Cruising the Han River: A First Look at Seoul's New Han River Bus!
Do you ever feel bored with the same old commute or weekend outing?
What if you could enjoy a new perspective of Seoul from atop the Han River, right in the heart of the city?
Finally, Seoul's new public transportation running on the river, the Han River Bus, has officially begun its service!
I joined on its special first day and took a ride myself. Let's dive into what the experience was like!
Han River Bus: Now in Operation!
On September 18th, the Han River Bus, poised to become a new landmark of Seoul, finally began its first voyage.
I boarded from the Mangwon Dock and traveled to Yeouido. The dock was already bustling with people.
Broadcast teams were present, and everyone seemed excited, eagerly awaiting the inaugural ride.
It felt like a small festival.
The thought of a bus running on the river in Seoul made my heart flutter.
This is definitely good news for office workers who have suffered through the rush-hour subway.
Han River Bus Route, Fares, and How to Ride
The information I was most curious about was the Han River Bus route and fares.
The Han River Bus operates a total of 7 docks connecting Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Oksu, Ttukseom, and Jamsil.
It passes through all the major Han River parks, making it great to consider when planning an outing.
The regular fare is 3,000 won, and you can easily pay with a transportation card.
If you use the Climate Companion Card, you can enjoy unlimited rides with an additional 5,000 won per month, which is really attractive!
If it's your first time, it's good to know that boarding at the starting points of Magok or Jamsil will give you a better chance of securing a seat.
A Unique Experience on the River: Inside the Han River Bus!
The interior of the boat was surprisingly spacious and very clean.
Since it's a newly built vessel, all the facilities were well-maintained.
Each seat was equipped with a life jacket and an outlet, and there was also a space for a cafeteria that will be operated later.
Most impressively, you can scan the QR code on each seat to complete a boarding declaration and go to the front deck of the ship to enjoy the breeze and scenery.
Feeling the cool river breeze and looking out at the open Han River, I was amazed that I could experience this in the heart of Seoul.
There was also separate space for bicycles and wheelchairs at the bow and stern of the ship, making it really convenient to use after a ride.
Han River Bus Riding Tips and Must-Visit Spots
The Han River Bus was faster than I expected, and it was comfortable with almost no shaking.
The Yeouido skyline and high-rise buildings seen from the river made me feel like I was on a short trip.
The window seats or the front seats are the best spots for a great view.
Taking a photo on the front deck after boarding is a must.
Although there were some delays on the first day of operation, it seems that it will operate according to the schedule once it is stabilized.
You can check real-time operation information on mobility apps like Naver Map or Kakao Map, so it's more convenient to check in advance.
Public Transportation? Cruise Ship? The Real Charm of the Han River Bus?
At first, I rode it thinking it was public transportation, but after experiencing it myself, it felt more like a cheap Han River cruise.
The experience of traveling through Seoul on the river was definitely special.
I felt it was much more attractive to use for leisure or tourism purposes rather than commuting.
I was really happy to see that Seoul also has a new means of transportation across the river, like the ferry I took in Sydney.
After stabilization, I would highly recommend it for weekend outings, Han River dates with lovers, or as a way to get back after a bike ride.
Just the fact that there's a new thing to enjoy in Seoul makes it worth visiting.
A New Seoul Experience: The Han River Bus
The Han River Bus is more than just public transportation. It is a great opportunity to experience Seoul in a different way.
The scenery of Seoul seen from the river offered a different kind of emotion than seeing it from the land.
Although there was some confusion in the early stages of operation, I have high expectations that it will become a new daily routine for Seoul citizens as it becomes more stable in the future.
It would be really attractive for weekend outings or dates, so I hope you all will take a ride and experience the specialness of Seoul on the river!
Please share your first Han River Bus ride experience in the comments.
Han River Bus: Now in Operation!
Han River Bus Route, Fares, and How to Ride
A Unique Experience on the River: Inside the Han River Bus!
Han River Bus Riding Tips and Must-Visit Spots
Public Transportation? Cruise Ship? The Real Charm of the Han River Bus?
A New Seoul Experience: The Han River Bus
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