Nowon District to Launch "Happiness Bus" Connecting Public Facilities Starting July 1

Starting July 1, Nowon District in Seoul will operate the free circulator bus, the "Nowon Happiness Bus," which connects public facilities.

This bus service was planned to address the inconvenience of residents in certain areas who face difficulties in getting around due to a lack of village and city bus routes. It also aims to make it easier to access various public facilities such as sports centers, community centers, health centers (including health branches), libraries, and cultural and arts facilities.

Oh Seungrok, mayor of Nowon District (photo), is posing in front of the Nowon Happiness Bus. Provided by Nowon District.

The Nowon Happiness Bus was designed through a detailed analysis of residents' opinions and facility usage data. In a district-wide survey conducted in February, most respondents said they preferred a route with shorter travel times over a greater number of stops, and many requested intervals between buses similar to those of village buses. Residents also identified punctuality and operational stability as the most important service factors.

In March, following the Route Adjustment Committee, the district finalized a single route connecting Wolgye-dong, Gongneung-dong, Eunhaeng Sageori, and Hagye-dong. The route covers a total of 23 stops and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. Five 25-seater minibuses will operate at 20-minute intervals.

The first bus departs at 9:00 a.m. from the public parking lot behind Nowon Residents’ Hall, and the last bus leaves at 5:30 p.m., operating until 7:00 p.m. at the final stop. The service runs a total of 24 times per day, with each bus making 4 to 5 circuits daily.

The bus is free for all visitors to public facilities in Nowon District. Vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, seniors, pregnant women, and guardians accompanying infants and young children, can ride for free regardless of their place of residence, contributing to the realization of "inclusive transportation welfare." Detailed information on the route and stop locations can be found on the Nowon District Office website.

Meanwhile, to commemorate the official launch of the Happiness Bus, Nowon District will hold an opening ceremony at Junggye Neighborhood Park on June 30. The district expects the circulator bus service to ease the daily transportation burden for residents and contribute to building a "Happy Nowon."

Oh Seungrok, mayor of Nowon District, stated, "The operation of the Nowon Happiness Bus will improve residents' access to public facilities and ensure that everyone, including transportation-vulnerable groups, can enjoy transportation welfare. We will closely monitor usage and continue to make improvements going forward."