Sebit Dungdungseom (Floating Island)

After a long wait, the Floating Island — or Sebit Dungdungseom, as it is called in Korean — partially opened on May 21. Designed as a multi-functional cultural space, it is the centerpiece of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s Hangang Renaissance project, an initiative that seeks to transform the Hangang River into a accessible culture and leisure space. Work on the interior is still ongoing, and the entire complex is scheduled for completion in September, but the public is now free to walk about the island, which is a wonderful addition to Seoul’s nighttime cityscape.

Got there a bit early so I could enjoy the sunset. Seems some other camera people were thinking likewise.

Designed by architect Kim Tae-man (not that you’re likely to find that info anywhere, unfortunately), Sebit Dungdungseom consists of three artificial islands floating on the Hangang River right next to the Banpo Bridge (itself a nighttime scenic destination). To ensure that the islands stay in place during bad weather and floods, 28 three-ply weather-resistant mooring chains anchor the complex in place. The largest of the islands is a 700-seat convention hall, the second largest will be used as a performing arts venue, while the third and smallest will be used for aquatic leisure activities. Flossum, the developer responsible for building the complex, ponied up the US$90.2 million for the project.

According to Seoul, the complex is the world’s first — and largest — floating island.

At night, Sebit Dungdungseom’s LED light displays are lit up, turning the place into one of Seoul’s premier pieces of nighttime eye-candy.

There’s not much actually on the islands yet, although there is a cafe and a convenience store. Frankly, though, you don’t need much here — just grab a coffee, sit on the deck and take in the scenery around you.

Took this shot from the Jamsugyo Bridge (i.e., the lower deck of the Banpo Bridge).

This is the second island, which will be used as a performing arts venue, with the Banpo Bridge in the background.

At least one official with Seoul Metropolitan Government thinks this will be “an iconic destination for tourists like the Sydney Opera House in Australia.” Not sure about that — if there’s one piece of architecture likely to claim that title, it’ll probably be Zaha Hadid’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park (photos taken while I was still blowing out my colors), but it’s still hella cool. And best of all for historical preservationists like me: not a single historic building was torn down to built it!

Anyway, as I tell everybody, Seoul is looking better by the day.

Two Seoul icons, one old, one new: Sebit Dungdungseom and N Seoul Tower.

On June 2, Italian fashion designer Fendi will launch its fall and winter lines at Sebit Dungdungseom. This caused an uproar with anti-fur activists, and Seoul officials — not generally known for actively courting controversy — panicked, and told Fendi to either drop the fur or find a new venue. This made Fendi very unhappy, and Seoul was in danger of causing the one thing officials hate more than controversy: 국제적 망신 (an international disgrace).

Fortunately for all involved, a compromise was reached:

Over the past week, the two sides reached a deal. The compromise: The show will go on and Fendi will broaden the number of products that are introduced, adding bags, shoes, watches and other accessories, to dilute some of the attention given to fur-based fashion.

On top of that, Fendi will set up a scholarship program in South Korea for students who are interested in design, which has been a big interest for Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and create design competition for Korean college students that will result in an internship at the company.

Hours

10am to 9pm. Closed Monday.

Getting There

The Banpo Bridge and Sebit Dungdungseom is a 10 minute walk from Express Bus Terminal Station, Line 3, 7 or 9. On weekends, you can take Bus 8340, which runs between Banpo Hangang Park and Jamsil Hangang Park. See more info here.