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63 Building

The 63 Building, officially known as the KLI 63 Building and also referred to as 63 Square, is a 249.6-meter-tall located on Island in the of , , overlooking the Han River. Completed in 1985 after construction began in 1979, it features 60 floors above ground and 3 below, making it South Korea's tallest building until 2003 and a landmark developed as a symbol for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Renowned for its distinctive gold-clad exterior that reflects sunlight, earning it the nickname "Gold Tower," the building houses a mix of office spaces, cultural, and entertainment facilities, including the 63 Sky Art Observatory on the 60th floor offering panoramic views of extending to on clear days. It also contains the world's highest on the same floor and a performance hall. Originally developed by Korea Life Insurance (now part of Hanwha Life Insurance, the current owner), the structure spans a gross of 166,207 square meters and includes 35 elevators with a top speed of 9 per second, along with 1,280 parking spaces. Despite the rise of newer high-rises in Seoul's skyline, the 63 Building remains an iconic symbol of the city's rapid modernization in the late and a popular tourist destination.

Architecture and Design

Structural Specifications

The 63 Building is a prominent steel-framed in , , designed by architects Harry D. Som and Helen W. Som of Som and Associates. Its structure consists of 60 floors above ground and 3 basement levels, totaling 63 floors, with the height reaching 249.6 meters to the roof and extending to 274 meters including the antenna spire; the top occupied floor is at 240 meters. The total gross floor area measures 166,207 square meters, encompassing office and commercial spaces. The building's facade is clad in gold-colored glass panels, contributing to its iconic appearance and reflective quality. The overall form draws inspiration from the character for "person" (人), evident in its triangular profile when viewed from the side. Engineered for stability in a , the structure incorporates features to withstand significant earthquakes. Groundbreaking for the 63 Building occurred in February 1980, and the structural completion occurred in May 1985.

Exterior and Interior Features

The exterior of the 63 Building features a striking gold-clad facade composed of 14,000 panes of coated with a of 24-carat , producing a reflective surface that shimmers and shifts in color from to and silver tones, especially at sunset. This aesthetic choice contributes to its status as the second-tallest gold-clad building worldwide, following the Grand Lisboa in . Among its unique elements are the observation elevators, which feature glass walls allowing passengers to enjoy sweeping views of and the Han River during transit to upper levels. Complementing these are the themed "Love Elevators," available exclusively for couples in the evenings, providing a brief, intimate ride with enhanced privacy. Inside, the building includes a multi-level atrium spanned by escalators, creating an open and navigable space that connects retail, entertainment, and office areas; as of 2025, these spaces are undergoing renovation to integrate the Hanwha , designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. The 60th floor houses an integrated , blending cultural exhibits with expansive vistas for visitors. High-speed elevators, operating at 460 meters per minute, deliver a rapid ascent in just 25 seconds, heightening the sense of elevation. Public zones emphasize tourist accessibility, with intuitive pathways from ground-level entrances to elevated observation areas offering unobstructed panoramic sights of the and .

History

Planning and Construction

The for the 63 Building began in the late 1970s under the initiative of , which sought to construct a new headquarters in Seoul's district to reflect the company's growing stature amid South Korea's rapid . The project was selected as a key landmark for the , intended to symbolize the nation's and modernization efforts during a period of intense and industrialization. The architectural design was led by Harry D. Som and Helen W. Som of Som and Associates, a San Francisco-based firm, in collaboration with local engineers, emphasizing a sleek, modern form that would stand out on the . Construction commenced with in February 1980 by Shin Dong-A Construction, involving intensive efforts to meet ambitious deadlines despite the challenges of South Korea's booming but resource-strained economy. The total cost reached 180 billion , equivalent to approximately $220 million USD at contemporary exchange rates, funding a structure aimed to be the tallest building outside upon completion. The build progressed rapidly over five years, culminating in structural completion in May 1985, a feat accomplished through coordinated engineering to handle the demands of high-rise in an urbanizing . The official opening ceremony occurred on July 27, 1985, when the tower was inaugurated as the DLI 63 Building, honoring its developer and the 63 floors above ground.

