Han River Bus Reviews Flood Online
"Spacious and Clean Seats"
"Long Service Intervals and Insufficient Guidance"
The Han River Bus, a new means of transportation crossing the Han River in Seoul, has officially begun operations, but public opinion remains divided. While the comfortable facilities and affordable fares have been praised, there are criticisms that, in terms of operating hours, punctuality, and economic viability, it is not suitable as a public transportation option.
On the 17th, the Han River Bus arrived at the Yeouido Han River Bus Dock in Seoul for its inauguration ceremony. The Han River Bus will officially begin operation on the 18th. Photo by Yoon Dongju
On September 19, numerous posts reviewing the Han River Bus experience appeared on online communities and social networking services. The Han River Bus, an eco-friendly water-based public transportation service, officially started operations the previous day. This bus operates between seven docks-Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Oksu, Ttukseom, and Jamsil-covering a total distance of 28.9 kilometers.
During the initial phase of official operations, the service runs 14 times a day, at intervals of one to one and a half hours, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:37 p.m. (based on arrival time), on both weekdays and weekends.
A user, identified as A, who said they boarded the bus on the first day, left a positive review, stating, "The overall impression was good." The user added, "Since it was the first day, both the boat and the dock were clean, and the seats were spacious and comfortable. It was also nice that there were cafes and convenience stores at each dock, so I could relax while waiting for the boat."
The Hangang Bus, which began full-scale operation on the 18th, is passing under the Jamsu Bridge in Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dongju
There are also favorable reviews highlighting its value for money as a transportation option. The fare for the Han River Bus is 3,000 won per ride, and by using the Climate Companion Card for an additional 5,000 won, passengers can board an unlimited number of times and receive public transportation transfer discounts.
However, as it was the initial opening period, the service was crowded, and staff guidance was insufficient. User A commented, "At Yeouido, there were no instructions on whether tickets needed to be purchased at a kiosk or if a transportation card could be used. Fortunately, there were many staff members, so I was able to ask questions and figure out how to board."
Additionally, the snack bars selling food and drinks were not yet ready, and the onboard information displays were not functioning properly. The restrooms were also unavailable, and it was reported that there were issues such as backflow in the restrooms during operation.
On the 17th, at the Han River Bus terminal in Yeouido, Seoul, Mayor Oh Sehoon delivered a greeting at the inauguration ceremony of the Han River Bus service. The Han River Bus is a new transportation option in Seoul, operating between seven terminals: Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Oksu, Apgujeong, Ttukseom, and Jamsil, covering a distance of 28.9 km. The fare is 3,000 won per ride, and with the Climate Companion Card, passengers can ride unlimited times without restrictions and also receive public transportation transfer discounts. Photo by Yoon Dongju
There are also criticisms that the Han River Bus is unsuitable for commuting. One user posted on X (formerly Twitter), "The first Han River Bus for commuting leaves at 11 a.m.? If it takes two hours to get to work, does that mean you start work at 1 p.m.?" Other users commented, "How can this alleviate rush hour congestion if it starts operating at 11 a.m.?" and "Did they invest hundreds of billions of won for people who start work at 1 p.m.?"
There are also concerns about service intervals and punctuality. One passenger noted, "The interval between boats is as long as an hour and a half, and the arrival times were not accurate," pointing out that it is somewhat inconvenient as a public transportation option for commuting.
Economic concerns persist as well. A total budget of 92.6 billion won was invested in the Han River Bus project, with annual operating costs reaching 20 billion won, but annual fare revenue is only about 5 billion won. This has led to opinions that "it lacks competitiveness as a commuting public transportation option."
Park Jumin, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, also criticized, "A Han River Bus that only operates in good weather? That's not public transportation, it's an amusement ride." He added, "With recent climate change, accurate weather forecasting is becoming more difficult. Can the Han River Bus guarantee the predictability required of public transportation?" He went on to say, "Instead of calling it 'public transportation,' just admit it's an affordable public cruise ship."
The Seoul Metropolitan Government expects the Han River Bus to contribute to improving the quality of life for Seoul residents, beyond simply serving as a means of transportation. On September 17, at the Yeouido dock, Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon said, "Citizens will have a completely new experience, crossing the Han River and enjoying leisure, scenery, and the night view of Seoul at a relaxed pace within the city."
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