Fireworks celebrate the opening of Lotte World Tower in Seoul on April 2, 2017.
Fireworks celebrate the opening of Lotte World Tower in Seoul on April 2, 2017.
JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The cloud-piercing skyscraper is currently the 5th tallest tower in the world.
The cloud-piercing skyscraper is currently the 5th tallest tower in the world.
Lotte World Tower
At 555 meters tall, the 123-floor building dwarfs the city's next highest building, Three IFC Office Tower, by nearly 300 meters. It is also home to the <a href="http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/456735-highest-glass-floor-observation-deck" target="_blank" target="_blank">highest glass-bottom observatory</a> at 478 m (1,568 ft).
At 555 meters tall, the 123-floor building dwarfs the city's next highest building, Three IFC Office Tower, by nearly 300 meters. It is also home to the highest glass-bottom observatory at 478 m (1,568 ft).
Courtesy of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the tower has a tapered shape that's inspired by Korean art and cultural aesthetics.
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the tower has a tapered shape that's inspired by Korean art and cultural aesthetics.
Lotte World Tower
The Sky Shuttle double-decker elevator set two new records for being the tallest and fastest of its kind.
The Sky Shuttle double-decker elevator set two new records for being the tallest and fastest of its kind.
Lotte World Tower
The elevator zips guests from the basement to the observation deck on the 121st floor in 60 seconds, or at a speed of 10 meters per second.
The elevator zips guests from the basement to the observation deck on the 121st floor in 60 seconds, or at a speed of 10 meters per second.
Lotte World Tower
Inside the lift cabins, it feels like a video game -- 15 OLED displays present a virtual tour of Seoul during the 60-second ride.
Inside the lift cabins, it feels like a video game -- 15 OLED displays present a virtual tour of Seoul during the 60-second ride.
Lotte World Tower
Made by American elevator manufacturer Otis, the lift comprises two attached cabins stacked on top of each other, simultaneously carrying 54 passengers in each cabin.
Made by American elevator manufacturer Otis, the lift comprises two attached cabins stacked on top of each other, simultaneously carrying 54 passengers in each cabin.
Lotte World Tower
The expansive view overlooks the Seoul cityscape and Cheonggyecheon River, which flows through the heart of the city.
The expansive view overlooks the Seoul cityscape and Cheonggyecheon River, which flows through the heart of the city.
Lotte World Tower
From the top, visitors can see all of Seoul and as far as the Yellow Sea, to the west of South Korea's capital. If not for the mountains in the distance, North Korea would be visible on a clear day.
From the top, visitors can see all of Seoul and as far as the Yellow Sea, to the west of South Korea's capital. If not for the mountains in the distance, North Korea would be visible on a clear day.
Lotte World Tower
Lotte World Tower took six years to construct. It houses 61 elevators and 123 floors containing shopping complexes, offices, and even a "seven star" hotel.
Lotte World Tower took six years to construct. It houses 61 elevators and 123 floors containing shopping complexes, offices, and even a "seven star" hotel.
Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
The view from Lotte World Tower, stretches 50 kilometers in every direction.
The view from Lotte World Tower, stretches 50 kilometers in every direction.
Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
An aerial view of the tower shows its stark vertical contrast, compared with its neighbors.
An aerial view of the tower shows its stark vertical contrast, compared with its neighbors.
Lotte World Tower