Awestruck silence. That’s what greets you before the 63 City. Its gleaming gold facade reflects the Seoul sky.
This isn’t just a building. It’s a piece of Seoul’s history. The 63 City was once the tallest building in South Korea. That was before the Hyperion Tower. It still holds the title of tallest commercial building for a time though. Built in 1985 it was a landmark for the 1988 Summer Olympics. The torch was even lit in front of it.
The 63 City isn’t just tall. It’s clever. The name is a little misleading. There are only 60 floors above ground. Floors 61-63 are restricted. The design is subtle. It’s based on the Hanja character for ‘person’. This is a nod to Daehan Life Insurance. They were the original builders.
Imagine the construction. It began in February 1980. That was during South Korea’s economic boom. The cost? A staggering 180 billion won. The building opened temporarily in July 1985. The official opening was on July 27.
Step inside. You’ll find more than offices. There’s an IMAX theater. There’s a huge aquarium. Aqua Planet 63 was a huge draw. Sadly it closed in June 2024. The 60th floor houses an art gallery. It once had an observation deck called the 63 Golden Tower. On a clear day you could even see Incheon.
The 63 City has changed over time. It underwent major renovations. Thousands of exterior glass sheets were replaced. Evacuation safety zones were added. All for safety. The 63 City’s transformation shows Seoul’s growth.
It even made its way into popular culture. The 63 City featured in the game SimCity 3000 Unlimited. It was also in the disaster movie The Tower. The movie’s fictional skyscraper was inspired by the 63 City.
Today the 63 City continues to be a symbol of Seoul. It stands tall. It stands strong. It stands as a testament to South Korea’s ambition. A fitting end to our tour. Soak it all in. This is 63 City. A true Seoul landmark.