Surge in Demand from Seongsu-dong Visitors and Others
From the 8th, Seoul Forest Dock
Stops 16 Times a Day
Temporary Operation Until October
From the 8th, Seoul Forest Dock
Stops 16 Times a Day
Temporary Operation Until October
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is expanding the operation of the Hangang Bus. Thanks to the return of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, the Hangang Bus, which had faced the risk of being suspended, has avoided shutdown and is now preparing a related service overhaul. The daily number of Hangang Bus passengers has increased to around 3,000.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on June 5, starting from the 8th, the Hangang Bus will stop at Seoul Forest Pier 16 times a day. This measure aims to improve transportation convenience for visitors attending the Seoul International Garden Expo held in Seoul Forest, along the Han River, and around the Seongsu-dong area.
Although the additional service is scheduled to run only temporarily until the end of October, public interest remains high. This is due to a sharp increase in visitors to Seongsu-dong and the convenient access to riverside areas in Gangnam, such as Apgujeong. The Hangang Bus route covers the section from Jamsil to Ttukseom, Seoul Forest, Oksu and Apgujeong, and Yeouido. The city has decided that, in consideration of operational efficiency and safety, the Oksu and Apgujeong piers will be served alternately for each trip.
Considering Han River Sunset Demand
Operating Hours Delayed by 1 Hour
Operating Hours Delayed by 1 Hour
Precise Depth Survey and Debris Removal
Safety Issues in Operation Sections Also Resolved
Safety Issues in Operation Sections Also Resolved
Seoul City Contemplates Service Restructuring Due to Rapid Demand Increase
The operating hours have also been adjusted to account for demand during Han River sunsets. Both the starting and ending times have been delayed by one hour. The East Line will operate from 11:00 a.m. to 9:28 p.m. (arrival time), and the West Line from 11:20 a.m. to 8:32 p.m. (arrival time).
The safety concerns that were previously raised regarding the operating section have also been resolved. Before starting operations at Seoul Forest Pier, the city conducted a precise depth survey and removed underwater debris throughout the entire Hangang Bus route and near the pier. The width of the route has been expanded from 60 meters to 100 meters, and the area near the pier has been widened from 72 meters to 300 meters. The route's depth has been secured at 2.5 meters, the same as the existing Hangang Bus line.
Taking into account the growing demand, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is also considering further adjustments to the operating section and reorganizing pier services. In May alone, the number of Hangang Bus passengers exceeded 90,000. Since the resumption of service in March, when there were 62,491 passengers, the monthly number has increased by 30,000 in just three months. During this period, the daily average number of passengers jumped from 2,000 to 2,900.
The cumulative number of passengers has surpassed 330,000. From the official launch in September last year to February of this year, 104,498 people used the service. With the full route resuming in March, 230,105 passengers used the Hangang Bus over three months from March to May, driving the overall increase in ridership. Park Jin-young, Head of the Future Han River Headquarters at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "The Hangang Bus is quickly becoming established as a new water transportation option, thanks to the strong interest and positive response from citizens. We will continue to improve service quality by expanding routes and providing safe and convenient service."
