I love tall buildings and had to see the Lotte World Tower, the world’s fifth tallest building, even if we couldn’t go up. The tower itself was not open yet in July, but the first several floors with the Lotte World Mall were open. We got our Independence Day burgers and explored the Lotte World Aquarium.
Lotte World Aquarium
Unlike the aquariums I’ve experienced in Asia (China), this one was fantastic! It has a wonderful collection of animals expertly exhibited. The several “shows” were all educational. The training demonstrated how the staff care for the majestic creatures and allows them to teach visitors.
Their collection includes species from around the globe with special exhibits with belugas and sea turtles. I enjoyed the addition of other animals that round out tropical river habitats such as the frogs and salamanders.
There are a few tunnels that take you under water to be immersed in the habitat. One of them takes you up an escalator through the seal home with those amazing animals dancing about in the water. There are massive tanks and tiny tanks showcasing sea life that most people would never have a chance to experience in the real ocean.
A reminder of war
At the mall, I found the restroom. As with many malls, it is down a little side hall between stores and not meant to be an inviting place to lounge. However, this mall, as I’m sure many others in Korea do, had something that set it apart from any mall I have ever entered. There are cabinets lining the walls full of gas masks and large posters explaining how to use them.
This is a stark reminder that less than 50 miles away is the most militarized and fortified border in the world and that a war is still waging between neighbors. It is difficult to remember walking around Seoul that this land is still at war with itself, nation against nation, ideology versus ideology until you find reminders like this.
The mall is a lovely mall. I’m not an avid shopper and don’t really care for malls in America. Asian malls though seem to be less of an annoyance for me since they usually include more than just shopping as a reason to go.
