Seoul unveils ‘rivercity’ plan to revitalize Han River
Project expected to create economic effect of $674 mil. and 6,800 jobs
Seoul will transform into a “rivercity” by 2030, hosting over 10 million visitors on floating facilities for everyday use on the Han River, the city government said Wednesday.
The plan includes floating hotels, office buildings, international eateries and an urban marina.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon held a press conference at City Hall and unveiled the 550 billion won ($401 million) project as part of the Great Han River Project announced in March last year. The initiative is aimed at increasing the city’s growth potential using the river, which runs through the capital.
A total of 236.6 billion won from the city budget, along with private funding of 313.5 billion won, will be invested in the project to increase Seoulites’ accessibility to everyday on-river activities.
The river’s floating facilities only see around 900,000 visitors annually, while the riverside parks receive over 69 million, according to the city.
The plan includes the construction of floating offices and hotels, equipped with accommodation, leisure and convention facilities.
The facilities will also feature international eateries, live performance venues, water transportation and tour services connecting to various landmarks.
The construction of hotels and offices is slated to begin in 2026.
Water sports and leisure infrastructure, such as cable-based water ski parks, will also be introduced. The windsurfing park in the riverside neighborhood of Ttukseom in eastern Seoul, which has been a members-only attraction, will be open to everyone.
The city plans to host a wide range of on-river culture events and leisure programs, such as boat parades and floating movie screenings.
Additionally, marina facilities will be built in the Jamsil and Ichon areas of the Han River, in southeastern and central Seoul, respectively, to accommodate 1,000 boat berths along the river. The area currently can accommodate 130 boats.
The Jamsil marina, envisioned to host medium-sized and large boats, is slated to open in 2026.
In Yeouido, Seoul plans to launch a river terminal named Seoul Port, which will host passenger ferries smaller than 5,000 tons operating along the route linking the Han River to the West Sea.
In October, the city will create a wharf on the western Han River under the southern end of Mapo Bridge to facilitate cruise ferry operations.
The city government expects the project to create 925.6 billion won worth of positive economic effects annually and around 6,800 jobs.
“This project will transform the Han River into a space where citizens can enjoy their everyday lives,” Oh said. “The Han River will be turned into an everyday space for citizens, the center of leisure and the hub of development.”