Once you pass fifty, everything you see looks a bit different than before.

When I was young, a building was just "Wow, it's tall," but as the years have piled up in my career as an architect, I find myself pondering the stories behind each tall building and the context in which they stand.

Today, I would like to talk about Lotte World Tower, a proud symbol of Korea and a steadfast landmark in Seoul.

Lotte Tower stands tall in Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, at a staggering height of 555 meters and 123 floors.

Now, it has been covered countless times in the news and magazines, becoming a building that everyone knows by name, but when I first saw the blueprints and models, I couldn't help but marvel at how far Seoul had come.

Until the late 20th century, the 63 Building was the symbol of high-rise buildings in Korea. But now, a globally recognized skyscraper rises in the Seoul sky, which in itself is a source of national pride.

From an expert's perspective, Lotte Tower is not just a building that competes on height alone.

It is fascinating that it was designed to harmonize with the scenery of Seoul, including the Han River, Namsan, and Seokchon Lake.

The exterior is inspired by traditional ceramic curves, rising smoothly, which gives it a distinctly Korean aesthetic instead of the cold, angular impression often seen in many skyscrapers.

Moreover, the building houses a department store, hotel, offices, observation deck, and cultural facilities, serving not just as a "tall" structure but as a small city where Seoul's economy and culture converge.

Now, let's talk about my home in Los Angeles. The tallest building in LA is the Wilshire Grand Center (Hanjin Building), which stands at 335 meters and 73 floors.

Of course, it serves its role as a symbol of the largest city in the West, but to be honest, every time I walk downtown, I often imagine, 'What if Lotte Tower were standing here?'

The height of 555 meters is simply overwhelming.

The sky in LA is vast and open, and if a building of that height stood there, the skyline of the city would have been completely different.

People say that New York has the Empire State Building, Chicago has the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), and Dubai has the Burj Khalifa as the face of their cities. Now, Seoul undoubtedly has Lotte Tower occupying that position.

LA also has the Hanjin Building as its symbol now, but honestly, when it comes to height and presence, there are a few shortcomings.

It looks somewhat similar to the US Bank Building since it is slightly taller. If the 555-meter Lotte Tower had stood in the heart of downtown, I can't help but think it would have attracted more tourists than the Hollywood sign as a definitive landmark.

Of course, considering the urban context of LA, I also wonder if a skyscraper like Lotte Tower would have fit perfectly. LA is a city that has developed horizontally with plenty of land, so it doesn't require high-density skyscrapers like Seoul. But still, isn't imagination free? Every time I think, 'What if Lotte Tower had been there?' my architect's heart races.

Another interesting aspect of Lotte Tower is the issues of safety and technology.

Although Seoul is not at high risk for earthquakes, building a 555-meter structure was an enormous challenge. Seismic design, wind tunnel tests, advanced materials, and numerous technicians were involved.

Moreover, there were many controversies and opposition during the construction process. Nevertheless, after its completion, it has undeniably become the face of Seoul, reminding us that architecture is not just a product of concrete and steel but also includes social consensus and symbolism.

Now that I am older, I tend not to get easily excited about things, but honestly, every time I look at Lotte Tower from across Seokchon Lake when I visit Korea, my heart swells with pride. The sight of that tall building embracing the sky reflected in its glass is truly majestic.

Even living in America, I am reminded of how far my country has come when I see that landmark.

Having lived my life observing architecture in LA, a part of my heart always holds the scenery of Seoul. And right in the middle of that scenery, Lotte Tower undoubtedly stands.

Will there ever be a building of that scale in LA?

It probably won't be easy. But just imagining it is enjoyable.