Seoul to open 'world's first' hotel on a bridge in July

A hotel on Hangang Bridge crossing the Han River in Seoul will open to the public in July. [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

A cafe-turned-hotel on the Hangang Bridge in Seoul will open to the public in July, offering guests a scenic view of the Han River from their rooms.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government unveiled its plan on Sunday to open the hotel on the bridge in central Seoul, transformed from the Nodeul JiIknyeo Cafe, on July 16. The facility marks the world's first hotel on a bridge, the city government said.

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The initiative is also part of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s river city projects announced last month.

The cafe, which has been under renovation since last December, has been transformed into a 144-square-meter (1,550-square-foot) self-contained suite.

The accommodation features a living room, bedroom and bathroom and can accommodate up to four guests. Airbnb designed the interior.

The city government noted that five glass windows will provide guests with views of the Han River from every area of the suite.

A night’s stay will cost around 340,000 won ($255) to 500,000 won. Bookings can be made on Airbnb.

The city government will also offer a complimentary night to guests who share their stories of gratitude, love and friendship toward their families and friends through the city government’s website by Wednesday. The winner will be announced during a pre-opening promotional event next Tuesday.

“We want to offer the first opportunity to stay at the hotel, which boasts an outstanding view, for free to Seoulites, given that it is the first hotel to be built on a bridge crossing the Han River,” said Joo Yong-tae, the head of the city government’s future Hangang project headquarters. “We will also build various facilities so that both domestic and international tourists can fully experience the charm of the Han River.”

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]