Towering over Seoul, can you feel its golden sheen? I’m talking about 63-ro. It is home to the 63 Building. Prepare to discover its secrets.
The 63 Building is one of Korea’s tallest and most recognized buildings. It stands 249 meters high. That’s 817 feet. It has 60 floors and three basement levels.
Before the Lotte Tower, 63 Building was the highest in Seoul. It became a Seoul landmark for the 1988 Olympics. On a clear day, you could even see it from the DMZ.
Each of the 14000 panes of glass has a thin film of 24-carat gold. It catches the sunshine. The building reflects gold, red, and silver as the sun sets. This gives the tower a stunning multi-colored sheen.
High-speed glass elevators whisk you to the top. They travel at 460 meters per minute. The trip takes only 25 seconds. You will feel like you’re in a rocket.
The 63 Building offers spectacular views. You can see the Hangang River. You can also see the surrounding Bugaksan, Namsan, and Gwanaksan Mountains. It’s an outstanding spot to watch the sunset over the city.
Once, Aqua Planet 63 was a major attraction. Sadly, it closed in June 2024. The observatory 63 Art also closed. But in 2025, the Centre Pompidou Hanwha Seoul is scheduled to open here.
Construction began in 1980 and finished in 1985. For a year, it was the tallest building in Asia. It was 35 meters higher than Japan’s Sunshine 60. Today, it ranks third among South Korea’s highest buildings.
Inside, you’d find world-known brand boutiques. There were restaurants with world popular cuisines. It even housed an IMAX cinema with Asia’s biggest screen. A modern art museum called 63 Sky Art once lived here, too.
The 63 Building marked the start of giant skyscrapers in South Korea. Korean architects and engineers became leading specialists in Asia.
So, next time you see that golden shimmer, remember the 63 Building. It is a landmark of Seoul. It is a testament to ambition. It is a beacon reflecting dreams.