory worth it?

Yes, if it fits your route. The view and the overall experience are genuinely impressive, but it makes the most sense paired with a day in Jamsil (Lotte World, the aquarium, Seokchon Lake) rather than as a standalone trip from downtown Seoul.

Is Seoul Sky Observatory or N Seoul Tower better?

They serve different trips. Seoul Sky is taller and has the glass floor and Sky Bridge, but it’s out in Jamsil. N Seoul Tower is shorter but much easier to combine with a downtown, Myeongdong, or Itaewon day. Neither is objectively better, it depends on what else is on your itinerary.

Is the Sky Bridge open year-round?

No. It closes for winter (most recently late November/early December through late February) and reopens in spring. Always check current dates before booking a Sky Bridge slot.

Do I need to book Seoul Sky Observatory tickets in advance?

It’s not strictly necessary, entry is limited to 500 people per 30-minute slot and in my experience the standard line has moved quickly. Booking ahead through Klook, kkday, or Creatrip is usually cheaper than buying at the counter anyway, so there’s little downside to booking in advance.

Is the Fast Pass worth it?

In my experience, no, not for a typical visit. I’ve never had a meaningful wait with standard admission. It might be worth it during a major holiday or a weekend during cherry blossom or fall foliage season.

Can I bring a camera or tripod into Seoul Sky Observatory?

Tripods, selfie sticks, and similar equipment are on the restricted items list for general admission. For the Sky Bridge specifically, only phones are allowed, other cameras and personal equipment aren’t permitted on the bridge itself.

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