Seoul to launch balloon ride, allowing passengers to view scenery at 150 meters altitude
A conceptual image shows a helium balloon ride in Yeouido, southwestern Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to launch the balloon ride in late June, helping people to enjoy views of the city at an altitude of 150 meters. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
The Seoul city government plans to launch a helium balloon ride in the city's western Yeouido district in June, allowing passengers to view the capital's scenery at a 150-meter altitude, officials said Wednesday.
Seoul plans to begin operating the tethered balloon rides at Yeouido Park by the end of June following over a week of test flights to verify safety, city officials said.
The tethered helium balloon, created by French firm Aerophile, looks like a hot-air balloon, but tethered to the ground by cables, it can only rise vertically.
The ride is currently in service at many famous tourist attractions around the world, including Disneyland Paris in France and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, the United States.
The Seoul version will be adorned with the city's logo, "Seoul My Soul," along with accompanying pictogram signs.
A conceptual image shows a helium balloon ride in Yeouido, southwestern Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to launch the balloon ride in late June, helping people to enjoy views of the city at an altitude of 150 meters. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
The balloon will take up to 30 passengers for a flight lasting 15 minutes and can rise up to 150 meters, according to weather conditions, at a per-person price of 25,000 won ($18.76). The exact ticket price is subject to change.
The operating hours will be from noon to 10 p.m. every day, except on Monday, when regular safety checks will be conducted. (Yonhap)