Ownership Changes and Renovations

The 63 Building was initially owned by , the company that commissioned its construction and for which it served as , with the structure originally named the DLI 63 Building. Following the , the insurer's English name was changed to , and the building became known as the KLI 63 Building. In 2002, the acquired a in and the property, rebranding it as 63 City to emphasize its evolving role as a mixed-use complex, with full ownership integration achieved through Hanwha's complete acquisition of the insurer. The insurance company was subsequently renamed in 2012, solidifying the building's alignment with the Hanwha portfolio. Under Hanwha ownership, expansions transformed the building into a multifaceted destination, including the addition of facilities such as halls and galleries to attract visitors beyond its office functions. In 2015, to commemorate the building's 30th anniversary since its 1985 opening, Hanwha organized celebratory events, including promotional discounts at on-site restaurants and attractions, highlighting its enduring status as a landmark. These initiatives aimed to boost public engagement and reinforce the site's commercial viability. Later, the complex was rebranded as 63 Square to reflect its modern, integrated and retail offerings. Major renovations occurred in three phases between 2005 and 2016, focusing on enhancing energy efficiency, safety, and aesthetics. A key component involved replacing all 13,944 exterior glass panels with advanced low-emissivity materials to reduce heat loss and improve insulation, contributing to lower operational energy costs. Additionally, upgrades to LED lighting systems were implemented across interior and facade elements, enabling dynamic illumination for events while cutting electricity consumption. Post-2016, minor maintenance updates have addressed ongoing wear, including facade cleaning and system optimizations, without altering the building's core structure. As of 2025, the 63 Building remains under the management of Hanwha Life Insurance, serving as the company's headquarters and continuing to operate its office, retail, and limited entertainment spaces. While structurally stable with no major changes planned, recent reports indicate declining foot traffic, partly attributed to the June 2024 closure of the Aqua Planet 63 aquarium to accommodate renovations for the Seoul outpost, slated to open in 2025.

Facilities and Uses

Observation and Entertainment Amenities

The 63 Building's primary facility, the 63 Golden Tower on the 60th floor, offered visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of , the Han River, and as far as Incheon's coastline on clear days. Integrated with the Sky Art , it featured rotating exhibits and cultural performances, blending sightseeing with artistic experiences in what was promoted as the world's highest . However, the observatory permanently closed on June 30, 2024, as part of extensive renovations to repurpose the space for the Hanwha Seoul, a museum showcasing works from the French institution's collection, scheduled to open in late May 2026. Among the building's entertainment venues, the 63 on the basement level displays over 100 lifelike wax figures of global celebrities, historical figures, and idols, organized into themed sections for interactive photo opportunities and educational exhibits. The performance hall, located within the cultural complex, hosts live shows, concerts, and special events, accommodating up to several hundred guests. The theater, introduced in 1985 as Korea's first and one of the largest at the time, specialized in documentaries and immersive films until its closure in 2015. Formerly, the Aqua Planet 63 aquarium occupied the basement floors, housing over 20,000 marine animals from 400 species, including interactive exhibits and performances, but it closed on June 30, 2024, with its space remodeled into part of the new Hanwha museum. Dining amenities emphasize elevated views and diverse cuisines. On the 59th floor, Walking on the Cloud serves European-inspired international dishes in a garden-style setting, featuring premium buffets, steaks, and alongside a wine and whiskey bar overlooking the Han River. The 58th-floor Touch the Sky offers family-oriented , including set menus with salads, grilled meats, and desserts, in a more casual atmosphere suitable for groups. Additional features include a and multiple banquet halls on mid-level floors, used for conferences, weddings, and corporate events with capacities ranging from 50 to 1,000 guests. The comprises approximately 90 stores offering , souvenirs, , and , creating a vibrant hub connected to the entertainment areas.

