Text Fwd: Seoul to Host G20 Summit on 'Floating Islands' on Han River

Korea Times
01-10-2010 19:32
Seoul to Host G20 Summit on 'Floating Islands' on Han River
By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter

A large-scale artificial island will appear next month on the Han River between the Banpo and Dongjak bridges. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Sunday, a total of three islands will be completed to be used as venues for the November G20 summit.

The islands will have convention halls and will be connected to downtown Seoul. In November the capital city will host a summit of the world's leading countries.

The project is part of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's Han River Renaissance Project.

A total of 96.4 billion won will be allocated for construction organized by the city government and "Soul Flora Consortium."

One of the three, to be launched next month has 3,271 square meters of floor space.

On the artificial island, a convention hall, which can accommodate up to 376 people, will be built together with restaurants, gardens and footpaths.

"We will complete all construction by September," an official said, adding that important functions will be held before November's G20 summit so as to ensure that there are no glitches in hosting the event.

The largest island, which will be 4,737 square meters, is scheduled to open in the middle of the next month. The third and last island will accommodate parks.

The islands will be secured by anchors.

kswho@koreatimes.co.kr