World’s First Floating Hotel Ended Up Abandoned in North Korea!

The world’s first floating hotel, known as the Four Seasons Barrier Reef Resort, was a groundbreaking concept that aimed to merge luxury with a unique marine experience. Launched on March 9, 1988, the floating hotel promised guests unparalleled views and access to the Great Barrier Reef’s stunning underwater scenery. Designed by Swedish engineer Sten Sjöstrand and funded by Doug Tarca, the resort was an innovative addition to the luxury tourism market. However, despite its ambitious vision and excitement, the hotel faced many operational and financial challenges.

The journey of the world’s first floating hotel took it from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to various locations before ending up abandoned in North Korea. The hotel later named “Hotel Haegumgang” now remains abandoned in the Mount Kumgang Tourist Region in North Korea. Let’s explore the history of this pioneering floating hotel and its final fate.

Concept and Construction

The Four Seasons Barrier Reef Resort was designed to be a luxury destination like no other. The concept involved a seven-story structure that could float on water, offering guests breathtaking views and direct access to the Great Barrier Reef. Tarca’s idea was for an offshore hotel for divers who frequent Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The resort featured 140 double rooms and 34 luxury suites, making it a significant addition to the luxury tourism market. Built in Singapore and towed to its location, the hotel represented a substantial investment.

In addition to the main structure, there were also adjacent floating pontoons that functioned as walkways and had moorings. There was also a swimming pool and tennis courts. Inside, the hotel had two restaurants, a nightclub, a disco, two bars, a sauna, a gym, a library, a research lab, a diving gear shop, a 100-seat theater, and a 50-seat underwater observatory. The two original restaurants of the hotel, one of which was named The Coral Trout, specialized in seafood. Barges brought in supplies weekly, and fresh fruit and vegetables were restocked through daily runs by boat and helicopter. Helicopters could land on a connected, floating helipad.

Despite the grand vision, the hotel faced immediate challenges. The remote location and the inherent difficulties of maintaining a floating structure led to frequent issues. Bad weather, cyclones, and fires impacted the resort’s infrastructure, causing operational disruptions and significant financial losses. By mid-1988, the hotel’s future was already in question.

Initial Operation in Australia

Upon its arrival at John Brewer Reef, the Four Seasons Barrier Reef Resort initially attracted attention and curiosity. However, it soon became clear that operating a floating hotel came with many complications. The extreme weather conditions and remote location made maintenance difficult and costly. The hotel faced several setbacks, including a major fire in its engine room that further strained its financial stability. A cyclone damaged its signature tennis court and other amenities.

Adding to the undermining of public confidence, people discovered a large World War II-era underwater minefield several miles away. While experts said the minefield would have no bearing on the hotel, this was bad publicity. By July 1988, the situation had deteriorated. So owners put up the hotel for sale. Despite efforts to find new ownership, the operational challenges continued to mount, leading to the eventual sale of the hotel in April 1989.

World’s First Floating Hotel Relocated To Vietnam

In April 1989, EIE International acquired the hotel and relocated to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Renamed the Saigon Floating Hotel, it was intended to serve as a luxurious destination in the bustling city. The floating hotel experienced initial success in Vietnam, drawing tourists with its unique concept. By this time socialist Vietnam was trying to open its doors to Western investors. But the problem was its financial capital had only a few old hotels. Saigon Floating Hotel therefore became Vietnam’s first star-class hotel. Its business thrived for several years. Two bars were added to the hotel and some modifications were carried out during this period.

However, with the advent of more star-class hotels, floating hotel’s financial issues re-emerged. By August 1996, the Saigon Floating Hotel was closed due to ongoing financial issues. The hotel’s brief period of success in Vietnam did not suffice to overcome its earlier challenges, leading to its eventual closure.

Transition to North Korea

The hotel’s next chapter began in 1998 when Hyundai Asan purchased and relocated it to North Korea’s Mount Kumgang Tourist Region. They renamed it Hotel Haegumgang, as part of North Korea’s effort to attract South Korean tourists and boost its tourism industry. The hotel operated from October 2000 to July 2008, serving visitors in the North Korean region. By this time there was a thaw in the relations between North and South Korea. This helped the business of the hotel.

During its operation in North Korea, the hotel faced political and operational difficulties. In 2008, a tragic incident involving a South Korean tourist led to the suspension of the hotel’s operations. The strained relations between North and South Korea further complicated the situation, leading to the hotel’s eventual abandonment.

Abandonment and Demolition

After its closure in 2008, Hotel Haegumgang remained largely unused and docked. It became a symbol of the challenges faced by floating structures in maintaining long-term viability. In early 2022, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the demolition of the hotel as part of a broader plan to redevelop the Mount Kumgang area. The hotel was demolished in early March 2022, marking the end of its storied existence.

Conclusion

The world’s first floating hotel, the Four Seasons Barrier Reef Resort, represents a fascinating case of ambitious innovation coupled with significant challenges. From its initial promise on the Great Barrier Reef to its final days in North Korea, the floating hotel’s journey underscores the difficulties of maintaining such pioneering projects. Its story serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in ambitious architectural ventures and the harsh realities that can lead to their downfall.

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