A café atop a Han River bridge is set to transform into a hotel. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on May 19 that, as part of initiatives to invigorate water activities along the river, the café located at the northern end of the Hangang Bridge will be renovated into a scenic hotel and officially open its doors on July 16. “Constructing a hotel on a bridge marks a global first,” a city official said.
With commanding views of the Han River, the café has seamlessly been refurbished into a hotel. It features a single suite of 144.13 square meters, complete with a bedroom, living room, and bathroom, accommodating up to four guests. With panoramic windows throughout the room, guests can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Han River, including vibrant sunsets and iconic landmarks such as Nodeul Island, Yeouido, and the 63 Building at a glance.
Hotel reservations will be available through the online accommodation platform Airbnb, with operations entrusted to Sanha HM, the company operating Ramada Hotels and Millitopia Hotels.
Pricing for accommodations, expected to range between 300,000 won (off-peak season) and 500,000 won (peak season) per night, is yet to be finalized, pending the promulgation of related ordinances by the Seoul Metropolitan Council in June.
The city government will host a “free accommodation event” on the hotel’s opening day, offering one-night stays to Seoul citizens. Interested participants can submit stories expressing love for family or friendship with friends on the city’s website by May 22. The recipients will be announced at a pre-promotion event on May 28, attended by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Airbnb CBO, and Seoul Metropolitan Council members.
The city said, “We will continue to activate various facilities to allow citizens to experience the charm of the Han River.”
