Seoul City permitted the reopening of controversial facilities at Lotte World Tower, five months after they were suspended over a series of safety issues and accidents, officials said Thursday.
The municipality lifted the suspension of a theater and aquarium at the skyscraper in Jamsil, southern Seoul, after confirming that the company’s safety measures were carried out well.
The two facilities have been closed since December last year after a dozen safety problems prompted public concerns.
A water leak was found at the aquarium and cracks were spotted on the concrete floor and on a faulty movie screen. A number of casualties were also reported including a worker who was found dead at the construction site.
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A boy cries in front of a closed Lotte World Tower in Songpa-gu, southern Seoul on Thursday. (Yonhap) |
Last month, the Ministry of Public Safety and Security confirmed that all safety countermeasures were properly taken at the facilities.
Business owners at the tower have urged the city government to allow the reopening, citing damage to sales.
The facilities will be reopened to the public on Wednesday, after a three-day pre-opening event ― when entry to the theater and aquarium will be free of charge.
By Lee Hyun-jeong (
rene@heraldcorp.com)
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