Seoul 63 Building History Architecture Attractions

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Have you ever seen a building that shines like gold right by the Han River in Seoul? That’s the Seoul 63 Building, also known as 63 SQUARE! 😊 I remember the first time I saw it, I was so amazed by how tall and shiny it was. It’s a true landmark of Seoul, and it has so many interesting stories and cool features inside. Let’s dive into the world of this amazing skyscraper together!

This guide will tell you all about the 63 Building, from its incredible height to its special golden design and all the fun things you can do there. It’s more than just a building; it’s a piece of Korean history and a symbol of progress!

The Majestic 63 Building: A Seoul Icon

The golden exterior of the 63 Building standing tall

The 63 Building, officially known as 63 SQUARE, is a super-tall skyscraper located right by the Han River in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. When you see it, you’ll immediately notice its stunning golden glow!

It has 60 floors above ground and 3 floors below ground, but if you count the rooftop and mechanical rooms, it actually has 63 floors. Its highest point, including the antenna and spire, reaches an impressive 274 meters (900 feet)! Even without the antenna, its roof is 249.6 meters tall. For many years, it was the tallest building in Korea and even in Asia when it was completed in 1985. It’s still a super important landmark for Seoul and Yeouido today.

A Glimpse into the 63 Building’s History

Every great building has a story, and the 63 Building is no exception! It was first planned in 1979 by Daehan Life Insurance (now Hanwha Life) to be their headquarters and a big financial and office complex. Construction began in February 1980 and it was finally finished in May 1985.

The design was done by a famous American company called Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), and the building was constructed by Shindongah Construction. Fun fact: the initial plan was for a 20-story building, but Seoul City gave permission to make it much taller, leading to the amazing 60-story structure we see today! If you’re curious about other unique places in Seoul, you might also like to check out the Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul Traditional Charms 2025 Guide for a different kind of architectural experience.

Unveiling the 63 Building’s Architectural Marvels

A close-up of the 63 Building’s golden glass facade

What makes the 63 Building so special is its golden glass exterior. It was actually the very first building in Korea to have its entire outer wall covered in golden glass panels! Isn’t that amazing?

This steel frame structure is incredibly strong. It has 243 huge piers (columns) that go down 45 meters (about 148 feet) underground, helping it support a massive weight of 100,000 tons! It also uses special structures called Outrigger and Belt Truss, which make it super resistant to earthquakes and strong winds. Safety is a top priority here; it has fire-resistant coatings that can withstand 1,000 degrees Celsius for 12 hours, and emergency evacuation systems are duplicated for maximum safety. To read more about unique building structures, you can find information on skyscraper architectural structures.

Explore the Exciting Facilities at 63 Building

The 63 Building isn’t just for offices; it’s a place full of fun and useful facilities! Inside, you’ll find everything from offices and financial institutions to restaurants, hospitals, post offices, and even optical shops. It’s like a mini-city all in one building!

But the real stars are its cultural and leisure spots. There’s the 63 Art (observatory), which gives you breathtaking views of the Han River and Seoul. You can also visit the 63 Aquarium to see amazing sea creatures, and an IMAX cinema for an immersive movie experience. The Skydeck, offering panoramic views, is especially popular. You can plan your visit and check out tickets on the official 63 Art website.

The Enduring Legacy of 63 Building

The 63 Building standing majestically against the Seoul skyline

The 63 Building is not just a tall structure; it’s a huge symbol of Korea’s economic boom in the 1980s! It’s considered South Korea’s first true landmark building. Back then, about 180 billion KRW was spent to build it. That’s a lot of money!

Its golden exterior and elegant curved design have become an iconic part of Seoul’s skyline, adored by both locals and tourists from around the world. It truly represents the spirit of innovation and growth in Korea. Even though taller buildings have been built since, the Seoul 63 Building holds a special place in people’s hearts and in history. You can learn more about the cultural value of the 63 Building through this blog post detailing its historical and cultural value.

Ownership and Evolution of the 63 Building

The 63 Building has seen some changes over the years, especially concerning who owns it. Initially, it belonged to Daehan Life Insurance, which was part of the Shindongah Group. But after the IMF financial crisis in Korea, the Hanwha Group took over.

Today, the building is operated and managed by Hanwha 63 City. If you look closely at the exterior of the building, you’ll see the ‘Hanwha’ logo proudly displayed. This change in ownership highlights the dynamic economic history of South Korea and how important this building has been throughout those times. The 63 Building continues to be a vibrant part of Seoul’s commercial and cultural landscape!

Summary of 63 Building’s Grandeur 📝

So, we’ve explored the fascinating world of the 63 Building, a true gem in Seoul’s skyline. It’s not just a tall building, but a symbol of history, innovation, and culture!

1. Location & Height: The Seoul 63 Building is located by the Han River in Yeouido, standing 274 meters tall, an impressive 63-story structure.
2. Historical Significance: Completed in 1985, it was once the tallest building in Korea and Asia, representing Korea’s economic growth.
3. Architectural Brilliance: Known for its golden glass exterior and advanced structural designs like Outrigger and Belt Truss for safety.
4. Diverse Attractions: Home to 63 Art (observatory), 63 Aquarium, and various other facilities, making it a popular destination for entertainment and views.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

I hope you enjoyed learning about the magnificent Seoul 63 Building! It’s truly a place that holds so much history and offers so much to see and do. From its golden glow to its innovative architecture and exciting attractions, it’s a must-visit landmark in Seoul. If you have any more questions or want to share your own experiences, please feel free to leave a comment below! 😊