Seoul City Government Invites Residents To Name The Han River Bus, Winners Announced Next Month

Illustration of bus services on the Han River, Seoul. (Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government)

JAKARTA - The Seoul City Government, South Korea is looking for symbolic and interesting names for each of the eight Han River Buses, part of the water transportation system to launch next year.

The public transportation service will connect the main centers of the Han River in the Magok region in southwest Seoul and Jamsil in the southeast.

"River Han, Seoul's representative water transportation method, will begin its official operations in March next year with a name given by the public," said Joo Yong-tae, head of Seoul's Future Han River Head Office, quoted from The Korea Times Oct. 10.

"We will carry out this project smoothly so that it is not only loved by Seoul residents but also foreigners with safe and pleasant public transportation," he added.

Through this naming contest which began on September 25, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is looking for meaningful names that will feature the characteristics of the city and river. Usually, the name of the ship is taken from the term astronomy, nature and city names. However, this time, officials said that they were looking for something more innovative and creative.

The contest lasted until October 7 and any Korean citizen could participate. Everyone can send up to three names after filling out a registration form, which can be found on the city government's website.

The city government plans to announce the last eight names in November. Each winner will be awarded a prize certificate worth 200,000 won.

Seoul will introduce eight ships by the end of this year through a test phase, with operations starting in March 2025.

The ships will be equipped with parades and bicycle shelves, along with 199 seats. The fee will be set at 3,000 won and those using the city's Climate Card can use it through the seasonal ticket system.