Hangang Bus Trial Rides Begin July 1... Early Bird Applications Open

Applications Open to All Koreans and Foreigners Starting at 10 a.m. on the 24th

The Hangang Bus, which will offer its first public trial rides on July 1, is now recruiting early bird participants.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on June 23 that starting from 10 a.m. on June 24, applications will be accepted for the Hangang Bus citizen experience group, "Early Bird," targeting Seoul residents as well as domestic and international tourists. Applicants can register their name, gender, and contact information on the ride experience website via PC or smartphone.

The citizen trial rides, which will run until August 30, will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. In July, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, there will be one round-trip service each at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. between Yeouido and Jamsil. On Saturdays, there will be a one-way trip at 2 p.m. on the same route. If operation becomes difficult due to weather conditions such as heavy rain or flooding, a cancellation notice will be sent via text message four hours before boarding.

During this citizen trial operation, the Hangang Bus will travel upstream on the Han River from Yeouido to Jamsil Pier without any intermediate stops. In addition, "photo zones" will be set up at each pier. After the ride experience, citizens and tourists who post reviews on social media will have a chance to win various prizes through a drawing.

The Hangang Bus, a new water-based public transportation system introduced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is scheduled to officially launch in September. It will run between seven piers: Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Oksu, Apgujeong, Ttukseom, and Jamsil, covering approximately 31.5 kilometers. The Hangang Bus has passed the final safety and performance inspections by KOMSA (Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority) and has also undergone pilot operations accompanied by experts.

Park Jinyoung, Director of the Future Hangang Headquarters at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "Since early June, Seoul has focused on building a safe operating environment by prioritizing trial rides and service and system inspections with city employees and experts from affiliated organizations." He added, "We encourage citizens and tourists who are interested in the Hangang Bus ride experience to apply and share their sincere feedback."