'Seoul's Moon' Rises Over Yeouido... Enjoy Seoul Nightscape from 150m Above

Helium Airship Flights Begin at Yeouido Park in Late June
Repeated Vertical Flights up to 150m Altitude, Capacity 30 Passengers

The design of the tethered gas (helium) balloon shaped like a full moon, 'Seoul's Moon,' which will illuminate the night sky over Yeouido, Seoul this June, has been finalized. Passengers can enjoy the night view from up to 150 meters above ground while riding Seoul's Moon.

On the 28th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the detailed design and operation plan for 'Seoul's Moon,' stating that considering weather conditions such as the rainy season and typhoons, full-scale flights will begin from the end of June.

The yellow gas balloon resembling a full moon will feature the logo of Seoul's city brand, 'Seoul My Soul,' on its envelope. Additionally, pictograms of a heart, exclamation mark, and smile will decorate the envelope. Each flight lasts about 15 minutes, with a capacity of 30 passengers. Depending on weather conditions, flights can operate at altitudes between 100 and 150 meters.

Although it looks like a hot air balloon, the balloon is filled with helium gas and tethered to the ground by cables, allowing only vertical flight. Helium gas is an inert, non-flammable gas harmless to humans. Seoul city explained that it is safer than hot air balloons due to its non-explosive nature and produces no noise or pollution. Currently, tethered gas balloons are also operated at Sz?chenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest, Hungary, Disneyland Paris in France, and Disney World Orlando in the United States.

Seoul's Moon selected the Aero30ng model from the French company Aerophile. This model has received quality and safety certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Safety features include a 45-ton tensile strength tether cable, emergency stop motor, and emergency power supply. Seoul city began manufacturing Seoul's Moon last month and plans to complete installation at the Yeouido Park lawn by June.

Seoul's Moon will operate from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 PM to 10 PM. The boarding fee is expected to be 25,000 KRW for adults, with discounts applied for persons with disabilities, national merit recipients, and others. Kim Young-hwan, Director of Seoul Tourism and Sports Bureau, said, "Seoul's Moon will become a new landmark leading the '30 million tourism era' by turning the Han River and dazzling night views, which are representative attractions of Seoul, into tourism resources. Through Seoul's Moon, we aim to create a city where visitors want to stay longer and return again."