Penthouse Check-In, Donuts, and Barley Risotto: Lotte World Diaries
We just landed at the Lotte Hotel, right next to Lotte World. I wasn’t sure if this was five-star or six-star, but apparently, Korea went ahead and invented a new category—“six-star.” And honestly? I believe it.
There are leaders flying in from all over the world for World Summit 2025, and it already feels like something historic is brewing.
🛎️ Check-In With a Side of Donuts
As soon as I walked into the lobby, someone handed me three donuts and said, “Welcome to Korea!” That’s a vibe I can get behind.
I headed up to the 53rd floor—yep, penthouse suite. Except… the elevator didn’t work. Or maybe I was just pressing the wrong button. Either way, 20th floor it is! Still looks amazing.
This will be home for the next 36 hours, and it’s time to switch gears: suit jacket on, peace hat activated. Let’s hit the banquet.
🥂 Dinner with Dignitaries & Don’t Steal My Seat (Unless It’s for Peace)
Security everywhere, standing tall and looking very official. I low-key wondered if I could pull that job off. The banners are clean, printed fast and flawless—Korean event design is next-level. You could make a suit out of that fabric, it’s that nice.
Then there was dinner.
Flat fish in soybean sauce. Barley risotto. Sounds fancy? It was. But real talk—I’m still thinking about those donuts from check-in.
Oh—and in true gentleman style, Dr. Kim gave up my seat for a lady. I didn’t even mind. That’s peace in action.
These last 36 hours have been a beautiful blur. Peace, pageantry, and people with purpose. More to come. Let’s go.
