Seoul is a city that often requires its residents to look up. With towering buildings, complex roads, and people constantly on the move, there is little time for reflection. Whether navigating subway transfer corridors or waiting at crosswalks in the financial district, the city rarely allows for a moment of pause.
In the center of Yeouido Park, a massive white balloon known as the 'Seoul Moon' momentarily shifts this familiar perspective. Adorned with the phrase 'SEOUL MY SOUL' and a smiling face, it resembles a city branding sculpture from afar, while up close, it evokes memories of amusement park rides. It appears lighthearted and whimsical—until the doors close.
▲ As the doors close, height takes precedence over scenery
For those with a fear of heights, the 'Seoul Moon' serves as a small test before becoming a viewing platform.
As the balloon slowly ascends, the heart reacts faster than the feet can feel the distance below. The seating area is donut-shaped, open on all sides, making the view both exhilarating and intimidating. No matter where one looks, the ground is visible, and the balloon sways slightly with the wind. Fear is omnipresent, equally distributed in all directions.
As the cable loosens, Yeouido Park drifts further away. People, once clearly visible, shrink to mere dots below. While the sound of the wind fills the ears, the stunning view of Seoul momentarily fades from focus. The beauty is acknowledged, but fear takes precedence.
Only upon reaching the maximum height does the view begin to register. The National Assembly and bridges over the Han River, along with cars on the roads, appear flattened like toys. What typically feels large and bustling from the ground seems surprisingly small and serene from above. The city itself hasn’t changed; only the perspective has.
The 'Seoul Moon' is a tethered helium balloon that rises to a maximum height of 130 meters. Shaped like a full moon with a diameter of 22 meters, each ride lasts about 15 minutes from boarding to disembarking. Adult tickets cost 25,000 won. According to the Seoul Tourism Foundation, over 100,000 passengers have taken the ride, with approximately 44% being foreign visitors.
Before boarding, German tourists Milita and Carsten shared that they discovered the 'Seoul Moon' through the travel app Klook and decided to visit Yeouido Park. Having arrived in Korea less than a day ago, their expectations were simple: "We want to look down at the buildings of Seoul from above."
For first-time visitors to Seoul, this balloon offers a quick overview of the city. Before familiarizing themselves with the subway map or navigating the alleyways, they can gain a bird's-eye view of the entire city.
▲ After descending from the sky, the river awaits
After descending from the sky, the next destination was the Han River Bus terminal in Yeouido.
Upon boarding the boat, passengers initially settled inside. At the bow, people were already bustling about, taking photos and enjoying the breeze. Watching them through the glass, it was clear that everyone was savoring the moment in their own way, creating a beautiful scene.
With the Han River as a backdrop, some passengers were dancing.
Eventually, they ventured outside to take photos and feel the wind. Experiencing the river breeze directly was different from viewing it through glass. The wind was stronger and colder than expected. As the boat moved into the center of the river, Seoul unfolded on both sides. To the south, sleek, tall buildings lined the shore, while to the north, older residential areas and heavy apartment complexes stood in a row. This view revealed a side of Seoul that one would never encounter on the subway.
As they watched the people outside, they soon became part of the scenery themselves.
As the boat passed under the Jamsu Bridge, a sign reading '7.75m' caught their attention. While the concrete bridge loomed overhead, the boat glided beneath it without a hitch. Only the passengers felt the tension.
The Han River Bus is a water transportation service connecting seven terminals, including Jamsil, Ttukseom, Okus, Apgujeong, Yeouido, Mangwon, and Magok. The standard fare is 3,000 won, with transfer discounts and climate-friendly card options available. Since its launch in September of last year, it has served over 270,000 passengers.
Inu-rim, a resident of Yeouido, uses the Han River Bus as a practical means of transportation. He noted that the route from Apgujeong to Yeouido aligned perfectly with his needs. "It’s great to enjoy the Han River while getting home," he said, adding that while it’s not a daily commute, it’s a nice option for occasional experiences.
Christel, visiting from Mexico, offered a succinct evaluation.
"If you want to enjoy the scenery without rushing, this is the perfect boat for you."
▲ A time that becomes a landscape rather than a destination
Seoul is a fast-paced city. Transfer times, traffic flow, office schedules, and smartphone notifications all synchronize with the rhythm of speed. Slowness is often categorized as inefficiency.
However, the 'Seoul Moon' and the Han River Bus momentarily transform this inefficiency into a shared experience. One elevates people into the sky, making the city appear smaller, while the other carries them slowly across the river.
There were moments when fear almost made one close their eyes or stay indoors. Had they done so, they would have seen nothing.
In that brief time, Seoul became not a destination, but a landscape.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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