Platform for the World's First Floating Island to be Launched in Seoul's Hangang River

SEOUL, South Korea, February 2 - 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

Seoul Metropolitan Government, +82-2-3707-8768, press at seoul.go.kr