Over 600,000 passengers have used the service, primarily for tourism rather than commuting
Category: Local News
Seoul's Han River Bus service, which officially launched on September 18, 2025, has successfully transported over 600,000 passengers in its first year, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. As of September 14, 2026, the total number of passengers reached 603,293, with a notable increase in ridership following the resumption of full operations in March 2026.
The Han River Bus was introduced as part of Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s "Great Han River Project," aiming to expand the city’s public transportation options to include water routes, thereby enhancing accessibility and promoting leisure activities along the river. The service operates along a 28.9-kilometer stretch from Magok to Jamsil, connecting seven docking stations.
Since the resumption of operations on March 1, 2026, after safety improvements were implemented, 498,795 passengers have utilized the service, indicating its growing popularity among both locals and tourists. This resurgence in ridership has positively impacted the surrounding neighborhoods, with a reported 20.9% increase in the local population around the docking areas and a 15.5% rise in card sales at nearby restaurants. This data suggests that the Han River Bus is serving as a mode of transportation and contributing to the local economy.
Initially, the Han River Bus faced challenges shortly after its launch due to technical issues and adverse weather conditions. The service was temporarily suspended just days after its debut due to heavy rainfall and subsequent operational disruptions. Following a series of incidents, including a grounding accident in November 2025, the service transitioned to a trial phase without passengers until safety protocols were adequately addressed.
In March 2026, the city implemented a series of safety measures, including dredging and the installation of a collision avoidance system, which allowed for the full resumption of operations. These adjustments have resulted in improved reliability, with on-time performance rising from 97.7% in March to 99.3% by July 2026, demonstrating the city’s commitment to enhancing the service.
Passenger satisfaction has also been high, with a recent survey indicating that 97.3% of users expressed satisfaction with the service. The survey, conducted between June 29 and July 5, 2026, revealed that 93.2% of respondents intended to use the service again, and 95.4% would recommend it to others. This reflects a strong endorsement from the community, even as the service grapples with its identity as a commuter option versus a leisure activity.
Looking ahead, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to expand the number of docking stations from eight to twelve, aiming to improve accessibility and convenience for passengers. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to position the Han River Bus as a viable public transportation option for daily commuters, rather than solely a tourist attraction.
Officials acknowledge that the current use patterns indicate a preference for leisure and tourism, with weekend ridership significantly higher than during the weekdays. The average number of passengers on weekends is more than double that of weekdays, highlighting the need for adjustments to cater to commuter needs. For example, a subway ride from Magok to Yeouido takes about 17 minutes, compared to approximately 30 minutes on the Han River Bus, which raises questions about its effectiveness as a daily transport solution.
Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, "The Han River Bus is not just a mode of transportation; it is a multifunctional platform that connects the Han River with various parts of Seoul, creating new urban experiences and economic value." The city aims to continue improving safety, punctuality, and connectivity, ensuring that the Han River Bus becomes a natural choice for daily travel in the coming years.
As the service celebrates its first anniversary, the city prepares for a future where the Han River Bus plays a central role in the development of a vibrant and interconnected urban environment, contributing to the Han River Economic Belt's growth.