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63 City - From a Seoul Landmark to a Culture and Leisure Park

2010-07-28

63 City - From a Seoul Landmark to a Culture and Leisure Park

Famous landmarks in big cities usually have historic significance or feature sophisticated designs. That's why they are always crowded with photo-taking tourists. Seoul also has a landmark that has served as its symbol for over 25 years. It's none other than the dazzlingly golden structure of Yeouido’s 63 building, formally known as 63 City. Here's Kim Woo-jung from 63 City's PR Team.

Sixty-three City has 60 stories and three basement levels, and measures 249 meters in height. Its exterior walls were coated with real gold, which explains its glitzy look. Its color changes according to the angle of sun rays. Sixty-three City also features the nation's first indoor theme park. The building is visited by 8520 people daily. So far, 70 million people have visited it, attesting to its title as a genuine Seoul landmark.

A five-minute walk from Yeouinaru Station will bring you to this edifice. Sixty-three City has an observatory with a bird's-eye view of Seoul, an aquarium, a 3D movie theater, a wax museum, entertainment halls and a shopping center. This refreshing and versatile culture and leisure park is an ideal place to escape from the scorching heat and have fun.

Sixty-three City opened to the public in July 1985 ahead of the Asian Games. Back then, it was the tallest edifice in Asia. It also grabbed headlines for the many records set on the location. People visited the building to break records in hang-gliding and by climbing its 1,449 stairs by walking on their hands. During the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the Olympic torch was placed on the rooftop of 63 City, where it remained burning throughout the duration of the games. So what's the best way to enjoy 63 City? Let's find out more from Mr. Kim Woo-jung.

Sixty-three City opens at 10 a.m. So if you arrive at 10, watch a 3D movie for 40 or 80 minutes, or buy movie tickets and visit the Sea World in the meantime. Then, watch the movie, have lunch and visit the wax museum to see wax figures. Then stop by Sky Art to see the sunset and enjoy the view of Seoul, and at 8 p.m. watch the "Fantastic Show." You can spend a whole day having fun at 63 City.

Let's go check out 63 City. Let's begin with the Sea World, which is like a miniature version of the ocean.

The Sea World opened in 1985. It has over 400 species of marine animals. On the first level, you can see penguins, otters and fish living in the Amazon. On the second level, you can see animals that are trained for performances. Visitors can also watch all kinds of shows, such as a penguin feeding show, a diving feeding show, a synchronized swimming show, and shows staged by sea lions and seals.

That was Mr. Lee Seon-hyup from 63 City. The Sea World offers seven shows - all featuring marine animals. But make sure to check the schedule. The first show of the day is the penguin feeding show.

From emperor penguins with yellow ribbons to small yet dignified African penguins... These cute birds are simply adorable.

An hour after the penguin feeding show, a diving feeding show begins at the large aquarium. It's a good chance to learn about diverse fish species.

The divers look like mermaids as they feed the fish. Speaking of which, there are real mermaids at the Sea World. They're ballerinas who dance with marine animals. Sixty-three City's under-water ballet show is a must-see.

The dim sunlight above the aquarium serves as a natural source of light. The colorful fish move in unison with the ballerinas, creating a spectacular show.

Other shows staged at the Sea World include the Sherlock Holmes show featuring sea lions and seals, as well as various contests and water talk shows. Thanks to all these attractions, there's no room for boredom at the Sea World. So, what do you think about this place?

여 1: I want to try my hand at diving and communicating with fish. It's very refreshing. I feel like I'm a mermaid.
남 1: I've just seen a ballet show. I was deeply impressed.
남 2: I liked the show and the voice of the commentator. I can tell how hard they had practiced. They're doing a great job.


This time, let's check out the 3D movie theater called "63 Art Hall." This theater stands apart from other theaters because of its impressive scale. It occupies eight floors and is equipped with state-of-the-art acoustic devices that can reproduce even the faint sound of raindrops. Here's Mr. Kim Woo-jung again.

The 5.1 channel acoustic system is regarded as the best, but we have used the 6.1 channel system for 25 years. It produces clear sounds because sounds are separated from narrative parts. Our giant screen measures 22.5 meters by 14 meters, which is the size of a six-story building.

he movie screening now is called "Wild Ocean." It shows how billions of sardines migrate every year, how marine animals hunt their prey deep in the ocean, and how indigenous African people live. In September, a new movie called "Dinosaurs Alive" will open at the theater.


Now we're heading to the wax museum. It's quite on par with world-renowned wax museums in terms of scale, as it occupies an area of 1650 square meters and showcases more than 70 wax figures in different sections. Here's more from Mr. Kim Woo-jung.

You can see the wax figures of President Barack Obama, prominent classical music composers, famous painters, sports stars, and even imaginary characters like Dracula. The museum can accommodate 500 people. Apart from wax figures, it also features 3D images. Visitors can also make the wax figures of their hands and have fun in the newly opened horror section, which is very popular in summer.

The horror section is the most popular at the wax museum. It takes only one minute to see it, but it feels like the longest minute in your life. You're chased by zombies and guided by characters from horror movies. To longtime lovers, it's a chance to become even closer.

This time, we're going to visit 63 Observatory, which is the world's highest gallery. Called 63 Sky Art, this place can be reached by two of 63 City's 33 elevators. Running at 290 meters a second, the elevators will bring you to the observatory in just one minute and 20 seconds. The so-called "love elevator" is especially popular among couples coming here.

The "love elevator" is especially for couples who purchase a special package. The heart-shaped LED lamp at the ceiling constantly changes in color while the floor is decorated with a heart-shaped carpet. Only one couple can ride in the elevator at a time. It's a chance for lovers to spend time alone.

Currently, an exhibition of contemporary Korean art is held at Sky Art. This place is popular among foreigners because here they can not only appreciate art but can also get a bird's-eye view of Seoul. On a clear day, you can see Mount Bukhan to the north and the Yellow Sea to the west. In spring, you can enjoy colorful blossoms; in summer - vast tracts of greenery; in autumn - the beautiful foliage; and in winter - a snowy landscape.

This place is also fun because here you can experience the thrill of the vast height.

The Thrill Deck is one of Sky Art's attractions. If you step on the glass ceiling, you can see the ground 249 meters below. There's a slit on the left-hand side of the deck. It's big enough for one person to pass through. Even the most fearless visitors are afraid to step into it. The glass is strong enough to endure dozens of tons. So it's perfectly safe.

In no time, it's already dark outside. The crimson sunset creates a breathtaking and relaxing view as lights in surrounding buildings are turned on one by one.

t 8 p.m. a live comic music show is staged at 63 Art Hall. Entitled "The Fantastic Show," it lasts 80 minutes.

The show is based on a Korean legend about love. It features the elements of traditional and farm music and even b-boying.

여 1: It's amazing that traditional music can be combined with western music so well. I liked it a lot.
남 1: There were pansori, b-boying and even samulnori. It was fun to watch. I was impressed. It's good to see for families.


Marking its 25th anniversary, 63 City offers much to see and try. If the scorching summer heat is unbearable and you want a cool place to learn about Seoul and enjoy culture, 63 City is the place to be.

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