Otis to replace 29 aging elevators at Asem Tower with smart system

The elevators at Asem Tower, a landmark office building in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, are being upgraded to a smart system that monitors operational status in real time and identifies potential faults before they occur.

Otis Elevator Korea announced Monday that it is proceeding with an elevator replacement project at Asem Tower, located within the Korea International Trade Association complex in Gangnam-gu. The project will also include Otis's digital monitoring and diagnostic solutions.

Asem Tower is a 41-story prime office building and one of the key commercial facilities in the Gangnam area, home to multinational technology companies and financial institutions. Otis Korea has handled elevator maintenance at the building since its completion in 2000.

The project covers 29 aging elevator units. Otis Korea said its focus goes beyond a straightforward equipment replacement, aiming to leverage elevator performance data to improve building operational efficiency and passenger convenience.

The centerpiece of the upgrade is Otis ONE, the company's Internet of Things-based digital platform. The platform monitors elevator operational status and key performance data in real time, analyzes anomalies and supports maintenance response. It reduces the likelihood of breakdowns and service interruptions through remote response and predictive maintenance.

In office buildings, elevators directly affect congestion during peak commuting hours and tenant satisfaction. High-rise commercial properties are increasingly evaluating not only raw transport capacity but also data-driven maintenance, energy efficiency and response speed during outages as part of a building's overall competitiveness.

As demand for equipment upgrades in aging buildings grows, competition among elevator companies over smart maintenance solutions is intensifying. For building owners, replacement projects are becoming an important means of extending equipment lifespan and providing tenants and visitors with a reliable transit experience.

Otis Korea said it plans to use the project to improve Asem Tower's operational uptime and service quality, enhancing maintenance efficiency through elevator performance data while also improving the mobility experience for building users.

"Through this replacement project, we will enhance the safety, reliability and performance of the elevators and provide passengers with a better experience," Otis Korea President and CEO Jeong Ji-hun said. "We will also contribute to improving Asem Tower's long-term operational competitiveness."

Otis Worldwide is a global company in the manufacturing, installation, service and modernization of elevators and escalators, operating a service portfolio of about 2.5 million units worldwide.