Yeosu World Expo Sky Tower Stands Tall as a Landmark of South Korea

Remodeling Completed, Reopened to the Public

Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority (President Park Sunghyun, hereafter YGPA) announced on the 25th that it has completed the remodeling of the Sky Tower, a key project for establishing a global marine tourism hub and revitalizing the Yeosu Expo site, and held a reopening ceremony.

The reopening ceremony was attended by National Assembly member Joo Cheolhyeon, Yeosu Mayor Jung Gimyeong, Yeosu Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries Director Kang Jeonggu, Yeosu City Council Chairperson Baek Insuk, Jeollanam-do Provincial Council Vice Chairperson Lee Gwangil, Yeosu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Han Moonseon, and other distinguished guests.

Yeosu Gwangyang Port Corporation completed the remodeling of the Sky Tower, a key project for creating a global marine tourism hub and revitalizing the Yeosu World Expo site, and held a reopening ceremony. Photo by Yeosu Gwangyang Port Corporation

The Sky Tower is an architectural structure that was originally a cement silo and was converted into an observatory during the 2012 Yeosu World Expo. It garnered attention as a work of art featuring a pipe organ inspired by the theme "Living Ocean, Breathing Coasts," seawater desalination facilities, and observation decks. However, after the expo concluded, the facility became outdated and underutilized, leading to a reduction in operations and raising the need for refurbishment.

Through this remodeling, the Sky Tower has been reborn as a new landmark of the Yeosu Expo site.

Advanced media art spaces have been established, a water curtain installed, the observatory renovated, and nighttime landscape lighting added. These improvements are expected to enhance visitor convenience and provide more attractions, drawing in more guests.

On the first floor, a new "Media Art Viewing Room" has been created. This space is a modern reinterpretation of the Sky Tower's former Bangudae Petroglyphs video room, featuring light and sound installations that depict Yeosu's natural scenery, such as Yeongchuisan Azaleas, Jinnamgwan, and Odongdo, stimulating the senses of visitors.

Additionally, a "Water Curtain" has been installed on the first floor to carry on the meaning and symbolism of the previously installed desalination facilities. The stream of water flowing from top to bottom represents the value of the sea connecting the past and future, and the three semi-circular water curtains on the first floor symbolize Korea, which is bordered by the East, West, and South Seas.

The 20th-floor observatory has been transformed into a bright and hopeful space with Scandinavian design, utilizing white tones and wood materials.

In particular, the curved design inspired by ocean waves and the transparent glass floor of the skywalk offer visitors a unique experience as if walking above the sea. Together with the water curtain, it delivers the message of "coexistence with the sea."

The exterior of the Sky Tower has also undergone a transformation. The camellia flower of Yeosu Odongdo was chosen as the signature color, decorating the emergency stairs, canopy, signage, and elevator with its vibrant red hue.

Spotlights that highlight the 67-meter-high Sky Tower change colors frequently, showcasing its diverse appearance at night. The lighting at the top emits beams into the night sky, reminiscent of a lighthouse on the South Sea. The tower is expected to become a new hotspot for night views in Korea.

President Park Sunghyun stated, "I hope the newly renovated Sky Tower will become not only a unique venue representing Yeosu and Jeollanam-do but also a landmark representing Korea. I wish for many citizens and tourists to enjoy the beautiful scenery here."

The Sky Tower, a landmark of the Yeosu Expo site, is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. In 2025, a variety of events will be held to promote the Sky Tower, and especially, visitors born in the Year of the Snake will be granted free admission.