Starting in July, a new hotel will offer guests the unique experience of staying on the Hangang Bridge in Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 20 (Korea Bizwire) – Starting in July, a new hotel will offer guests the unique experience of staying on the Hangang Bridge in Seoul, with panoramic views of the Han River and the city’s skyline as the backdrop. The space, previously operating as a cafe, will be converted into what is being touted as the world’s first hotel situated atop a bridge.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on May 19 that the Jingnyeo Cafe located within Ichon Hangang Park on the Hangang Bridge will be transformed into the View Hotel, reopening on July 16.
Situated on the upper level of the bridge (495 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu), the 144-square-meter hotel can accommodate up to four guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows adjacent to the bed and across the living room wall and ceiling, along with a window in the bathroom, offer unobstructed views of the Han River from virtually anywhere inside.
Nightly rates are expected to range between 300,000 won and 500,000 won.
Despite its prime location allowing visitors to take in views of the river and Seoul’s cityscape, the former cafe struggled with low visitor numbers. The city government attributed this to the cafe operator being selected through a highest-bidder system and the use of a permit-based operating model.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced plans to remodel Jingnyeo Cafe, a former observation cafe in Ichon Hangang Park on the Hangang Bridge, into a suite-level hotel. The Hangang Bridge View Hotel is set to officially open on July 16. Featured here is an image of one of the hotel’s bedrooms. (Image provided by The Seoul Metropolitan Government)
For the hotel conversion, Seoul has opted for private management and selected HM Co., which has previously operated Ramada hotels, through a recent open bidding process.
Ahead of the official July opening, Seoul will offer free one-night stays at the View Hotel as part of a promotional event. Citizens can submit essays of around 1,000 words expressing gratitude, love, and friendship toward their family members and friends on the city’s website until May 22. Selected winners will be announced on May 28.
The pre-opening event will be held in collaboration with the online accommodation platform Airbnb. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Airbnb’s Chief Business Officer Dave Stephenson, and Seoul city council members are expected to attend.
“We want to provide citizens with the first opportunity to stay for free at this newly established hotel on the Hangang Bridge, boasting exceptional views,” said Joo Yong-tae, head of Seoul’s Hangang Project Headquarters. “We will continue to revitalize various facilities to allow domestic and international tourists to experience the allure of the Han River.”
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced plans to remodel Jingnyeo Cafe, a former observation cafe in Ichon Hangang Park on the Hangang Bridge, into a suite-level hotel. The Hangang Bridge View Hotel is set to officially open on July 16. Featured here is an image of one of the hotel’s bedrooms. (Image provided by The Seoul Metropolitan Government)
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
