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Raphael Rashid
- My overnight stay at the Sky Suite Hangang Bridge featured floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering stunning views of Seoul.
- This newly launched urban accommodation provides an unforgettable experience high above South Korea’s capital city.
- However, with peak season rates reaching $365 per night and the hustle of nearby traffic, it’s primarily a novelty stay.
Standing on the bustling Hangang Bridge in South Korea, I couldn’t help but ponder the rationale behind placing a hotel suite in such a location.
The answer awaited me as I explored this innovative concept.
The Sky Suite officially opened its doors in July. As reported by The Korea Herald, it holds the title of being the globe’s first hotel room situated atop a bridge. Guests now have an opportunity to rest above Seoul’s picturesque Han River.
The Han River (Hangang), slices through one of Asia’s largest cities—Seoul—home to nearly 10 million residents. Historically viewed as vital to South Korea’s remarkable economic transformation during its industrial boom, this river is often dubbed the “Miracle on the Han River.” Presently, areas along its banks have transformed into lively spots for biking, picnicking, and leisure activities away from urban stressors.
Raphael Rashid
From Café to Accommodations
A partnership between Airbnb and the Seoul Metropolitan Government initiated this project aiming at revitalizing tourism—with local governance overseeing operations while Airbnb manages bookings. Prior to public access opening up for reservations, I was invited for an exclusive preview night at no cost.
The suite occupies what was once a popular café on one of 32 bridges spanning across the Han River. This initiative is part of broader plans to enhance riverside facilities within Southeast Asia’s booming metropolis.
The café had garnered attention among both locals and tourists alike but shuttered during COVID-19 lockdowns. Its sudden unavailability stirred nostalgia when news broke about repurposing that very spot into something distinctive like Sky Suite Hangang Bridge.
Spearheading this idea was Yun Ji Yong from Future Hangang Project Headquarters at Seoul City Hall who noted their inspiration came from Amsterdam’s Faralda Crane Hotel—a repurposed structure that once served shipyard functions turned boutique lodging space.
Yun expressed: “Our intent was straightforward—we envisioned constructing a landmark that would magnify not only Seol’s beauty but also showcase cultural significance tied with our beloved river.”
Coom Partners architect Kim Jong Seok contributed his expertise by designing unified aesthetics symbolizing flowing currents through horizontal metal louvers—the exterior not just designed for visual appeal but also echoed restful experiences amid busy cityscapes surrounding it!
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Steep Price Tag Compared To Luxury Hotels nearby:
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