Chairperson Choi Hojung of Seoul Metropolitan Council Attends Launch Ceremony of First Han River Bus-Built Vessel

Held at Sacheon Shipyard in Gyeongnam... Keel Laying Ceremony Following Tradition Led by Women
Chairman Choi Hojung: "If Han River Bus Operates Next Year, a New Era of Water Transportation Will Open... We Will Ensure Safety"

Chairman Choi Hojung is delivering the Han River bus Jinsoo line.

Choi Hojung, Chairperson of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, attended the Han River Bus launching ceremony held on the 25th in Sacheon, Gyeongnam.

On this day, the launching ceremony was attended by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, members of the Seoul Metropolitan Council’s Environment and Water Resources Committee and Housing and Spatial Committee, the operator of Han River Bus, Han River Bus Co., Ltd., Ryu Dong-geun, President of Korea Maritime University, Han Won-hee, President of Mokpo Maritime University, and Park Dong-sik, Mayor of Sacheon.

Notably, Chairperson Choi personally cut the launching rope in accordance with the tradition that a woman severs the launching line (the rope connected to the ship). The ceremony of cutting the launching rope symbolizes cutting the umbilical cord and breathing new life into the vessel.

Following this, the traditional champagne breaking ceremony, which involves breaking champagne on the bow of the ship to pray for safe navigation, took place. She also toured the interior of the Han River Bus to inspect the construction status.

Chairperson Choi said, “Until now, the Han River was focused on flood control and was not properly utilized despite being nearby, but through the Han River Renaissance project, it has become a resource for citizens to enjoy and use. Now, with the introduction of the Han River Bus, a new era of water transportation is opening, and the council will carefully oversee safety and successful settlement.”

Seoul City Council Members Participating in the Han River Bus Inauguration Ceremony

The Han River Bus is a water transportation service connecting Gimpo Bridge and Jamsil Bridge, with a total of 12 vessels (including 4 reserve ships) scheduled to begin official operation next spring. At this launching ceremony, two completed vessels were unveiled for the first time. After sea trials and test runs, they are expected to be delivered to the Han River by the end of this year.