[Reportage] Sipping Above the Cherry Blossoms... 'Heavenly Spring' Perfected on the 79th Floor

Signiel Seoul Lounge on the 79th Floor of Lotte World Tower
A Quiet Spot Overlooking Seokchon Lake's Cherry Blossoms
From Cherry Blossom Cocktails to Afternoon Tea
Savoring the Season Through Aroma and Flavor

Seokchon Lake is one of the first places in Seoul where spring comes to mind. Every spring, it is a popular spot for viewing the cherry blossoms that bloom profusely along the lakeside, but the crowds often make it difficult to enjoy the scenery in peace. This year, you can change your perspective on cherry blossom viewing. Instead of looking up at the cherry blossoms, you can look down on them.

Signiel Seoul, located in Lotte World Tower in Songpa-gu, Seoul, is one of the country's premier five-star hotels and the top-tier brand of Lotte Hotel & Resorts. The 79th-floor lounge, which I visited last month, is a place where you can quietly enjoy Seoul’s spring. The moment the elevator doors open, the atmosphere feels different—the bustle below fades away, replaced by a refined space and an expansive view.

The cherry blossoms blooming densely around the lake and the crowds filling the paths appear like a picturesque scene beyond the glass windows. When you sit at a table arranged along the windows, your gaze naturally drops downward. You can take in Seokchon Lake, the green spaces of Olympic Park, and even the distant Han River all at once.

'Full Bloom Martini' (left) and 'Blossom Gin Fizz' (right), available for sale as a limited season item until April 12. The 'Blossom Gin Fizz' can be chosen with or without alcohol. Lotte Hotel & Resort

Starting from March 14 and continuing until April 12, Signiel Seoul is offering cherry blossom-themed cocktails for the spring season. The ‘Blossom Gin Fizz,’ which is available with or without alcohol, immediately catches the eye with its soft pink hue in the glass. On top of the gin’s signature botanical notes, a cherry blossom cordial and syrup add a delicate floral aroma. The freshness and sweetness are layered in perfect balance. Cherry blossom-infused tea leaves a deep and smooth lingering finish, capturing the most elegant moment of spring in a single glass.

The ‘Full Bloom Martini’ is only available as an alcoholic drink. Unlike its fresh cherry blossom pink color, the first sip reveals a solid strength. Bringing the glass closer, you notice a subtle floral scent reminiscent of a spring night’s air. The clean, calm vodka base is overlaid with cherry blossom notes, giving you the sensation of the air changing with each sip. Just like the brief but beautiful peak of the cherry blossoms, this cocktail encapsulates the most stunning moment of the season. Both cocktails are more than just ‘pretty drinks’—their aromas and aftertastes are intricately designed.

The Afternoon Tea Set is an option for those who wish to linger longer. It includes a glass of champagne along with tea or coffee. Coffee refills are available, so you can enjoy the view outside the window without any pressure as you extend your time here.

After Tea Noon Set available year-round until the end of the year at the 79th-floor lounge of Signiel Seoul. Includes tea or coffee and champagne. Lotte Hotel & Resorts

The Afternoon Tea Set here is different from the typical three-tiered tray you might imagine. Instead of being stacked vertically, the structure is arranged in ascending tiers like steps. You start from the finger foods on the bottom tier and work your way up. As you follow this order, it feels as if you are looking up at the cherry blossoms from the ground and gradually ascending until you reach the 79th-floor Signiel Lounge in Lotte World Tower. It’s not just a collection of desserts, but a visual narrative of shifting perspectives and elevating experiences.

At the very bottom are bite-sized savory items. The smoked salmon toast pairs with cream cheese for a soft, rich umami flavor. The savory start makes the following desserts easier to enjoy. The black sesame and green onion scone breaks away from the usual buttery heaviness, delivering strong flavors of sesame and green onion for a well-balanced taste overall. If cherry blossoms are the symbol of spring, then the strawberry tart, made with vanilla tart, tangy lemon cream, strawberries, and strawberry jelly, features the quintessential spring fruit, letting you savor spring in every bite.

Between the tiers sits a pink chocolate shaped like Lotte World Tower, the tallest building and a landmark in Korea. This raspberry and white chocolate piece playfully encapsulates the symbolic identity of the space.

The Signiel Seoul lounge seats are arranged along the windows, allowing guests to leisurely enjoy drinks and snacks while taking in the scenery. Photo by Jaehui Kwon

From the middle tiers, the real desserts begin. The mini burger, though small, is packed with the flavors of the meat. The combination of basil, lemon, and cheese bursts with freshness in your mouth, evoking the feeling of spring, while the pumpkin mousse melts softly and leaves a gentle sweetness. The strawberry Basque cheesecake finds the perfect balance between a dense texture and refreshing flavors, lightening the flow before it can become heavy.

The higher you go, the sweeter the flavors become, but the overall composition remains balanced until the end. Unlike typical afternoon tea sets that can become cloying with desserts, here you’ll find alternating notes of sweet and savory, and a refreshing lift throughout.

One extra tip: even the restrooms here offer impressive views. In fact, from there, you can look straight down at Seokchon Lake, making even a brief visit another memorable experience.

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from April 3 to April 11 this year. Each cocktail is priced at 37,000 won. The Afternoon Tea Set, available year-round until the end of the year, is 170,000 won for two people.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.