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.
For the hotel conversion, Seoul has opted for private management and selected HM Co.
