MEDIA RELEASE PR38169
Platform for the World's First Floating Island to be Launched in Seoul's Hangang River
SEOUL, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-Asia-AsiaNet/ --
A floating platform made with steel-frame blocks to serve as the buoyant foundation
for the world's first artificial floating island will be launched in the Hangang river,
the landmark river that runs through Seoul from east to west, flowing to the West Sea.
The launch will take place on February 6 at river terrace near the southern end of
the Dongjak Bridge where the platform has been assembled. After the launch, the upper
section of the islet will be constructed on the platform, which will then be tugged to
near the Banpo Hangang Park, a riverside park dedicated in April last year. Two more
floating platforms will be launched in March and April after which the three artificial
floating islets will be connected to each other.
The floating island, named "Soul Flora," will have a total area of 9,995 square
meters, and will be connected to the Banpo Hangang Park and the Jamsugyo, a submerging
bridge that crosses the river. Each islet of the island will feature different themes
and functions to provide Seoul citizens with spaces for cultural, water sports and
entertainment activities. Construction of the floating island was started in March 2009
and is expected to be finished in July this year. The Seoul Metropolitan Government is
funding KRW 96.4 billion (approximately USD 84million) for this project.
The platform to be launched in February is the foundation for Islet No. 2 of the
floating island, named "Viva." Viva will have an area of 3,449 square meters with a
peak height of 19.7 meters.
Named "Vista (Islet No. 1)," the islet is the largest of the three and will feature
a 692-seat, multipurpose hall for plays, concerts, festivals and other cultural
performances.
"Terra," or Islet No. 3, is the smallest and will serve as the base for water sports
and leisure activities.
"The floating island will become a major riverside cultural landmark for Seoul. The
island will provide Seoul citizens with a space to enjoy water sports and cultural
festivals. It will also serve as a venue for the country to host a wide range of
international conventions and exhibitions," said Chang Jung-woo, Assistant Mayor of the
Hangang Project Headquarters.
Contact:
Seoul Metropolitan Government
Tel: +82-2-3707-8768
press@seoul.go.kr
SOURCE Seoul Metropolitan Government
NEWS 
