Quick Info
- 📍 Area: Jamsil, Songpa-gu (Lotte World Tower)
- 🕒 Best time: Sunset to night (magic hour), weekdays for fewer crowds
- 💰 Budget: ₩27,000–₩62,000 per person (typical tickets + Fast Pass)
- 🚇 Getting there: Subway Line 2/8 Jamsil Station Exit 1 or 2 (walk ~5 min)
- 👥 Best for: First-time Seoul visitors, couples (night view), photographers
- ✅ TL;DR: Book online early for popular sunset slots; adult ₩31,000, child ₩27,000, Fast Pass ₩62,000; last entry 9–10pm depending on day.
Before you dive in
If any part of this guide feels useful, take 10 seconds to bookmark it.
Quick Info
- 📍 Area: Jamsil, Songpa-gu (Lotte World Tower)
- 🕒 Best time: Sunset to night (magic hour), weekdays for fewer crowds
- 💰 Budget: ₩27,000–₩62,000 per person (typical tickets + Fast Pass)
- 🚇 Getting there: Subway Line 2/8 Jamsil Station Exit 1 or 2 (walk ~5 min)
- 👥 Best for: First-time Seoul visitors, couples (night view), photographers
- ✅ TL;DR: Book online early for popular sunset slots; adult ₩31,000, child ₩27,000, Fast Pass ₩62,000; last entry 9–10pm depending on day.
Before you dive in
If any part of this guide feels useful, take 10 seconds to bookmark it.
Seoul has no shortage of viewpoints—mountain hikes, café rooftops, riverside parks—but 서울 스카이 (Seoul Sky) is the one that feels like you’re stepping into the skyline itself. Sitting at the very top of Lotte World Tower in Songpa-gu, this observatory spans floors 117 to 123, giving you a sweeping 360° view over the Han River, central Seoul, and far beyond on clear days. It’s one of those “only in Seoul” experiences: ultra-modern elevators, dramatic glass views, and a cityscape that changes completely depending on the hour.
This guide focuses on how to book, how time slots work, and what tickets typically cost by time of day—with practical tips to avoid common mistakes (like arriving at sunset without a reservation). Prices and policies can change, so use this post to plan smartly, then check current prices before you finalize.
Why Visit 서울 스카이(롯데타워) Observatory
Seoul Sky is the classic “one-stop” Seoul panorama. Because it’s located inside a 555m landmark tower, you’re not just looking at the city—you’re seeing the structure that defines the city’s modern silhouette.
Here’s what makes it worth prioritizing:
-
The view is dramatically different by hour.
In daylight, you’ll pick out the Han River bends, bridges, parks, and neighborhood grids. At night, Seoul becomes an ocean of lights—especially striking when the sky is clear and the city’s contrast pops. -
It’s weather-dependent in the best and worst way.
On a crisp, clear day, visibility is incredible. On hazy or rainy days, you may still enjoy the vibe, but the “wow” factor can drop. (More on how to avoid disappointment later.) -
It’s very accessible for non-hikers and families.
Unlike viewpoints that require a climb, Seoul Sky is convenient by subway and works well for visitors with limited time, kids, or mobility needs. -
It’s a “planned highlight” that pairs easily with nearby attractions.
You can combine it with Jamsil shopping, cafés, Lotte World Mall, or a relaxed lakeside walk nearby—ideal for a half-day itinerary.
If you’re choosing only one paid observatory in Seoul, Seoul Sky is often the most iconic, especially for first-time visitors.
Where to Book 서울 스카이(롯데타워) Tours and Tickets
Seoul Sky is popular year-round, and the biggest booking decision is simple: walk-up tickets vs online booking. If you care about getting a specific time—especially near sunset—book ahead.
1) Official online booking (recommended for peak times)
Booking online is usually the best option if:
- You want a specific entry time
- You’re aiming for sunset / night views
- You want to minimize waiting
Even if you plan to visit on a weekday, sunset-adjacent slots can sell out, so it’s wise to compare availability early and lock in the time that fits your schedule.
2) On-site purchase (works if you’re flexible)
Buying on-site can be fine when:
- You’re visiting at an off-peak hour (late morning or early afternoon on weekdays)
- You don’t care about a specific time slot
- You’re okay with potentially waiting in line
If you’re traveling during holidays, weekends, or peak seasons, on-site tickets are a gamble—especially if you only have one night in Seoul.
3) “Fast pass” / priority entry options
There is a priority entry (fast pass) category mentioned in official-style pricing summaries. It can be useful if your time is limited or lines are long. However:
- It’s typically much more expensive than standard entry
- It’s most valuable when queues are heavy (often weekends and magic-hour windows)
A good approach: check current prices, then decide whether saving time is worth the premium for your group size.
4) Tour bundles (only if it fits your day)
Some travelers prefer bundled city tours that include an observatory stop. These can be convenient if you want transportation and a structured itinerary, but they’re not always the cheapest.
Decision rule:
- If you value convenience and a guided plan, consider a bundle.
- If you value budget and flexibility, book the observatory directly and build your own route.
