Seoul to decide in May on Lotte tower reopening

Seoul City said Wednesday it will decide next month whether to reopen facilities at Lotte’s controversial skyscraper amid public concerns over the safety of the building and surrounding areas.

Seoul Metropolitan Government said it would consider lifting the operating suspension of a theater and aquarium in Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, southern Seoul. The Ministry of Public Safety and Security recently confirmed that all safety countermeasures were properly taken at the facilities.

The aquarium and theater at the 123-story building have been closed since December last year after a dozen safety problems prompted concerns. A water leak was found at the aquarium and cracks were spotted on the concrete floor and on a faulty movie screen. Numerous casualties were also reported including a worker who was found dead at the construction site of the skyscraper last year.

Only the lower levels of the building have been open to the public since October, with the upper floors still under construction. The suspension was ordered after the city issued a final warning to Lotte Group over its “negligent countermeasures” in response to the series of accidents.

Korea’s tallest skyscraper is scheduled to be fully opened by 2016.

As part of a safety review process, Seoul City will carry out an on-site inspection with safety experts next week after a discussion Thursday, officials said.

“(The city) will make a decision with a top priority on safety. It will conduct a thorough safety inspection over the concerned facilities,” the city said. “The reopening should not be hastily pushed just for business concerns.”

Business owners at the tower have urged the city government to allow the reopening, citing damage to sales.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)