Enhanced Operational Stability
Over 300 Safety and Performance Checks
16 Daily Trips with Backup Vessel Assigned
The Han River bus, which had temporarily paused operations for safety verification and service improvements, will resume service starting with its first departure at 9:00 a.m. on November 1.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the 27th, the city conducted a trial run without passengers for one month to accumulate data, stabilize performance, and enhance the work proficiency of the operating staff. During this period, the bus completed over 300 repeated runs, reinforcing vessel safety and service quality through training that replicated actual operating conditions, such as docking, undocking, and passing under bridges.
When operations resume, service will begin at 9:00 a.m., which is two hours earlier than the original official schedule. The bus will operate 16 times a day at 90-minute intervals on both weekdays and weekends, with the last arrival scheduled for 9:37 p.m.
In particular, two vessels will be assigned to each route to prevent cancellations that occurred during the initial phase of official operations. Previously, if a vessel malfunctioned just before departure, cancellations were unavoidable, but by always assigning a backup vessel, the city aims to eliminate cancellations and minimize inconvenience to passengers.
Taking into account winter weather and changes in operating conditions, the 16-trip daily schedule will be maintained until March next year. In March 2026, service will expand to 32 trips per day, including express commuter routes running every 15 minutes from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The route covers seven docks from Magok to Jamsil (Magok-Mangwon-Yeouido-Apgujeong-Oksu-Ttukseom-Jamsil).
The fare remains unchanged at 3,000 won for adults (1,800 won for teenagers and 1,100 won for children) per one-way trip. City buses that were extended or newly established to connect with the docks have also been operating as usual since August.
Passengers can conveniently and affordably board the Han River bus using public transportation transfer discounts. Unlimited rides are also available by separately charging the "Han River Bus Pass" on the Climate Companion Card for an additional 5,000 won. Real-time operation schedules, seat availability, and information on cancellations due to weather conditions can be checked through major mobility apps.
Park Jinyoung, Head of the Future Han River Headquarters at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "Through a month-long stabilization period, we have completed enhancements to vessel safety and service quality," and added, "Seoul will continue to do its utmost to improve service quality and safety, striving to make the Han River bus a more trusted water-based public transportation option for citizens."
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