The world’s highest, spokeless Ferris wheel is set to be built in South Korea and will tower over even the London Eye. Plans have been drawn up for the Seoul Twin Eye, a huge structure, which will stand at a staggering 180m (591ft) high.
The eye-catching Seoul attraction will further benefit from being built upon a 40m (131ft) high cultural complex.
The wheel has been designed by Dutch firm UNStudio, which said it is the first ever of its kind. The company will operate the structure as a spokeless Ferris wheel with two intersecting rings.
The impressive operates by each ring carrying pods, which seamlessly revolve around inside and outside tracks.
In total, it can provide rides to more than 1,400 people in 64 capsules at the same time, almost doubling the capacity of the 135m (443ft) London Eye.
The structure is slated to be built in Peace Park on the edge of the Han River next to the World Cup Stadium.
UNStudio, who teamed up with Arup and local firm Heerim Architecture for the concept, say they focused on the concept of unity as a symbol for the design. The wheel is inspired by the Honcheonsigye, an astronomical clock that represents the movement of celestial objects through time.
Ben van Berkel, founder and principal architect of UNStudio says: “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 says it plans to begin construction around 2025 after undergoing a final-phase review by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. Completion is planned for 2028.
The proposal also included plans to build a monorail connecting the subway station to the Ferris wheel, as well as a zip line to add an extra experience for visitors.
