Utterly terrifying new ‘spokeless’ Ferris wheel unveiled in Seoul
We're wheel-y scared.
South Korea has announced its latest terrifying attraction – a Ferris wheel without spokes.
At 180 metres tall, the Seoul Twin Eye attraction will dwarf the London Eye, standing a measly 135m high. It will sit on a 40m high cultural complex, lifting the towering structure even higher.
Described by Dutch design firm UNStudio as the first ever of its kind, it will operate as a spokeless Ferris wheel, with two intersecting rings in the shape of an X.
Each ring will carry pods that seamlessly revolve around inside and outside tracks.
More than 1,400 brave people can fit in its 64 capsules simultaneously, almost double the capacity London Eye, before they can get a glimpse of the panoramic view of Seoul from a height of 220 metres.
The structure will be built in Peace Park on the edge of the Han River next to the World Cup Stadium.
UNStudio, which teamed up with Arup and local firm Heerim Architecture for the concept, said the attraction 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 said: ‘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 construction is planned for around 2025.
But if spokeless Ferris Wheels are your thing, book a ticket to Korea for 2028, when the attraction should be completed.
But the wheel won’t stand alone, as 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.
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