The 63 Building

DLI (Daehan Life Insurance) building, also called Yook-Sam, or Building 63, is one of the tallest skyscrapers in South Korea (249 meters high) and it is located on eastern tip of Yeoudo Island in Seoul, overlooking the Han River. DLI Building is called Building 63 because of the number of its floors, even though three of those floors are underground, so the observatory is actually on the 60th floor. Building 63 is also called the Golden Tower, because its exterior is covered in golden reflective glass.

Beyond its beauty, the iconic home of the Daehan Insurance Company was Asia’s tallest skyscraper when it was completed in 1985. 

 63 Building outside view

The observatory is located on the 60th floor and from there it is possible to enjoy a good view of Seoul.

Just a small bit of the amazing views from the top of the 63 Building.

The lower floors host a shopping mall, an IMAX theatre and some 90 various shops. For the business professionals, a convention center, event and banquet halls are also on site. Yook-Sam also has various restaurants offering 200 different foods, beautifully presented in between floors 56 and 59, offering Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Western  sections for both lunch and dinner.    

The 63 Building’s Buffet Pavilion offers a wide selection of delicious foods. Here’s a look at the dessert island.

Despite being a corporate headquarters located in Korea’s financial district, there are always lots of kids inside the 63 Building. And that’s because it features many child and family-friendly attractions. Probably its best known is 63 Seaworld. Some 20,000 aquatic creatures representing about 400 different species call Seoul’s oldest aquarium home. Those ones are living, but near the entrance is a scary-looking mounted coelacanth. The gigantic, pre-historic creature was a gift from the president of the island nation of Comoros to Korea in 1985. A much cuter attraction are the King Penguins, who play within touching distance of children possessed by both curiosity and caution.

The King Penguin tank was a favorite among curious and cautious children.

The building’s newest attraction is its Wax Museum. Dozens of luminaries, ranging from the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis, to Korea’s King Sejong the Great were handcrafted by Japanese sculptor Satoru Matsuzaki using a combination of honey extract and paraffin. Other Korean historical figures, Hollywood and sports stars and even an ugly old witch round out what’s a nice collection, well-presented, but, at 14,000 won per person, a bit pricey. That said the museum also features a 3-D, 360-degree theater. The pride and joy of museum CEO Kim Hyeouk, it shows both short family-friendly and horror flicks.

The 63 Building’s latest attraction is its new Wax Museum, featuring sculptures by Satoru Matsuzaki.

Of course, the best sights at the 63 Building are at the top. Glass observation elevators quickly ascend sixty stories to an observation platform and the 63 Sky Art gallery, which claims to be the world’s highest art museum. The collection, which includes pieces by Andy Warhol and a science-meets-traditional Korean screen piece by Lee Lee Nam, competes with the remarkable city view below. If a coffee break is in order, the top floor also features the Sky Art Café, whose colorful décor was designed by the celebrated artist, Kareem Rashid.

 The 63 Sky Art gallery calls itself the world’s highest gallery. Andy Warhol and Lee Lee Nam are among the artists featured there.

It’s surprising that one building offers so many things to see and do, but the 63 building has always been a special spot in Seoul. It’s no wonder why, really. As the sun sets over the Han River, while other buildings grow dark, a golden hue radiates from Seoul’s best-known tower.

Great architecture interacts with its surroundings in unique ways. Here’s the glistening tower as sunset approaches.

I have seen this 63 Building a lot in Korean drama like "My Girl" and the views from the top of the building are very beautiful and amazing. I hope that one day I can see this 63 Building through with my own eyes. =)