Eco-Friendly Water Transportation: Han River Bus Begins Official Operation Today
Oh Se-hoon, the Mayor of Seoul, participates in Han River Bus trial run with reporters.
Passengers can enjoy views of the Han River from outside the cabin; little shaking during operation.
Oh Se-hoon, the Mayor of Seoul, attends the inaugural operation ceremony of the Han River Bus heading from Yeouido Dock to Ttukseom Dock on the 18th. (Joint Coverage) / Photo=News1
“Everything depends on the evaluation and response of Seoul citizens.”
On the morning of the 18th, ahead of the first official operation of the eco-friendly water public transportation, the Han River Bus, the bus departed powerfully towards Jamsil for the trial event. Mayor Oh Se-hoon moved to the bow of the boat, which has an open space where about 20 people can stand.
Leaning against the railing, Mayor Oh stated, “The Han River Bus has a unique characteristic that other transportation methods do not have,” highlighting its healing and liberating functions amid urban life stress. Initially, for safety, the design did not allow passengers to come outside, but it was modified on Mayor Oh’s direction to offer outdoor views of the Han River.
The Han River Bus officially commenced operation at 11 a.m. from Jamsil and Magok docks. It’s the first time a vessel serves as public transportation on the Han River. Since Seoul announced the introduction of the Han River Bus in 2023, the official operation has faced delays and debates over the construction company’s qualifications.
Mayor Oh acknowledged concerns about the bus being slower than expected and having fewer runs, and commented, “I think everything relies on the evaluation and response of Seoul citizens. What’s good will naturally be popular. If it’s inconvenient or unnecessary, it will receive appropriate evaluation.” He encouraged observation to see the outcome.
During operation, there was minimal shaking inside the vessel. Even when placing a takeaway coffee cup on the foldable seat table, it didn’t wobble much. This could partly be attributed to the trial run operating slower than the Han River Bus’s average speed of 12 knots (23km/h).
The Han River Bus has no standing room. Passengers, once seated, can independently report boarding using a QR code. Passengers stepping out to enjoy the river breeze in the stern are advised to report boarding as well. Life jackets are available under each seat.
Departing from Yeouido Dock, the Han River Bus promptly arrived at Ttukseom. Regardless of whether there are passengers, the bus docks for at least three minutes. The time taken for boarding and disembarking can vary depending on the crew’s proficiency. Compared to the initial trial operation, docking speed has significantly improved.
A passenger experiences the inaugural run of the Han River Bus heading from Yeouido Dock to Ttukseom Dock on the 18th./ Photo=News1
The Han River Bus runs separate routes upstream (Magok→Jamsil) and downstream (Jamsil→Magok) covering 28.9 km with seven docks (Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Oksu, Ttukseom, Jamsil). Initially, it runs 14 times a day at 1-1.5 hour intervals, starting at 11 a.m. and ending by 9:37 p.m., based on the arrival time.
From October 10, after the Chuseok holiday, weekday services start at 7 a.m. and weekend services at 9:30 a.m., continuing until 10:30 p.m., including express routes during peak hours at 15-minute intervals, increasing to 30 round trips per day (on weekdays). By the end of next month, four additional vessels will be introduced, expanding to a total of 12 ships, making 48 round trips per day. The fare is 3,000 KRW for a one-way adult ticket, with public transport transfer discounts. With an additional 5,000 KRW for a Climate Companion Card, unlimited rides are available.