Han River in Seoul to become entertainment and development center

According to Yonhap news agency, the Seoul city government is planning to develop floating hotel and office buildings and build water sports facilities on the Han River by 2030, aiming to increase the potential of the river that flows through the city.

At a press conference on April 24, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced a plan within the framework of the Han River Grand Project initiative to effectively exploit and increase the attractiveness of this river.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will use 236.6 billion won (nearly $173 million) from the Seoul city budget and raise 313.5 billion won (US$228.3 million) in private capital for the latest project. The plan includes offices and a floating hotel equipped with guest rooms, entertainment facilities and conference rooms. Once built, the hotel will provide transportation services as well as boat tours for hotel guests. The city plans to start construction on the hotel in 2026.

Han River seen from Yeouido Park. Photo: Anh Nguyen/VNA correspondent in Korea

Seoul also plans to hold boat parades, film events and entertainment shows on the riverbank.

In addition, piers will be built in the Jamsil and Ichon areas on the banks of the Han River, in the southeast and southwest of Seoul, respectively, to accommodate 1,000 boats along the river. The Jamsil pier will be able to accommodate medium to large sized boats and is expected to open in 2026. Meanwhile, the Ichon pier will be called the Han River Art Pier and will feature a floating pool, observation deck, and other recreational facilities when it opens in 2026.

Seoul is also planning to build a port south of Mapo Bridge, west of the Han River, to accommodate cruise ships and ferries in October. In the future, the city also plans to open a port called Seoul Port in the riverside Yeouido area. This will accommodate passenger ferries with a capacity of less than 5,000 tons operating along the route connecting the Han River with the Yellow Sea.

Seoul City estimates that the project could generate economic benefits of up to 925.6 billion won ($673.6 million) and 6,800 jobs, boosting the city’s competitiveness. Mayor Oh She-hoon stressed that the project will transform the Han River into a center for entertainment and development, while creating a space for people to enjoy their daily lives.

According to VNA/Tin Tuc Newspaper

Source: https://www.baoquangbinh.vn/quoc-te/202404/song-han-o-seoul-se-thanh-trung-tam-giai-tri-va-phat-trien-2217587/