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Tethered balloon above Seoul to be unveiled Saturday, will offer views from 130 meters in the sky

Published: 08 Aug. 2024, 14:18 Updated: 08 Aug. 2024, 14:21

CHO JUNG-WOO
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The Seouldal floats over Yeouido in western Seoul during a press tour held on June 28. [YONHAP]

The Seouldal, a moon-shaped tethered balloon, will be unveiled to the public during an opening ceremony on Saturday. The official launch is scheduled for Aug. 23. Dal means moon in Korean.

Moon-shaped balloon ride set to light up Seoul's summer nights

The opening ceremony will be held at Yeouido Park in western Seoul at 7 p.m.Saturday, with around 100 residents and tourism officials expected to attend. Fifty visitors will be given the chance to ride the balloon through a draw on the spot.

Those riding the balloon will be able to observe an aerial view of Seoul from 130 meters (426 feet) above the ground.

The giant 22-meter-diameter gas balloon, which runs on helium, features the city’s slogan, “Seoul, My Soul.”

It accommodates up to 30 passengers and will operate from Tuesday to Sunday, from noon to 10 p.m. Adults between 19 and 64 will be charged 25,000 won ($18), while children and students from 3 to 18 years old will be charged 20,000 won.

On Tuesday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government conducted a drill with the Yeongdeungpo Fire Station and a safety inspection of the balloon.

The opening ceremony was initially set to be held early last month but was canceled due to a forecast of rain.

"The Seouldal, which offers views of both the Han River and the city skyline, will become a new attraction in Seoul," said Seoul Tourism Organization CEO Gil Gi-yeon. "We will continue to discover various tourist content that will be loved by both Seoul citizens and tourists."

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [[email protected]]