A visit to the Seoul Tower (now known as N Seoul Tower) by KD Lekir & KD Mahawangsa during a port call in South Korea in 1990, would have been a major highlight for the crew. At that time, the KD Lekir was still one of the most modern and capable surface combatants in the Malaysian Navy, having been commissioned only six years earlier in 1984.
A port call to South Korea (likely at Incheon or Busan) would have allowed the crew to travel inland to Seoul. Visiting the Seoul Tower in 1990 would have provided a view of a city that had just recently hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics and was in the midst of a massive economic boom.
Here is a breakdown of what the tower was like then versus how it has evolved today:
The Tower in 1990
- The Name: Back then, it was simply called Seoul Tower. The "N" (for "New" and "Namsan") wasn't added until 2005.
- Public Access: It had only been open to the public for 10 years (since 1980). Before that, it was a closed military and broadcasting site due to security concerns regarding its view of the Blue House (the presidential residence).
- The Vibe: It was a more "functional" landmark. While it had an observatory and a revolving restaurant, it lacked the massive LED light shows and the thousands of "Love Locks" that define it today.
- The Skyline: Looking out from the observatory in 1990, the city looked very different. The 63 Building (Yeouido) was the tallest skyscraper you would have seen, and the sprawling "Miracle on the Han River" development was still in its peak growth phase.
The Tower Today
- LED Illumination: The tower now changes color based on the city's air quality. If it's blue, the air is clear; if it's red, it's a "dusty" day.
- Locks of Love: The roof terrace is now famous worldwide for the thousands of colorful padlocks attached to the fences by couples—a tradition that didn't exist during your 1990 visit.
- Digital Experience: The observatory now features high-tech digital media art, OLED tunnels, and 360-degree VR tours.
COMPARISON AT A GLANCE
| Feature | 1990 (My Visit) | Today |
| Official Name | Seoul Tower | N Seoul Tower |
| Primary Use | TV/Radio Transmission & View | Tourism, Culture & Dining |
| Main Skyline Rival | 63 Building | Lotte World Tower (123 floors) |
| Tradition | Sightseeing & Dining | "Love Locks" & Digital Art |
| Transport | Cable car or steep walk | Cable car, Eco-bus, or hiking |
Because the tower is built on a mountain, its total height reaches 480 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in Seoul, even though the building itself is only 236 meters tall.
Historical Significance of KD Lekir (1990)
During this period, the KD Lekir and its sister ship, KD Kasturi, were the backbone of Malaysia’s 22nd Corvette Squadron.
- Modern Fleet: Commissioned in 1984, the ship was only six years into its service during your 1990 visit. It was considered a state-of-the-art vessel in Southeast Asia, equipped with advanced German-built engineering.
- Naval Diplomacy: This 1990 deployment was part of Malaysia's broader effort to modernize its navy and build international defense partnerships, particularly with South Korea.
- A Lasting Legacy: While you were visiting Seoul in 1990, the ship was already building the reputation for endurance that led it to make history 32 years later by becoming the first Malaysian ship to fire a live missile outside of Malaysian waters at RIMPAC 2022.
Hj Zulheimy Maamor
ex Crew KD Lekir (1989 - 1991)
31/12/2025: 10.44 a.m
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