Hangang Bus Sets Sail: A Lifestyle Experiment on the Han River (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — On the eve of its maiden voyage, Seoul unveiled its long-awaited “Hangang Bus” on Wednesday, positioning the sleek new ferry service as both a commuter option and a lifestyle attraction along the capital’s iconic waterway.
At an inauguration ceremony held at Yeouido Pier, Mayor Oh Se-hoon joined lawmakers and local officials to christen the service, which will connect seven piers across a 28.9-kilometer stretch of the river, from Magok in the west to Jamsil in the east.
The electric-powered ferries — pitched by city officials as a “gift to citizens” — have faced a rocky journey to launch. First announced in March 2023, the project was delayed three times due to construction setbacks and faced skepticism over its viability as a daily commuting option. A trip between Magok and Jamsil is slated to take 127 minutes, nearly an hour longer than originally planned.
Still, the city insists the Hangang Bus is about more than speed. Outfitted with panoramic windows, foldable tray tables, a small café and racks for bicycles, the vessels aim to turn travel time into leisure time. Four wheelchair-accessible seats are also included.
Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, a scenic “viewpoint” to enjoy while riding the Hangang Bus (Photo provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government)
Passengers will cruise past some of the capital’s most photogenic landmarks, from Namsan Tower to the Cheongdam Bridge, a backdrop recently popularized in the Netflix hit K-Pop Demon Hunters. At night, the Yeouido-to-Ttukseom stretch promises views of the rainbow-lit Banpo Bridge and the floating Sebitseom complex.
The piers themselves are designed as destinations. Convenience stores, cafés and themed spaces — including a dog-friendly café in Mangwon and a vinyl-listening bar in Ttukseom — are already drawing crowds. Rooftop decks will host art exhibitions, public weddings and seasonal festivals, such as September’s Han River Drone Light Show and the “Han River Shangri-La” celebration later this month.
City officials argue the service will give runners, festivalgoers and tourists new ways to experience the Han River while easing pressure on existing subway and road networks.
“The Hangang Bus is Seoul’s proposal for a new lifestyle — a way to rediscover relaxation in a busy city,” Mayor Oh said. “The river itself, and each pier along it, will become open plazas where culture and community converge.”
Whether it becomes a practical transit alternative or primarily a leisure attraction remains to be seen. For now, Seoul is betting that life on the water will help residents see their city from a new perspective.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