Commercial and Office Spaces

The 63 Building serves as a prominent hub for office spaces, primarily housing the headquarters of Hanwha Life, a leading company in , along with other financial firms such as Hanwha Asset Management. Floors 5 through 54 (50 floors) are dedicated to these office spaces, featuring modern HVAC systems and advanced IT infrastructure to support efficient business operations, including specialized areas like the DREAMPLUS 63 for startups. At the ground level, the building includes a with around 90 stores offering luxury brands in , watches, jewelry, and duty-free goods, complemented by cafes and banking services for convenient and financial access. Banquet facilities within the complex accommodate events for up to 1,100 guests, providing versatile spaces for corporate gatherings and celebrations. The mixed-use design integrates lower floors for commercial leasing, contributing to a total leasable area of approximately 60,000 m² focused on business and retail activities, which bolsters the economic vitality of the financial district as a key center for finance and commerce in . Enhanced accessibility supports these functions, with direct connections to Yeouinaru Station on Seoul Metro Line 5 and parking for about 1,200 vehicles.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Role as a Landmark

The 63 Building stands as a profound of South Korea's rapid modernization and economic ascent during the late 20th century, particularly as an emblematic structure for the in . Constructed in 1985 on Island, it was designed to showcase the nation's technological and architectural prowess to the world, representing the "" and the shift toward a global financial power. Its distinctive gold-clad facade, composed of 14,000 panes coated with 24-carat gold, enhances this symbolism by reflecting sunlight in vibrant hues, making it a beacon of prosperity visible from great distances. As a cornerstone of Seoul's urban landscape, the 63 Building anchors the Yeouido skyline and bolsters the area's reputation as the capital's premier financial and business hub, home to major institutions and the . It significantly promoted tourism, drawing large numbers of visitors annually to its observation decks and amenities until their closure in 2024, contributing to Yeouido's transformation into a vibrant district blending commerce, culture, and recreation along the Han River. In 2024, the 63 Sky Art and Aqua Planet 63 aquarium closed to facilitate renovations, with the space set to reopen as the Hanwha Seoul, a branch of the Parisian museum, potentially in late 2025, further enhancing its cultural significance. On the eve of the opening ceremony, the rested in front of the building at the Bonghwadae in a ceremonial display. Its prominence in promotional materials, such as postcards and media representations of , underscores its status as a synonymous with the city's dynamic identity. The structure earned widespread recognition as South Korea's tallest building from its completion in 1985 until 2003, when the Hyperion Tower surpassed it at 269 meters; it remains the nation's tallest gold-clad skyscraper and is documented in the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's Skyscraper Center database as a key entry in global high-rise rankings. Despite the rise of newer supertalls like the , the 63 Building retains its emblematic value, evoking nostalgia for Korea's era of explosive growth amid the evolving skyline. As of 2025, preservation efforts include annual lighting spectacles, such as the Seoul International Fireworks Festival viewed from its vicinity, which illuminate its facade to sustain its visibility and cultural resonance in contemporary .

Appearances in Popular Culture

The 63 Building has appeared in several video games as a recognizable landmark representing Seoul's skyline. In the urban simulation game SimCity 3000 Unlimited (2000), it is modeled as the "Korea Life Building" and serves as a buildable landmark, even featuring prominently on the game's cover art. Similarly, in SimCity 4 (2003), the building is included as a downloadable content (DLC) landmark known as the 63 Building, allowing players to incorporate it into their virtual cities. These representations highlight the structure's iconic status in digital recreations of global architecture. In Korean cinema, the 63 Building has inspired fictional elements and appeared in disaster scenarios. Director Kim Ji-hoon drew from his childhood memory of first seeing the building to create the fictional Tower Sky skyscraper in the 2012 film The Tower, a disaster thriller depicting a fire outbreak during a Christmas party atop the structure. Additionally, the building features in action sequences of the 2012 aerial combat film R2B: Return to Base, where computer-generated effects simulate its partial destruction by a rogue fighter jet, with helicopter footage capturing its real-world exterior for authenticity. Such portrayals underscore the building's role as a symbol of urban vulnerability in high-stakes narratives. The 63 Building has also been referenced in television and promotional media as an emblem of Seoul's modernization. It served as a filming location for an episode of the variety show in 2011, where participants engaged in games and challenges within and around the structure. Constructed as a landmark in anticipation of the , the building has since appeared in official tourism videos and national promotional materials, showcasing its gold-clad facade against the Han River to symbolize South Korea's economic ascent during the 1980s boom.

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