On the 31st floor of Lotte World Tower, there is a convention center, restaurants, and cafe space called ‘SKY 31’. Originally created for the employees of Lotte World Tower, this space houses various restaurants and cafes. It used to be a place where one could take a break during lunchtime or a midday break, and it is now open to the general public.
However, on weekdays, entry is allowed after 6:00 PM, and on weekends, entry is permitted from 11:30 AM. The operating hours are until 10:00 PM, with the last entry allowed at 9:00 PM.
“A Place to Find Various Restaurants and Cafes”
This place was originally built not as an observatory but as a space with restaurants and cafes. However, due to its location on the 31st floor, it effectively serves as an observatory. The fact that admission is free is a significant advantage.
- Jamsil, Lotte World Tower Free Observatory ‘SKY 31’: Jamsil, Lotte World Tower Free Observatory ‘Sky 31’
“Last Operating Day on March 26, 2023”
However, as of March 26, 2023, this place will no longer be in operation. While the notice states that only the food court called ‘Sky 31’ will be changed, it will actually transform into a space that the general public cannot access. Ultimately, it can be considered a closure measure.
Having the ability to have a meal and enjoy the view on the 31st floor of Lotte World Tower was a great space, and it’s sad to see it disappear.
“A Space Leaving Many Personal Regrets”
This space also leaves me with a lot of personal regrets. I wrote most of my manuscripts here, to the point where the number exceeds thousands. It was a place I used like an open office.
I would visit with my iPad and wireless keyboard, order coffee and snacks at the cafe, and write. Now, it seems like those days will become memories. It was a place where you could take a break and enjoy the outside view when you got tired of writing, have a meal when you were hungry, or have coffee when you needed it. It was a place I deliberately came to even if it was far away.
“On March 26, 2023, Last Operating Day”
On the last operating day, March 26, 2023, I visited this place. Perhaps because it was the last day, each shop on the 31st floor was in the midst of clearing out inventory. Even the unmanned convenience store that could be found on the 31st floor had a sign saying “Closed”, and next to it, “Krispy Kreme Doughnuts & Coffee” was also running low on stock.
Perhaps because it was the last day, it felt like more people were gathering. Feeling the regret of it being the last day, I visited and took photos of the view from the 31st floor of Lotte World Tower. Yesterday, the fine dust levels were high, and the weather was gloomy, so the view wasn’t great. Today, the air quality seemed a bit better, and I’m relieved.
This place, which left behind many memories, will not close and change its purpose for operational reasons. Now, it will transform into another space, possibly providing memories for someone else.
“Seoul Jamsil, Sky 31 Food Avenue”
- Address: 31st Floor, Lotte World Tower, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
- Operating Hours: (Mon-Fri) 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, (Sat-Sun) 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last Entry at 9:00 PM)