Seoul Starts Trial Of Han River Bus Ahead Of Official Launch

Hangang Bus upon arrival at Yeouido. (Twitter/@Seoul_gov)

JAKARTA - The Seoul City Government on Thursday announced plans to launch a water transportation system in the first half of this year, following operational trials.

Two Han River buses departing from Sacheon in South Gyeongsang Province on Monday arrived near Yeouido on the Han River on Thursday morning, completing a three-day test voyage through the South Sea and the West Sea.

The two river buses will continue to undergo thorough testing from early March to their official launches, which are scheduled for some time during the first half of this year.

"This is the beginning of the era of public transportation of the first environmentally friendly water in Korea," said Park Jin-young, head of the city government's future Han River Head Office, quoted from The Korea Times on February 28.

Korea’s first eco-friendly waterborne public transport, #HangangBus, arrives in Yeouido! 🚤

The Hangang Bus is set to launch official operations in March so stay tuned! 🙌

🔗More : https://t.co/DygnmfjLyf pic.twitter.com/Aoh7nsmeOy

— Seoul Government (@Seoul_gov) February 27, 2025

Korea's first eco-friendly public transport, #HandangBus, arrives in Yeouido!

The Hangang Bus is set to launch official operations in March so stay tuned!

🔗More : https://t.co/DygnmfjLyf pic.twitter.com/Aoh7nsmeOy

"The city will carry out effective pilot operations before the official launch to ensure that people can use the Han River bus, the first large-scale public water transportation system, more securely and comfortably," he continued.

River buses are environmentally friendly vehicles made from aluminum alloys. Because it is lighter than steel, this bus consumes less fuel and can also be recycled, according to the city government.

Supported by lithium-ion batteries and diesel generators, these ships can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 52 percent compared to traditional diesel-powered vessels, the city's authorities said.

In addition, the ships are equipped with fire monitoring sensors and safety equipment designed to prevent battery fires.

The plan is that six piers in the capitals Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Ttukseom, and Jamsil have been set to accommodate river buses.

The construction of the Oksu pier is scheduled to be completed in March. Meanwhile, the dock, which will include facilities such as convenience stores, fried chicken restaurants, and coffee shops, will open to the public in April, starting with Yeouido and Jamsil piers.

Once river buses start operating, Seoul plans to operate it every 15 minutes during peak hours. They will gradually expand service frequency based on the arrival time of the Han River bus, although its official launch is scheduled for the first half of this year.