Bus trial run along Hangang River provides visually pleasing yet scorching journey
The much-anticipated Hangang Bus trial rides in Seoul commenced on July 1, 2025, marking the beginning of a new era in public transportation. This eco-friendly waterborne service will run through August 30, providing residents and visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the city from a different perspective.
During the trial period, the Hangang Bus will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with two one-way rides departing from Yeouido to Jamsil at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and one ride departing at 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The water bus will operate only between Yeouido and Jamsil docks without intermediate stops during the trial, but the full route, which covers seven docks, will be launched officially in September.
The Hangang Bus website, accessible to all, allows users to adjust captions settings, select from multiple audio options, and even turn off captions. The website also provides information about the route and travel time, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. It is worth noting that there are no advertisements on the Hangang Bus website.
Participants can apply for the trial rides via the official Hangang Bus website starting from June 24 at 10 a.m., providing their name, gender, and phone number. There are no residency restrictions. In case of severe weather, such as heavy rain, typhoons, or flooding, the rides will be canceled with a cancellation notice sent by text message at least four hours before departure.
The Hangang Bus can carry between 155 to 199 passengers and takes about 30 minutes from Yeouido to Jamsil. Each vessel is equipped with seats featuring tables, providing a comfortable environment for passengers to enjoy the scenic views.
Cultural events such as busking performances and summer river festivals are planned alongside the trial rides to enhance the experience. Participants sharing their ride experiences on social media may enter a raffle for various prizes. Photo zones will be available at the Yeouido and Jamsil piers for riders to capture memories of their journey.
The Hangang Bus is more than just a means of transport; it is a ferry service designed for everyone to enjoy the beautiful views of Seoul from the Han River. The vessels were unveiled in November 2024, have passed safety inspections, and undergone emergency response training.
The official launch of the Hangang Bus is set for next March, and it will operate between Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Jamwon, Oksu, Ttukseom, and Jamsil docks. Until then, Seoulites and visitors can look forward to the exciting trial rides and the unique experiences they offer.
[1] Safety Inspections Passed for Hangang Bus (Yonhap News Agency, November 2024) [2] Hangang Bus Vessels Unveiled (The Korea Times, November 2024) [3] Hangang Bus Undergoes Emergency Response Training (Korea Herald, December 2024) [4] Hangang Bus Website Launched (The Korea Times, April 2025) [5] Hangang Bus Trial Rides to Start in July (Yonhap News Agency, June 2025)
Art enthusiasts can capture memorable moments at photo zones during busking performances and summer river festivals alongside the Hangang Bus trial rides. These events, planned to enhance the experience, could provide opportunities for participants to win various prizes by sharing their ride experiences on social media.
As the Hangang Bus marks the beginning of a new era in public transportation, the government has invested heavily in its development, ensuring the vessels are equipped with seats featuring tables to provide a comfortable environment for passengers to enjoy the scenic views. With capacity for 155 to 199 passengers, the Hangang Bus also takes into consideration the convenience of the finance industry, offering a unique travel option that doesn't rely on traditional transportation methods or the struggles of traffic in Seoul.
Furthermore, the arts and travel industry stand to benefit from this innovative eco-friendly waterborne service, as visitors and residents will have a new chance to explore the city from a different perspective and appreciate Seoul's beautiful views from the Han River. The Hangang Bus, more than just a means of transport, has undergone rigorous safety inspections, emergency response training, and has even launched a user-friendly website to provide information and an enjoyable journey for all passengers.
