Seoul Begins Trials of Han River Water Buses Ahead of Official Launch
Seoul’s city government has announced plans to launch its eco-friendly water transport system in the first half of 2025. The trials, which started with two Han River buses that departed from Sacheon in South Gyeongsang province on February 24, were successfully completed on February 27, when the boats arrived near Yeouido after a three-day voyage through the Korea Strait and Yellow Sea.
The boats will continue to undergo extensive testing from early March until the official launch. These environmentally friendly vessels are made of lightweight aluminium alloy, making them more fuel-efficient and recyclable. Powered by lithium-ion batteries and diesel generators, they emit 52% less carbon dioxide than traditional diesel-powered vessels, according to the city government.
“The era of Korea’s first eco-friendly water public transport has begun,” said Park Jin-young, head of the city government’s Future Han River Headquarters. The boats are also equipped with advanced fire safety sensors to prevent battery-related incidents.
The city has designated seven docks to accommodate the river buses at key locations, including Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Ttukseom, Oksu, and Jamsil. The Oksu dock is expected to be completed in March. These docks, which will feature amenities such as convenience stores, fried chicken restaurants, and coffee shops, are set to open to the public in April, starting with the Yeouido and Jamsil locations.
Once operational, the river buses will run every 15 minutes during peak commuting hours, with plans to increase service frequency. The city is conducting pilot operations to ensure a smooth and safe public experience before the official launch.
This water bus system represents a significant leap toward sustainable public transportation on the Han River, offering a green alternative for city commuters.
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