Time Slots Explained: Best Hours for Day Views vs Night Views
Seoul Sky’s experience is heavily shaped by timing—more than many attractions—because light and visibility matter.
Operating hours (plan around the final entry cut-off)
Based on the provided details:
- Sunday–Thursday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry 9:00 PM)
- Friday, Saturday, and the day before a public holiday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM (last entry 10:00 PM)
These hours are important because many visitors incorrectly assume they can enter right up until closing. Build your plan around last entry, not closing time.
Best time slot for clear “day views”
Late morning to mid-afternoon is usually best for:
- Bright, even lighting
- Seeing the river, bridges, and skyline shape clearly
- Shorter queues compared to evening
If your goal is photos with a crisp city grid look, this time window is often more reliable than early evening—especially if haze builds later in the day.
Best time slot for night views
After dark is ideal if you want:
- Seoul’s neon and building lights
- A dramatic, cinematic skyline
- A more “date night” vibe
The trade-off: night slots can be busier, and you lose the details of parks and distant landscape.
The most competitive time: “Magic hour” around sunset
The hour before and after sunset is the crowd favorite because you can often see:
- Daylight city detail
- Sunset colors (on clear days)
- The city lighting up in real time
This is also the time most likely to sell out. If you’re traveling in a group or visiting on a weekend, treat sunset slots like a restaurant reservation: book early or plan a backup time.
Practical strategy: pick your priority
- Want maximum detail and clearer photos? Choose daytime.
- Want atmosphere and sparkle? Choose night.
- Want the full transition experience? Choose sunset—then book ahead.
If you’re unsure, a great compromise is entering before sunset so you can stay as the city shifts into night, but again—this requires planning.
Typical Prices & Budget Examples
Ticket pricing can change by season, day of week, promotions, or packaging, so the safest way to plan is with ranges and then confirm before purchase.
Typical ticket price ranges (as of 2026/2027; check current prices)
Using the research summary’s listed standard prices as anchor points, here are realistic planning ranges:
- Standard adult admission (typical range): ₩30,000–35,000 (as of 2026/2027)
- Standard child admission (typical range): ₩25,000–30,000 (as of 2026/2027)
- Fast pass / priority entry (typical range): ₩60,000–70,000 (as of 2026/2027)
These are typical ranges for budgeting—always check current prices for your date/time and any special schedules.
Do prices change by time slot?
In many attractions, evening or peak windows sometimes price higher. For Seoul Sky, travelers often notice that:
- Peak-time slots (especially sunset) sell out first
- Even when price differences are small, availability is the bigger issue
So the real “time-slot cost” might not be a higher ticket price—it might be the cost of needing a fast pass or settling for a less ideal time.
Budget examples (useful for planning a day out)
These examples include admission only and are written as ranges (as requested). Add your own spending for snacks, photos, or nearby shopping.
-
Budget travelers (1 adult, standard entry): ₩30,000–40,000
Best for weekday daytime visits; minimal add-ons. -
Mid-range travelers (2 adults, standard entry): ₩60,000–80,000
Ideal if you’re booking a good time slot and pairing with a café visit afterward. -
Family example (2 adults + 1 child, standard entry): ₩85,000–110,000
The exact total depends on child age category and any promotions. -
Time-saver plan (1–2 people with fast pass): ₩60,000–140,000
This can make sense on a short itinerary day, but it’s the priciest approach.
If you’re cost-sensitive, the biggest lever isn’t coupons—it’s simply choosing a non-peak time and avoiding priority-entry premiums.
Discounts, Free Entry Rules, and Required Documents
Discount policies matter here because they can meaningfully reduce costs—especially for families and eligible visitors. The key is that proof is required, and forgetting documentation is one of the easiest ways to accidentally pay full price.
Common discount categories mentioned (check eligibility before you go)
From the research summary:
- People with disabilities and national merit recipients: 30% discount (documentation required)
- Infants under 36 months: free entry (bring proof of age)
Because policies can evolve, confirm accepted documents and conditions when you check current prices and ticket rules.
What documents to bring (practical checklist)
- For age-based free entry: passport (for visitors) or a document showing date of birth
- For discount categories: official ID + supporting certificate/card as required
- For families: bring children’s ID info even if you think it won’t be needed—staff may request proof
Important note about “child” pricing
The research summary defines child as 36 months to 12 years, and adult as 13+. If your child is near the boundary, bring documentation so you’re not forced into the wrong category at the counter.
Money-Saving Tips
Seoul Sky is absolutely doable on a budget—if you plan around crowd behavior.
1) Visit at off-peak hours instead of buying a fast pass
If you can choose, weekday late morning to afternoon often has:
- More comfortable viewing
- Less waiting
- No need to pay extra for priority entry
If you visit during peak hours and hate crowds, you may end up paying for convenience. Off-peak timing is the simplest savings.
2) Book online early for the time you actually want
The most expensive mistake isn’t paying slightly more—it’s missing your desired slot and improvising. When sunset times sell out, travelers sometimes:
- Buy a higher-priced option
- Settle for a late slot with less “magic hour” value
- Waste time waiting around
Locking in a time slot early keeps your day efficient (and often cheaper overall).
