SEOULDAL in flight (Photo courtesy of the Seoul Tourism Organization)
SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — A year after its launch, “SEOULDAL,” the tethered gas balloon ride that offers panoramic night views of the city from 130 meters above Yeouido, has attracted more than 50,000 riders — nearly a third of them foreign visitors — without a single safety incident, according to Seoul city officials.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on Sunday that the attraction, which opened on August 23, 2024, completed over 5,400 accident-free flights during its 235 operating days. On average, 228 people boarded the balloon each day, with foreign tourists accounting for 31.3 percent of total passengers.
The helium-filled, tethered balloon ascends vertically to a height of 130 meters, offering sweeping views of the Han River and the city’s skyline. It has quickly emerged as a popular nighttime attraction for both locals and international visitors. The ride is especially popular during the cooler months of September and October and peaks around 6 p.m., city data shows.
SEOULDAL set to take off (Photo courtesy of the Seoul Tourism Organization)
In a bid to improve accessibility and expand its appeal, the city introduced several updates this year, including extended weekend morning hours during peak seasons (April–June and September–November), discounted fares for families with multiple children, and a revised fare structure for younger passengers.
Seoul also emphasized safety, implementing regular joint inspections with the Yeongdeungpo Fire Station and mandating pre-flight safety briefings for all passengers. Real-time weather monitoring has allowed the operation to remain incident-free throughout its first year.
Boosted by partnerships with global online travel platforms, the number of international riders jumped by 16 percentage points compared to 2024, the city noted.
To mark its first anniversary, the Seoul Tourism Foundation will host celebratory events every Friday and weekend from August 22 to 31. Activities will include a photo zone, quiz games, and a “catch ball” event for families.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
