**Seoul Announces “Safety Services Ready”**
– **Inaugural Ceremony on 17th with “Gift to Citizens” Concept**
– **Increased commutes from next month on the 10th**
The new water public transportation system in Seoul, “Hangang Bus,” will commence its first operation at 11 a.m. on the 18th. Seoul city announced on the 15th that preparations regarding safety and service for the Hangang Bus operation had been completed.
A total of eight vessels will operate along seven docks spanning 28.9 km, from Magok to Jamsil. During the initial formal operation phase, the service will run every day from 11 a.m. to 9:37 p.m. on weekdays and weekends, with 14 daily operations at intervals of 1-1.5 hours.
From October 10th, after the Chuseok holiday, the service will expand to 30 round trips on weekdays by introducing express routes during rush hours (at 15-minute intervals). Operating hours on weekdays will be 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and on weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Additionally, by the end of the next month, four more vessels will be introduced, expanding operations to a total of 12 vessels and 48 trips by the year’s end.
The fare for the Hangang Bus is 3,000 won per ride. With an added 5,000 won ‘Climate Companion Card,’ passengers can ride an unlimited number of times and receive a transfer discount. Cash payments are not accepted.
Real-time information such as the timetable, available seats, and weather-related cancellations can be accessed through major mobility applications like Naver Map and Kakao Map.
All Hangang Bus vessels are eco-friendly ships (8 hybrids and 4 electric). The hybrid ships reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 52% compared to diesel engines, while the electric ships are designed to emit no carbon dioxide.
Each vessel is named after notable places in Seoul, such as the Gyeongbokgung Ho, Namsan Seoul Tower Ho, DDP Ho, and Sebitseom Ho. Photo zones with backgrounds themed after these landmarks have also been installed.
New bus stops or routes have been created near the Hangang Bus docks. A new bus route (1) was established near the Magok dock, and two bus routes were newly established or adjusted at Mangwon, Apgujeong, and Jamsil docks, respectively. “Ttareungi” rental stations have been installed at all docks.
Free shuttle buses connecting three docks (Magok, Jamsil, Apgujeong) and nearby subway stations will also be operated. The shuttle buses will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Magok and Jamsil will have 15-minute intervals, while Apgujeong will have 30-minute intervals. After October 10th, the operation hours will be adjusted to align with commute times as the number of operations increases.
To facilitate passenger access to docks, Seoul city has installed signposts, road markings, and guide lines at nearby subway stations and bus stops.
Additionally, a cafeteria will be operated on board, allowing passengers to enjoy snacks like coffee and bagels during commute. Wi-Fi is available, and specific areas for bicycles (20 racks), wheelchair spaces (4 seats), and priority seats for those with special needs (12 seats) are designated.
From June 5 to August 23, Seoul conducted 66 citizen trial operations with 5,562 participants. The trial included regular citizens, tourism industry workers, public officers, public institution employees, and experts, with an 81% satisfaction rate.
Many trial participants appreciated the riverside view from the outside of the ferry, and based on this feedback, passengers can move outside the vessel after official operation begins. However, for safety reasons, a simple boarding report via QR code is required.
For outdoor passenger safety, the Hangang Bus railing, initially designed at 1 meter, was raised to 1.3 meters to mitigate fall risks.
Additionally, the operating company, Hangang Bus Co., was integrated into the disaster safety communication network managed by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and disaster and terrorism response joint training was conducted during the trial period.
A ceremony with the theme “Gift to Citizens” will be held at Yeouido dock on the 17th at 10:30 a.m., a day before the official operation begins.
Jinyoung Park, the head of Seoul’s Future Hangang Headquarters, said, “Hangang Bus has been prepared with systematic operation prioritizing safety, allowing all citizens to travel safely while enjoying views of the Hangang.” He also emphasized, “Even after the official operation begins, we will actively incorporate citizen feedback to continuously improve services, making Hangang not just a place to look at, but also a leisurely and healing daily transport route and relaxation space for Seoul citizens.”