The SEOULDAL, a tethered moon-shaped hot-air balloon, floats over Yeouido, Seoul. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will soon allow international tourists to book tickets online to ride the SEOULDAL balloon, a new city landmark that offers stunning views of the capital from 130 meters above Yeouido.

Previously, due to weather conditions affecting the balloon's operation, international tourists could only purchase tickets on-site. Starting this year, however, they will be able to reserve their tickets online.

The Seoul Tourism Organization said Monday that officials will begin working-level discussions later this month with major global online travel platforms to enable international tourists to book the hot-air balloon ride online. Leading platforms in the industry, including Klook and KKday, are among those involved in the discussions.

SEOULDAL is a cable-tied helium balloon designed to resemble a full moon, installed and operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government since last summer at Yeouido Park. The balloon soars up to 150 meters in the air for about 13 minutes, providing breathtaking views of the Han River, especially at night. Ticket prices are 25,000 won ($17) for adults and 20,000 won for minors.

Since weather conditions play a major role in the balloon's operation, online reservations for the ride have only been available to Korean nationals through the country's major platforms, Naver and KakaoTalk.

"We had not accepted reservations from foreign tourists because they often book in advance from their home countries, but by the time they arrive in Seoul, weather conditions may prevent them from riding," an official at the tourism foundation explained.

However, as SEOULDAL gains international recognition as a key tourist attraction in the city, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to extend its online reservation system to international tourists.

SEOULDAL, a tethered moon-shaped hot-air balloon, floats over Seoul's Yeouido . Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

In this month's negotiations, discussions will focus on specific payment methods. The city prefers a system where tourists can reserve tickets without immediate payment, given the high likelihood of cancellations due to weather conditions. However, travel platform companies favor a system where payment is made at the time of booking to ensure commission revenues.

Based on last year's experience, the city also plans to adjust SEOULDAL's operating hours more flexibly to better accommodate weather conditions and maximize ride availability.

Since its official launch on Aug. 23 last year, SEOULDAL has attracted over 20,000 riders within just 100 days of operation. The ride is especially popular at sunset, offering a breathtaking view of Seoul's twilight and nighttime cityscape. It has become one of the must-visit destinations for international tourists.