South Korea came around to this idea.
The Seoul skyline will soon be host to a historic, spokeless observation wheel that will stand nearly 600 feet high over the capital city for an estimated price of $769.28 million, reported Pulse News.
The gigantic Seoul Twin Eye, the first of its kind slated for 2028, per SWNS, will allow 1,400 people to simultaneously gaze over the adjacent Han River and city skyline with a capacity nearly double that of the 443-foot tall London Eye, according to its architects, UNStudio.
Its most interesting design fascet is how the two separate tracks of 64 total capsules — ones that carry up to 25 people — will intersect in the eye’s mid-section looking something like that of a DNA strand.
Doing so will offer riders a gander from both “inside and outside” perspectives.
Below the Twin Eye is a proposed entertainment district with an exhibition space, performance hall, monorail, and a zip line attraction “to add an extra experience for visitors.”
The Peace Park-based attraction will also complement the nearby Seoul World Cup Stadium, which hosted the international soccer tournament in 2002. It will also trump a World Record holding 467-foot centerless observation wheel built in Weifang, China in 2018.
Seoul Twin Eye’s unique looks are meant to evoke a historic 1600s constructed, astronomical alarm clock named Honcheonsigye which has been featured on South Korean currency.
It’s part of a larger city project to make more public spaces along the city’s main waterway.
“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,” said principal architect Ben van Berkel.
Construction on the 591-foot observation wheel, smaller than the world’s tallest with spokes, the Ain Dubai at 820 feet, is anticipated to begin next year.
