Experience dining at 1,820 feet in South Korea's tallest restaurant.

The adventure to reach South Korea's highest dining spot begins with a captivating whale display.

Perched on the top floor of Seoul's Lotte World Tower, the 123F Lounge offers breathtaking views from 555 meters (1,820 feet) above the ground. The tower is the tallest in South Korea and the fifth tallest globally, according to its official website.

Reaching the restaurant isn't as simple as hopping in an elevator; the journey itself is an experience, taking up to an hour.

Along the way, you'll pass through several rooms, some designed for professional photos, others showcasing the materials that make up the tower, before entering a series of intriguing whale-themed spaces.

The exhibit is divided into two long corridors: one bathed in deep blue light with whale images swimming across large screens, the other adorned with rotating LED ceiling panels and vibrant mosaic patterns, contrasting with black-and-white photos of whales. Whale-like sounds echo, enhancing the underwater feel. Another room features suspended faux clouds and whale murals mid-flight.

(I later discover this is part of a temporary showcase honoring the work of whale photographer Jang Nam-won.)

After passing through multiple whale-themed rooms, you finally reach the elevator, which ascends to the Seoul Sky observatory at an impressive speed of 10 meters per second.

As visitors step out, they are ushered into a dimly lit room where a video – an artistic portrayal of Seoul's history and the Lotte World Tower – plays. The screen then splits into two massive panels, rising like a curtain to reveal the spectacular view of Seoul through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The observatory spans several floors, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the city. Visitors can spot landmarks like the N Seoul Tower atop Namsan mountain, bridges stretching across the river, lush parks, sports arenas, and even the rides at the nearby Lotte World theme park.

Each floor offers unique experiences, including cozy cafes on the 119th and 122nd floors. The 118th floor features the Sky Deck, with a glass floor that lets you gaze down 478 meters (1,568 feet) to the street below. On the 120th floor, the Sky Terrace offers an outdoor balcony with sweeping views of the winding Han River.

After plenty of awe and admiration, you'll finally arrive at the lounge on the 123rd floor.

The restaurant strikes a balance between spacious and cozy, with plush chairs and lamps at each table. One entire wall is made of windows, reaching up to the high ceiling and filling the space with golden light during sunset. A complimentary viewfinder lets you zoom in on the magnificent landscape below.

The menu includes a variety of dishes like pizza, sandwiches, steak, and appetizers such as a selection of fine cheeses.

The view was just as captivating at night, with the city lights forming a grid that stretched out before us.

While the 123F Lounge is ideal for a romantic dinner or a special evening, we also saw families with children and groups of young adults during our visit. The lounge is available for private events like wedding receptions and product launches.

The Lotte World Tower is situated in the Jamsil area of Seoul's southeastern Songpa-gu district. It is open daily, with hours varying by day, and can be reached by subway, bus, or private vehicle.