3) Use discounts if eligible—don’t assume they’re automatic
If you qualify for the 30% category discount, it’s meaningful. But it only helps if you have proper documentation. Make “documents in bag” part of your pre-departure checklist.
4) Pair Seoul Sky with free viewpoints on other days
If you want multiple skyline moments without paying multiple entry fees, combine:
- One paid “big observatory” experience (Seoul Sky)
- One or two free/low-cost viewpoints (parks, riverside, neighborhood hills) on other days
That way, you get variety without stacking ticket costs.
5) Avoid “just in case” add-ons
If you’re considering upgrades, ask yourself:
- Am I upgrading because it’s truly better—or because I’m worried about lines? If it’s fear-based, first try solving it with timing and advance booking.
How to Get There + Parking Validation Checklist
Seoul Sky is located in Lotte World Tower, and it’s one of the easier major attractions to reach.
Address
- Seoul, Songpa-gu, Olympic-ro 300 (Lotte World Tower)
By subway (most convenient)
- Jamsil Station (Line 2 and Line 8)
- Use Exit 1 or Exit 2, then walk about 5 minutes (per the research summary)
This route is straightforward even for first-time visitors, and it avoids the unpredictability of Seoul traffic.
By taxi / car
A taxi can be convenient if you’re traveling with kids or carrying shopping bags, but traffic around Jamsil can be heavy at peak hours.
Parking & validation (don’t miss the steps)
If you drive, the research summary notes a valuable perk:
- 2 hours of free parking for observatory visitors
- Ticket authentication/validation is required
Use this quick checklist:
- Park in the Lotte World Tower Mall parking area
- Keep your parking ticket or ensure your vehicle details are recorded as required
- After buying/using your observatory ticket, validate/authenticate it for parking benefits
- Confirm the free-parking time is applied before exiting (don’t assume it’s automatic)
The most common issue is simply forgetting validation until you’re already at the exit gate.
Common Mistakes (Sold-Out Sunset Slots, Weather, Terrace Closures)
A Seoul Sky visit is simple—but these mistakes can turn it from “highlight” to “why did we do this?”
Mistake 1: Assuming you can always get a sunset ticket
Sunset is the most popular time slot, and it can sell out. If sunset is your priority:
- Book ahead
- Plan a backup: either earlier daytime entry or a later night slot
- If your schedule is tight, consider whether a priority-entry option is worth it (but check current prices first)
Mistake 2: Not planning around the last entry time
Remember:
- Last entry is 9:00 PM on Sun–Thu
- Last entry is 10:00 PM on Fri/Sat and pre-holidays
People frequently arrive “before closing” and get turned away because last entry has passed.
Mistake 3: Ignoring weather and visibility
This is the big one. A high observatory is only as good as the day’s visibility:
- Haze, rain, or low clouds can reduce the panoramic effect
- A clear day can make the experience feel twice as valuable
If your itinerary allows flexibility, consider choosing your Seoul Sky day based on the forecast. Even shifting by one day can help.
Mistake 4: Sky Terrace closures due to weather
The research summary notes that the Sky Terrace around the 120th floor may close depending on weather. If that terrace is a must-do for you:
- Check operational notices before you go
- Have realistic expectations in winter wind or rainy conditions
- Don’t plan your whole day around that single feature
Mistake 5: Forgetting eligibility documents
- Infant free entry: bring proof (passport/birth info)
- Discount categories: bring the required documentation
Without documents, you may pay full price even if you qualify.
Mistake 6: Missing parking validation
Two hours of free parking is helpful—but only if you validate. Set a reminder in your phone right after ticketing.
Seoul Sky is one of those Seoul experiences that feels special precisely because it changes with the time, the light, and the weather—so book early for the slot you actually want, double-check the forecast, and you’ll likely leave with the kind of skyline memory you can replay for years in your head.
FAQ
Q: How much are Seoul Sky tickets?
Standard admission is ₩31,000 for adults (13+) and ₩27,000 for children (36 months–12). Fast Pass (priority entry) is ₩62,000.
Q: Do ticket prices change by time slot?
Time-slot pricing can vary by date/time (especially around peak sunset hours). Check the official online booking calendar for the exact price for your selected slot.
Q: Is it better to book Seoul Sky tickets online or on-site?
Online booking is recommended for peak times (sunset/night) because slots can sell out and you can reduce waiting time; on-site purchase may involve longer lines.
Q: What discounts are available and what proof do I need?
People with disabilities and national merit recipients get 30% off with valid documentation. Infants under 36 months enter free with proof of age.
Q: What are the last entry times and closing hours?
Sun–Thu: 10:30am–10:00pm (last entry 9:00pm). Fri–Sat and the day before public holidays: 10:30am–11:00pm (last entry 10:00pm).
Q: Does Seoul Sky offer parking benefits with tickets?
Yes—Seoul Sky visitors can receive up to 2 hours of free parking at Lotte World Tower Mall parking, but you must validate/authenticate your ticket.
What you can do next
Pick just one action from this guide and do it today—small steps add up.