Seoul Twin Eye: World’s First Spokeless Twin Ferris Wheel

Almost everyone has experienced the thrill of visiting an amusement park and hopping on those exciting rides. Major amusement parks around the world offer a familiar lineup of attractions, including heart-pounding roller coasters, scenic Ferris wheels, dizzying Tilt-A-Whirl rides, and fun-filled bumper cars.

The Ferris wheel owes its name to its visionary creator, George W.G. Ferris. Crafted as a monumental spectacle for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, this original marvel soared to a towering height of 80.5 meters, marking an unprecedented feat of engineering brilliance.

Ferris wheels, while not as extreme, offer scenic views and a classic amusement park experience. They are a staple in many parks worldwide, providing a gentle ride with a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings.

Today, we’re diving into the world of Ferris wheels, but we’re not stopping at just any ordinary ride. No, we’re embarking on a journey to Korea to discover a Ferris wheel that stands unparalleled from Chicago to Singapore. Join us as we uncover the distinctive features that set this marvel apart from the rest!

Korea’s captivating history, dynamic language, and rich cultural heritage make it an endlessly fascinating and diverse place.

Also Read: Los Angeles is Building a $9.5 Billion New Metro: The Purple Line

Modern South Korea, claiming legitimacy over the entire peninsula, is home to around 51.96 million people, with bustling cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Incheon.

South Korea boasts several exciting theme parks and amusement parks that offer thrilling experiences for visitors. These parks promise fun-filled adventures and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.

World Cup Park is an ecological park located in Sangamdong-gil, Seoul, South Korea. Built on May 1, 2002, to commemorate the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup Games and the new millennium, the park spans 347 hectares and comprises five interconnected parks.

Pyeonghwa or Peace Park is situated opposite Seoul World Cup Stadium and symbolizes world peace and unity. It features attractions such as UNICEF Plaza, Nanji Pond, Peace Park, Hope Forest, and the World Cup Park Museum.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced to build a 180-meter Ferris wheel, tentatively named “Seoul Twin Eye,” in Peace Park. Designed by Dutch firm UNStudio, this Ferris wheel will be distinguished as the world’s first twin Ferris wheel, featuring two intersecting rings, inspired by the Honcheonsigye, a 17th-century South Korean astronomical clock.

This initiative, proposed by a private entity in 2023, aims to establish a world-class attraction that will boost tourism and enhance the city’s urban competitiveness.

This Ferris wheel, tentatively named Seoul Twin Eye, shall be completed by 2028 as a new city landmark. This ambitious project has a budget of $702 million.

In 2017, the title of the world’s tallest spokeless Ferris wheel was claimed by the Bailang River Bridge Ferris Wheel in China. Built to establish Weifang as a prominent city landmark, it marks a significant achievement in Ferris wheel engineering, linking back to the ambitious plans for Seoul’s own iconic Ferris wheel.

The spokeless design will be constructed following a method similar to that used for the Bohai Eye Ferris wheel in Weifang, China. Revealed in 2018, this steel structure of the world’s largest spokeless Ferris wheel is deliberately concealed to enhance its external aesthetic appeal.

The Seoul Twin Eye showcases a groundbreaking design with two rings intersecting in an X shape and an open center, measuring 180 meters in diameter. Each ring of the Seoul Twin Eye will carry pods that seamlessly revolve around both the inside and outside tracks. It will be constructed atop a 40-meter-high cultural complex that will include an exhibition space, a performance hall, and various retail and food and beverage outlets. The Seoul Twin Eye, perched on this podium, will reach a total height of 220 meters, making it the world’s tallest spokeless Ferris wheel.

Constructing a spokeless wheel poses significant engineering challenges, particularly due to the stress imposed on the overall structure by the interconnected pods.

Also Read: Legends Tower: America’s Next Tallest Skyscraper

When pods align vertically, they naturally exert ovalizing forces on the fixed ring. To address this issue, engineers commonly implement a central support to reinforce the wheel. This transforms the structure into an arch-like form, ensuring it can bear the weight of the pods without distortion.

As part of the project, Nanji Pond will be transformed into an aquatic space featuring a world-class fountain show, offering visitors a tranquil and scenic retreat. Plans also include the construction of a monorail for easy access from World Cup Stadium Station on Seoul Metro Line 6 directly to the Ferris wheel site.

The Ferris wheel will feature 64 capsules, each capable of accommodating 20 to 25 people. Altogether, it can provide rides to over 1,400 people at once, nearly doubling the capacity of the London Eye.

The Seoul Twin Eye is expected to offer stunning panoramic views of Seoul, enhancing the city’s skyline. The project is part of a broader initiative to create world-class attractions in Seoul, reflecting the city’s commitment to innovative urban development and cultural enrichment.

While not a traditional Ferris wheel, its spokeless design blends elements of a classic Ferris wheel with those of a roller coaster, creating a unique hybrid. Contrasted with the traditional Ferris wheels found along riverbanks in other major cities, its futuristic design is striking. Fortunately, the wait won’t be long, as construction is slated to commence around 2025 following a final review by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. Completion of the project is anticipated by 2028.

As part of its infrastructure, the project includes plans for a monorail connecting to nearby public transportation, ensuring convenient access for visitors. Additionally, an exhilarating zip line experience will add to the attraction’s appeal.

As Seoul continues to evolve as a global metropolis, initiatives like the Seoul Twin Eye underscore the city’s commitment to creating world-class attractions and fostering cultural enrichment. With construction slated to begin in the coming years, anticipation builds for the unveiling of this iconic landmark, which will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on Seoul’s skyline and the hearts of its visitors.