Seoul to launch Han River bus service in October 2024
Seoul is launching a new river bus service starting in October 2024.
It will connect Magok in the northwest part of the city to Jamsil in the southeast along the Han River.
The fare will be 3,000 KRW (2.25 USD) per ride.
People with the Climate Card, which is Seoul’s unlimited transit pass, can use it.
The river bus will stop at seven docks: Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Jamwon, Oksu, Ttukseom, and Jamsil.
These were picked based on things like housing, businesses, shopping, and tourism in the areas.
Transportation needs and connections to other transit were also considered.
It will run from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm on weekdays, and 9.30 am to 10.30 pm on weekends and holidays.
During the week there will be buses every 15 minutes during rush hour times.
The rest of the day and on weekends it will be every 30 minutes.
There will also be an express line that just stops at Magok, Yeouido, and Jamsil running 16 times during morning and evening commutes.
This will take about 54 minutes compared to the normal route which takes 75 minutes.
Seoul will be using 8 eco-friendly hybrid boats that can each hold up to 199 people and these boats will average 17 knots of speed.
Seoul wants to expand routes over time, possibly including Gimpo’s Ara Han River dock at first.
The river buses also have bike racks for 22 bikes and wheelchair spaces.
Seoul sees this becoming an innovative new way to get around using land and water transit, and also has plans to connect it to local tourism spots.
Each seat has its own little table so you can work or eat on board.
There’s also a cafeteria and windows with nice Han River views.
Ridership is estimated to grow from 800,000 next year to 2.5 million by 2030.
The mayor said that the river bus will provide an enjoyable commute while also helping address the climate crisis through eco-friendly transit.
It’s also an opportunity to boost tourism by making the river bus an attractive amenity.
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