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Advancements in technology have enabled civilizations to expand like never before. From the Palm Islands in Dubai to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, humans have built cities beyond the imaginations of our ancestors. However, this tale is not entirely new. The world’s first floating hotel, Hotel Haegumgang, stands as a tangible testament to how human ingenuity can overcome boundaries. Unfortunately, not all innovations meet a happy ending, and the peculiar fate of this hotel serves as yet another confirmation. Let’s delve into how this hotel traveled thousands of miles before meeting its demise in North Korea.
A Magnificent Creation: The Birth of Hotel Haegumgang
The idea for the hotel originated from Italian-born entrepreneur and professional diver Doug Tarca. Residing in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, Doug was a frequent visitor to the Great Barrier Reef, marveling at the sea and all it had to offer. His venture regularly transported daytime travelers from Townsville to the reef formation on a catamaran. Doug’s vision was to provide them with an intriguing overnight experience atop the waves. Thus, his magnificent creation was born: the world’s first floating hotel, situated luxuriously on the flat surface of the reef. While his initial plan was to permanently anchor old ships to the rocks, he realized that building a floating hotel would be cheaper and environmentally cleaner. Construction began in 1986 at the Bethlehem Shipyard in Singapore. The estimated value of the hotel was approximately $45 million – over $100 million in today’s currency. The world’s first floating hotel officially opened as the “Four Seasons Barrier Reef Resort” on March 9, 1988.
Building and operating a luxury hotel in the middle of the ocean poses unique challenges. The most significant challenge guests faced was accessing the hotel. Their only options were either by boat or expensive helicopter rides. Residents were also exposed to the rough seas and adverse weather conditions. Workers resided on the upper floors of the hotel – the most exposed to the elements due to the waves. Hanging whiskey bottles from strings became a ritual. The location also presented other hazards and problems that hindered its success. Just a week before the opening, a powerful storm damaged the hotel’s pool beyond repair, limiting entertainment options for guests. The discovery of a World War II ammunition dump two miles from the hotel also deterred permanent residents due to security concerns. Besides snorkeling and diving, there was little else entertaining to do at the hotel, significantly impacting its commercial viability.
A Journey North: Seeking New Horizons
Due to the numerous challenges faced at its initial location, the world’s first floating hotel set sail on a journey of over 3,400 miles north to Saigon, Vietnam, in 1989. It was named the “Saigon Hotel” but was generally known as the “Floater.” Over a decade later, this hotel, anchored in the Saigon River, witnessed significant success.
Many attribute the increase in guests to the hotel’s excellent connection with the mainland. However, by 1998, the number of visitors began to decline, signaling the end of its successful run. When hopes were dwindling, an unexpected buyer emerged – South Korea’s Hyundai Asan corporation submitted a bid for the hotel. Their aim was to attract tourists to the Kumgang Mountain region, a picturesque area near the border between North and South Korea. Thus, under its new name, “Hotel Haegumgang,” the hotel embarked on its third and final journey of 2,800 miles. Hyundai Asan, the hotel’s new management entity, also managed other facilities in the Kumgang Mountain region. Hyundai Asan’s investment led to an increase in tourist activity in the region. Serving as a focal point for inter-Korean exchanges, the hotel helped promote peace between North and South Korea.
A Tragic Turn: The End of an Era
However, in 2008, a South Korean woman lost her life in the Kumgang Mountain region. The incident was allegedly caused by North Korean soldiers. This event led to the cessation of all tours in the area and the closure of Hotel Haegumgang. In 2019, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the Kumgang Mountain region and criticized the state of the facilities, including Hotel Haegumgang, which led to the decision to dismantle them. While the demolition of the hotel was delayed due to the pandemic, it was finally dismantled in 2022.
The story of the world’s first floating hotel is one of both hardship and intrigue. It has no parallel on the earth’s surface, and while the attempt to build it may have failed, Hotel Haegumgang will leave an eternal mark on architectural history.
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