Seoul launches first 'floating island' in Han River

SEOUL, Feb. 6 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul metropolitan government Saturday launched the
basic structure for the first "artificial floating island" in the Han River,
which runs through the capital, city officials said.

The 3,271 square-meter buoy was set up near Dongjak Bridge and will eventually be
home to a space for cultural events, the officials said. The city government and
a consortium of seven private firms have been working on the construction of the
island and two others with a combined investment of 96 billion won (US$83
million).
The floating foundations for the other two islands, measuring 4,737 square meters
and 1,200 square meters, will be set up in March and April, respectively. One
will become a multi-purpose performance hall while the other will host water
sports facilities.
The islets will serve as venues for art performances, international conferences,
exhibitions and leisure when construction of all three is completed in August,
officials said.
"We hope the floating islands will serve as a Seoul landmark providing a
multi-purpose cultural space," an official said.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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