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21m-Tall Shrimp Tower In Incheon Cost 1Bn Won To Build, Netizens Have Mixed Reactions

Shrimp Tower in Incheon


Last year, a public contest for the design of Soraepo-gu’s new landmark was held as part of Incheon’s redevelopment initiatives. Out of 100 designs, the shrimp design emerged champion and was used for the billion won project. The Shrimp Tower was completed in 7 months and is now open to visitors, but residents were not impressed with the fishy use of funds.


Shrimp Tower in Soraepo-gu, Incheon


Shrimp Tower Incheon - Shrimp Tower
Image credit: @hoons777

The Shrimp Tower, built on the former 5th pier of Sorae Port, is the newest addition to South Korea’s list of landmarks. Sorae Port is home to the largest traditional fish market in Incheon, providing fresh seafood straight from the waters.

Shrimp Tower Incheon - Shrimp Tower Artist's illustration
Artist’s illustration of the Shrimp Tower
Image credit: @studio_soso

Shrimp is a representative product of Sorae Port, well-loved by both locals and tourists alike. The idea of a building a tower in the shape of a shrimp came from an ancient belief that shrimps symbolise prosperity due to their high reproductive rate.

In addition, shrimps are referred to as the “Old Man of the Sea” due to their bent back and long “moustache”, which resembles an old man. It also signifies an undying love between an old couple.

Shrimp Tower Incheon - Shrimp Tower night view
Image credit: @byungguk_kim

The Shrimp-shaped tower is meant to encompass the long history of Sorae Port, using a shrimp as a motif. The tower is 21m tall, 8.4m wide, and looks just like a shrimp – complete with feelers. However, this shrimp was not an easy catch. The building cost 1 billion won (~USD904,986.30) to build, which was funded with tax money


Mixed reaction from residents and netizens


Shrimp Tower Incheon - Shrimp Tower graphic
Image credit: Kyeongin

Even before the Shrimp Tower was unveiled to the public, many took to social media to express their views on the KRW 1B project. Some found the concept quite refreshing while others complained about the poor use of government funds.

Shrimp Tower Incheon - Shrimp Tower netizen comments
Screenshot of comments on Instagram

One commented, “The Shrimp Tower is not exactly hideous but it’s not something novel either.” Another mentioned that it’s disappointing that tax money is being used in such a manner, especially in these tough pandemic times. The comment garnered 1452 likes.

Shrimp Tower Incheon - Shrimp Tower netizen comments
Screenshot of comments on Instagram

Many also expressed their unhappiness about the exorbitant amount of money spent on it. One commented, “Doesn’t it make you cry…? Our tax money…” Another playfully commented, “If you give me that money, I would’ve been able to put it to better use hahaha.”

Shrimp Tower Incheon - Shrimp Tower netizen comments
Screenshot of comments on Instagram

There were a few positive takes on the project. One expressed a keen interest in visiting the Shrimp Tower while another commented that the prawn looks delicious, highlighting how realistic it looks. 


Shrimp Tower’s facilities and opening hours


Shrimp Tower Incheon - Shrimp Tower
Image credit:
@korea_miura

The Shrimp Tower officially opened to the public on 12th November 2020. The observatory on the 3rd floor is accessible via a staircase, a footpath, and a lift.

Shrimp Tower Incheon - Shrimp Tower
Image credit: @gimeunseon80

Next to the Shrimp Tower, there’s a small cafe and an open space for people to enjoy an unobstructed view of the lake. There’s also a 2.5km walking trail that cuts through Haeoreum Park, connecting Soraepo-gu to Haeoreum Square.

Shrimp Tower Incheon - Shrimp Tower lake view
Image credit: @hoons777

At night, the Shrimp Tower showcases a LED light show, with the tower being lit up with 7 different colours. The light show lasts till 9PM every night.

Shrimp Tower Incheon - Shrimp Tower night view
Image credit: @zzinno


Address:
1454 Aam-daero, Nonhyeon 1(il)-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9AM-5.30PM | Sat & Sun 9AM-6PM
Website


Shrimp Tower in Incheon


If you’re heading to Incheon City, be sure to add the Shrimp Tower to your itinerary. While the controversy surrounding the Shrimp Tower continues, it doesn’t change the fact that it looks adorable.

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Cover image adapted from: @korea_miura