Contributing to Revitalizing the Alleyway Economy by Connecting Major Tourist Attractions and 11 Key Commercial Districts in Mapo
Free Trial Operation Available to Everyone Until April via Online Reservation
Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Kang-su) will officially operate the ‘Mapo Circulation Train Bus,’ which aims to revitalize alleyway commercial districts by connecting major tourist attractions and 11 key commercial areas, starting May 1.
Since the unveiling ceremony on January 25, the ‘Mapo Circulation Train Bus’ has been in pilot operation until April, with various groups including travel agencies, accommodation businesses, tourism industry workers, citizens, and local merchants participating as trial riders.
Based on diverse feedback from riders, efforts have been made to address operational shortcomings and improve facilities such as stops and system enhancements to increase user convenience and satisfaction.
Upon arriving at each stop, foreign language announcements in English, Chinese, and Japanese explain the stop and introduce nearby tourist attractions with guiding comments and photos.
The ‘Mapo Circulation Train Bus’ is available for free use by anyone during the pilot operation until April. Applications can be made through the ‘Mapo-gu Office website’ and the ‘Mapo-gu Facilities Management Corporation website,’ and it operates on a reservation basis.
The ‘Mapo Circulation Train Bus’ is designed to resemble a steam locomotive and features the cute mascots ‘Kkaebi’ and ‘Kkaesuni.’ During operation, it emits steam and whistle sounds, attracting much attention.
The 16-seat electric bus styled as the ‘Mapo Circulation Train Bus’ has the special advantage of being able to navigate narrow alleys where large buses cannot go, reaching every corner.
Additionally, places like ‘Mapo Pet Camping Site’ and ‘Nanji Camping Site,’ which are usually difficult to access by public transportation, can be conveniently reached via the ‘Mapo Circulation Train Bus.’
The route starts from ‘Seoul World Cup Stadium’ and includes 17 stops where passengers can get on and off to explore hidden local eateries and unique spaces in the alleyway commercial districts.
Mapo Circulation Train Bus Route (Total 17 stops)
Seoul World Cup Stadium → Sky Park → Nanji Hangang Park → Nanji Camping Site → Mapo Pet Camping Site → Sky Road → Mapo Saebit Cultural Forest → Mapo Yonggang Matgil → Dohwa Seagull Alley → Gyeongui Line Forest Park (Yeomni-dong) → R6 (Red Road Plaza) → R4 (Hongdae Festival Street) → R2 (Hongdae Walking Street) → Gyeongui Line Forest Park (Hongdae Entrance Station Exit 3) → Gyeongui Line Forest Park (Yeonnam-dong) → Mangwon & World Cup Market (Mangridan-gil) → Mangwon Hangang Park
Moreover, the bus serves all 11 major commercial areas of Mapo, including Ahyeon Market, Dohwa Flower Road, Yonggang Matgil, Yeomni Daehung Forest Road, Red Road, Sky Road, Yeonnam Kkirikkiri Road, Mangwon Market and Mangridan-gil, Mangwon World Cup Market and Bangulnae Road, Seongmisan Cultural Road, and Seongsan Cultural Road.
The bus operates from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 60-minute intervals, running 12 times daily, except on Mondays and on Lunar New Year’s Day and Chuseok Day.
Fares are 5,500 KRW for adults, 3,500 KRW for teenagers, 3,000 KRW for seniors, and 3,000 KRW for children. Purchasing a one-day pass allows unlimited boarding and alighting at all 17 stops without additional charges.
Tickets can be purchased at the ‘Mapo Tourism Information Center Ticket Office’ located at ‘Red Road R2’ and on the ‘Mapo Circulation Train Bus’ itself.
For further inquiries, contact the Mapo-gu Facilities Management Corporation for assistance.
Park Kang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, stated, “The Mapo Circulation Train Bus acts as the capillaries connecting Mapo-gu’s major attractions and hidden alleys. We expect that tourists, who were previously concentrated in specific areas, will spread throughout Mapo, turning the entire district into a tourism resource and revitalizing the alleyway economy.”
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