Inside the Sky Suite, an observation hotel on the Han River Bridge. By Kim Changgil

The beautiful Han River and the sky, and the greenery along the river make your eyes light up. This is the first impression of “Sky Suite, Hangang Bridge, Seoul”, a bridge hotel with a view of the Han River. On May 28, the Seoul Metropolitan Government held a global promotion event at the Sky Suite and unveiled the hotel. The event was attended by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Airbnb CEO Dave Stevenson.

The Sky Suite is a remodel of the former Jiknyeo Cafe on the upper part of the Han River Bridge and was planned and produced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in collaboration with Airbnb. Located at the entrance of the Han River Bridge toward Yongsan, it is easy to find. It is 144.13 square meters wide with bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms and a kitchenette, and can accommodate up to four people.

When you open the door, you can see the living room. There are large windows on both sides of the living room, so you can see the Han River at a glance. One wall of the living room is decorated with a bookshelf with lots of vinyl records. The audio is a high-end Italian product famous for interior design. The ceiling of the living room is made of glass so that you can look up at the city’s night view and the sky. A large window in the southwest corner of the bedroom offers a panoramic view of the Han River from Nodeul Island to Yeouido.

Some may be disappointed that it is a one-room hotel. “Although it's a hotel with only one room, it has great significance,” said Mayor Oh. “We will work hard to make the Han River accessible to global citizens.” The official opening of the Sky Suite is July 16, and reservations can be made through Airbnb starting July 1. The accommodation rates range from 345,000 to 500,000 won.

The hotel also announced the first guests who will stay for free on the first day of the hotel's opening. The first guest is Ms. Lee, a non-married mother who lives with her child at a social welfare facility. Originally, only one team was selected for free accommodation, but 6,203 people applied, and two more teams were selected in addition to Lee.