Daredevil Jaan Roose prepares to walk slackline high above central Seoul

Estonian aerial athlete Jaan Roose is set to perform a breathtaking feat in the heart of South Korea’s capital on Thursday. The three-time slackline world champion will attempt to traverse a 160-metre long polyester ribbon suspended 120 metres above the ground in central Seoul. The highline will stretch between the Koreana Hotel and the Dong-A Media Center, situated near the historic Gwanghwamun palace and square, creating a dramatic visual contrast between modern urban architecture and traditional cultural landmarks.

Roose’s performance is scheduled for two sessions at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM local time, provided that weather conditions remain favorable. Safety protocols are strict; the event will be postponed if average wind speeds exceed 10 metres per second or if gusts reach 15 metres per second. While the current forecast promises sunny skies and light breezes, the athlete remains cautious, noting that high-altitude urban environments present unpredictable wind tunnels that can challenge even the most experienced slackliners during their high-stakes crossings.

This daring endeavor follows a series of high-profile global achievements for the 34-year-old athlete. Roose has previously gained international acclaim for his urban slacklining, including a 185-metre high crossing between Qatar’s Iconic Towers. In 2024, he made history by becoming the first person to traverse the strait of Messina between mainland Italy and Sicily, a 3.6km journey that tested his endurance despite a late-stage fall caught by his safety harness. Earlier this month, he completed a grueling 14.7km walk over 12 hours above the Danube in Bratislava.

The inspiration for the Seoul walk dates back to a 2022 visit, during which Roose encountered 'jultagi,' Korea’s traditional tightrope walking art. Recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2011, jultagi differs significantly from Western slacklining as it incorporates comedy, singing, and dancing, with the performer engaging in witty banter with a ground-based clown. Roose has expressed deep admiration for this tradition, noting that his own performance aims to honor the spirit of balance and performance art that defines the local Korean heritage.

Looking ahead, experts suggest that Roose’s high-profile urban crossings are reshaping the public perception of slacklining from a niche extreme sport into a sophisticated form of performance art. By selecting iconic urban backdrops, Roose is not only pushing the physical limits of his craft but also drawing global attention to the architectural and cultural significance of the cities he visits. As he prepares for his Seoul crossing, the event is expected to draw large crowds, further cementing his reputation as a pioneer in the world of high-altitude aerial athletics.