Seoul to run water bus trial starting July

Hangang Bus, an eco-friendly waterborne public transportation system, will be available to the public for its early boarding experience starting from July 1, the city said Monday.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it has decided to recruit participants for the pilot operation of its water bus ahead of the official launch in September.

According to the city government, those who wish to experience the water-bus service ahead of the original schedule can apply via Hangang Bus’ official website hangangbus.govent.kr by submitting their name, gender and phone number. Applications open Tuesday at 10 a.m.

The rides will be available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from July 1 to Aug. 30.

Though the water bus will operate a water route through seven docks in Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Jamwon, Oksu, Ttukseom and Jamsil, the test run will only move participants from Yeouido to Jamsil without any break.

While the Tuesday and Thursday rides run at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., the water bus service is only available at 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

A text message will be sent to notify applicants of any schedule changes 4 hours before their scheduled departure in the event of severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, typhoons or flooding.

The city government offers free admission during the trial period. A select number of trial participants, who share their water bus reviews on social media, will receive prizes through a special raffle event.

Different cultural events are scheduled, including busking performances and summer festivals featuring the river.

The vessel, which was unveiled to the public in November 2024, passed safety and performance inspections by the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, and underwent trial operations and emergency response training for water accidents conducted with the safety agency.

The water bus can carry 155 to 199 passengers and is expected to take approximately 30 minutes to travel from Jamsil to Yeouido.