Hotel Haegumgang boasts a strange and fascinating history, earning it the title of the world’s first floating hotel.
Hotel Haemgumgang History.
The intriguing hotel was developed by entrepreneur Doug Tarca and designed by Swedish engineer Sten Sjostrand.
Built in Singapore, it officially opened in 1988 as the John Brewer Floating Hotel. Which is situated at the John Brewer Floating Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef.
This seven-story marvel offered luxury accommodations, featuring nearly 200 rooms, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, a helipad, a tennis court, and even an underwater viewing area.
Challenges and Uncertainties
Hotel Haegumgang was later moved to the Mount Kumgang tourist region in North Korea, becoming a symbol of Korean unity and cooperation after the Korean War.
The current state of the ship is unknown. Sources say that Kim Jong-un remarked that the ship is looking “old” and wants it renovated.
Despite its political affiliation and tumultuous past, the hotel remains a great feat of human ingenuity, pushing beyond conventions.
Expert’s View on Floating Hotels:
The concept of a floating hotel didn’t gain widespread popularity. While innovative, some experts, like travel analyst Mark de Jong, pointed out that “the ocean is full of floating hotels, they’re just called cruise ships.”
