Bus Launch Ceremony of Hangang Bus in Sacheon, Gyeongnam on the 25th
Mayor Oh Se-hoon and City Council Chairman Choi Ho-jung Attend
The 'Hangang Bus,' set to open a new era of water transportation on the Han River next year, has completed construction and revealed its first physical form. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon recalled the process of being inspired during his 2023 business trip to the UK and pushing the project forward, even shedding tears.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is tasting bread inside the Hangang bus after the 'Seoul Hangang Bus Launch Ceremony' held on the 25th at Eunsung Heavy Industries in Sacheon, Gyeongnam. Photo by Yonhap News
Seoul City held a launching ceremony for two Hangang Buses on the 25th in front of the sea near Eunsung Heavy Industries in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, where construction began last March. Attendees included Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairperson Choi Ho-jung, and representatives from Hangang Bus Co., Ltd., the operator of the Hangang Bus. Also present were Ryu Dong-geun, President of Korea Maritime University; Han Won-hee, President of Mokpo Maritime University; and Park Dong-sik, Mayor of Sacheon.
Mayor Oh said, "The Hangang Bus is not simply about adding a few more boats to the Han River. It represents a new lifestyle for Seoul citizens that we did not have before," adding, "I imagine relaxed Seoul citizens enjoying a cup of coffee or breakfast on the Han River as they commute to work."
He became emotional recalling the process of promoting the Hangang Bus project. Mayor Oh said, "To the Seoul city employees who worked hard and the Future Han River Headquarters who deserve applause, as well as the staff quietly watching here today, you have truly done a great job. I feel like I have made you work too hard," his voice trembling.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended the Han River Bus launching ceremony held in Sacheon, Gyeongnam on the 25th. Photo by Seoul City
After the congratulatory speeches, attendees held a keel-cutting ceremony symbolizing the birth of new life. The axe used to cut the keel will be displayed inside the Hangang Bus. Then, Mayor Oh, Chairperson Choi, Hangang Bus Co., Ltd. CEO Kim Seon-jik, and Eunsung Heavy Industries CEO Kim Jeong-yeol broke champagne bottles against the bow in a 'champagne breaking' ceremony to wish for a safe voyage.
On the 25th, the Han River bus launching ceremony was held in Sacheon, Gyeongnam. The Han River bus 'Nuri' floating on the sea. Provided by Seoul City
After the launching ceremony, Mayor Oh and the attendees moved to the Eunsung Heavy Industries factory to tour the interior and exterior of the Hangang Bus, which had been completed but not yet launched. Mayor Oh inspected the interior seats and the pilot house, sat in a seat, and tasted a bagel. He said, "Eating a bagel like this while enjoying the scenery outside the Han River and preparing for work in advance seems quite feasible," adding, "I am grateful that a space where a new commuting culture can unfold has finally been established."
The Hangang Bus project was conceived by Mayor Oh during his 2023 business trip to the UK after riding the 'River Bus' on the Thames River in London, and it is scheduled to officially begin operation in 2025. The two vessels unveiled that day will undergo sea trials and test runs in the sea near Eunsung Heavy Industries and be verified for ship functions and safety by the Korea Maritime Safety Authority (KOMSA). They are expected to be delivered to the Han River by December. The remaining six vessels and four reserve vessels will also be delivered to the Han River sequentially.
First Look Inside the Newly Revealed Vessel
The Hangang Bus revealed that day boasted a massive size with 199 seats and a weight of 150 tons. The vessel moved to the sea for the launching ceremony was named 'Nuri,' while the one prepared for internal viewing at the factory was named 'Garam.' The color scheme mixed white with blue. The white base was chosen to reflect the diverse colors and lights of the Han River's sunrise and sunset, while the blue gradient was designed to evoke the refreshing flow of water.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is touring the interior of the Hangang bus at Eunsung Heavy Industries in Sacheon, Gyeongnam on the 25th. Photo by Seoul City
Although large in scale, the hull was designed to be low. A representative from Eunsung Heavy Industries explained, "Due to the characteristics of the Han River bridges, especially the many submerged bridges, the hull height was designed and built low, around 7.42m to 7.45m," adding, "While the deck height may seem low as you see it, it will not cause significant inconvenience when moving around." Mayor Oh also noted at the launching ceremony, "The experience of riding the Hangang Bus will be quite different from what I felt on the Thames River," explaining, "The Thames is used heavily for logistics, so it can be somewhat chaotic, but the Han River has submerged bridges that limit boat height, making it difficult for any boats other than the Hangang Bus to operate. That is why it was designed to be flat."
The Hangang Bus deck featured a row of bicycle racks. There are also four wheelchair-accessible seats for passengers using wheelchairs. Passengers can also enjoy the scenery while riding on the outdoor deck.
Inside the Hangang Bus 'Garam' exhibited at Eunsung Heavy Industries in Sacheon, Gyeongnam on the 25th. Photo by Kim Young-won
Inside the cabin, beige seats were arranged in rows of three. 'Panoramic windows' were installed densely along the sides and ceiling of the cabin to allow passengers to enjoy the Han River's scenery and the city night view. A cafeteria was located in the center of the cabin, where passengers can purchase simple food and beverages to enjoy at their seats. Tables similar to those installed on the backs of airplane seats can be folded down for use.
A representative said, "The catamaran-style design allows for fast navigation on the Han River while minimizing wave impact," adding, "Compared to a monohull, the catamaran design offers greater stability and less shaking during travel, providing the advantage of being able to relax or comfortably enjoy the cafeteria."
However, some unfinished aspects were visible, such as gaps near the cabin ceiling. Internal wiring and other detailed processes remain, with about 96% of construction completed, according to the representative. Seoul City also released explanatory materials that day, stating, "The Hangang Bus construction progress is 96.2%," and "After the launch, equipment setup and test runs will be conducted before delivery to the Han River."
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