I stayed in a stand-alone suite on a busy bridge in Seoul. It was pricier than a 5-star hotel and noisy, but views of the river were stunning.

A café turned hotel suite

The project is a collaboration between the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Airbnb to boost tourism — with the city overseeing the property and Airbnb handling reservations. I was offered a free night’s stay before the property opened to the general public.

Sky Suite occupies a former café space on Hangang Bridge, one of the river’s 32 bridges. It’s part of the city’s plan to revitalize the river area.

While the café was popular with locals and tourists, it closed during the pandemic. Its closure went largely unnoticed until the new bridge hotel was announced, sparking nostalgia among those who remembered it.

Yun Ji Yong, manager of the Future Hangang Project Headquarters at Seoul’s city government, told me that planners were inspired by Amsterdam’s Faralda Crane Hotel, referring to the crane tower from a defunct shipyard that was transformed into a unique accommodation.

“We wanted to create a landmark that would showcase the beauty of Seoul and the Han River to both locals and tourists,” Yun said.

Kim Jong Seok, the architect from COOM Partners who designed Sky Suite, explained that the design concept was meant to embody the river.

“For the exterior, we used metal horizontal louvers to express the flow of the Han River in lines, while making the building appear as a single mass, giving it an identity as a space of rest between the complex Seoul cityscape and the Han River,” Kim said.

Priced higher than a 5-star hotel

When announced, the café-turned-suite created a buzz but has since faced some criticism for being too expensive, small, and noisy.

At 500,000 South Korean won, or $365 per night, it’s pricier than some of the nearby 4 and 5-star hotels. The 5-star Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan, a stone’s throw away, can be booked on Skyscanner for around $170 a night for two people in mid-August. That said, I was told by a Seoul city official, who preferred not to share their name, that prices for the suite will go down to 345,000 KRW, or $250, during off-peak season.

Reservations on Airbnb opened on July 1, and Sky Suite became completely sold out until September in four days, per the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Yun said they are targeting couples seeking a romantic getaway and families of up to four.

Check-in surrounded by car fumes

As a Seoul-based freelance journalist, I accepted the offer for a free preview the night before bookings opened. Getting there was a bit of a trek — a 20-minute walk from Yongsan subway station. If arriving from Incheon International Airport, the direct 6001 bus takes just over an hour and stops by the north end of Hangang Bridge — right by the hotel suite.

Surrounded by multiple lanes of chaotic traffic, this was not my idea of luxury.

The suite sits on a tower-like structure on the bridge with an elevator. Up leads to the room, down to the riverside.

A one-bed, one-bath suite

Stepping into the 144-square-meter suite, the traffic noise gave way to a spacious living room bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Two vinyl players sat ready to soundtrack my stay, with an eclectic collection ranging from old classics to an unexpected abundance of Engelbert Humperdinck.

There was a small kitchenette and several large steps leading to the open-plan bedroom. The absence of a door between levels created a loft-like feel.

The bathroom by the bed featured a tiled bath with a window overlooking the city. Despite what seemed to be one-way glass, I heeded the advice to lower the blind.

Tucked in the corner was the toilet, featuring an electric bidet.

Room service is not an option

There are two options for nearby walks. One is to Nodeul Island, located in the middle of the bridge, where locals and tourists gather to munch on Korean fried chicken and drink beer. The other is beneath the hotel suite, where you can walk along the river.

Hungry and heat-exhausted, I headed to my private tower. With no shops around, the novelty hit home when I ordered pizza, directing the confused delivery driver.

“Yes, on the bridge, I’m not joking, the former café!” I told him.

As night fell, the true magic revealed itself. The endless stream of vehicles transformed into mesmerizing ribbons of light. I sipped wine, played jazz, and gazed at the glittering, almost hypnotic cityscape

The chaos outside became an urban ballet. I felt oddly at peace in this very intimate space.

At the same time, I also felt a little exposed in my bathrobe, staring outside the window.

I fell asleep, the traffic acting like ASMR.

It was a unique experience, but it comes at a premium price

The views are stunning, and I surprisingly enjoyed the urban symphony of traffic below. It’s not luxury in the traditional sense, but it’s unlike anywhere I’ve stayed before.

For me, the novelty of sleeping above one of Seoul’s busiest bridges captures the city’s energy in an unexpected way.

But don’t expect room service or nearby amenities. This is more about the experience and the views than traditional hotel comforts.

Locals might see it as nothing more than an expensive gimmick on their mundane commute, although tourists with extra cash to spare would get something unique.

Light sleepers should make sure not to forget earplugs.