UNStudio Unveils World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel for Seoul’s Peace Park

In partnership with Arup and the local firm Heerim Architecture, UNStudio has revealed the revolutionary design for the Peace Park Ferris Wheel in Sangam World Cup Park, Seoul. This groundbreaking project, initiated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, seeks to redefine the traditional concept of Ferris wheels. Following a successful vision proposal, UNStudio’s design emerged victorious in the preliminary competition. The consortium, consisting of UNStudio, Arup, and Heerim Architecture, has been chosen to collaborate with Seoul Housing & Communities Corp. to present the design to the City of Seoul.

Named ‘Seoul Twin Eye,’ UNStudio’s spokeless Ferris wheel is a pivotal component of the Mayor of Seoul’s ambitious vision, ‘Han River with a Thousand Sunsets.’ Standing at an impressive 180 meters, it will be the world’s tallest of its kind. The innovative design features two intersecting rings carrying pods that rotate around inside and outside tracks. With a capacity of 64 capsules, accommodating 20-25 people each, ‘Seoul Twin Eye’ promises a unique and immersive experience for over 1,400 visitors simultaneously, almost doubling the capacity of the iconic London Eye.

Perched on a 40-meter-high cultural complex on the edge of the Han River next to the World Cup Stadium, UNStudio’s ‘Seoul Twin Eye’ Ferris wheel will overlook the river. This complex will host an exhibition space, a performance hall, and retail and food & beverage outlets, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Reaching a staggering height of 220 meters, the ‘Seoul Twin Eye’ will not only offer breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul but also establish itself as the world’s tallest spokeless Ferris wheel. The project aligns with the Mayor’s vision of transforming the Han River into a series of public spaces for the people of Seoul.

UNStudio’s proposal also includes plans for a monorail connecting the subway station to the site, improving accessibility. To add an extra layer of excitement, a zip line is envisioned, providing visitors with a thrilling journey to complement the awe-inspiring views. UNStudio’s team focused on the concept of unity as a symbolic representation in their design, drawing inspiration from the Honcheonsigye, an astronomical clock depicting the movement of celestial objects through time. The ‘Seoul Twin Eye’ stands as a testament to innovation and unity.

Ben van Berkel, commenting on the design, stated, “Located in the heart of the city, this spokeless design references Korea’s boundless ambition for innovation and spirit of progress, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with a timeless appreciation for stability and beauty.”

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced plans to commence construction around 2025 after undergoing a final-phase review by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, with completion slated for 2028.