Seoul continues to determine itself as one in all Asia’s most fashionable and revolutionary cities. With cutting-edge initiatives starting from high-tech public transit to inventive city tasks, the metropolitan authorities ensures Seoul gives forward-looking and handy infrastructure. One extremely anticipated 2024 improvement is the Seoul River Bus Service on the Han River.
This river boat service in Seoul will permit simpler entry to riverside locations for locals and vacationers alike, serving to them get between among the hottest locations in Seoul, akin to Yeouido and Jamsil (dwelling of the Lotte World Tower). Seoul’s river bus service will permit individuals to cross the town’s mighty Han River, which is at present a problem to do, with ease and pace.
The Seoul river bus service hasn’t began but, and among the particulars on this article might change by the point it launches in October 2024. I’ll proceed to replace this text earlier than and after the river boat in Seoul begins operation so you’ve the freshest info obtainable. Learn on to find extra about Seoul’s newest innovation, which prioritises accessibility, sustainability, and tourism wants.
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What Is The Seoul River Bus Service?
The Seoul river bus service is an revolutionary new river-based transportation service being launched by the Seoul authorities to advertise sustainability in addition to tourism and accessibility across the Han River space. It would permit individuals to journey between numerous locations on the Han River for a small payment and save effort and time vs. present strategies of travelling between Han River places.
There will probably be a complete of 8 eco-friendly autos to hold as much as 199 passengers, bicycles, and wheelchairs at a time alongside the size of the Han River in central Seoul. The boats will transfer at 17 knots (31 km/h), which can make them sooner than rush-hour visitors. It would run from Magok within the west of the town (near Gimpo Airport) to Jamsil within the east – dwelling of the Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-Hoon said the electrical vessels will supply a climate-friendly transit possibility for two.5 million residents and guests alike by 2030. He envisions the service as each a sensible mobility resolution and tourism draw, showcasing the revolutionary sights of Seoul whereas addressing environmental points by way of inexperienced transportation infrastructure enhancements alongside the long-lasting river.
When Will The Seoul River Bus Service Start?
The metropolitan authorities has said that the Seoul river bus service will start in October 2024, so long as the development of river bus terminals meets the anticipated schedule. The service will join seven terminals alongside the Han River at first, however may very well be expanded to different components of the town at later dates. I’ll add updates about extensions to this text when introduced.
What Hours Does The Seoul River Bus Run?
The river bus service will run throughout the next hours:
- Weekdays: from 6:30am till 10:30pm
- Weekends: from 9:30am till 10:30pm
- Holidays: from 9:30am till 10:30pm
The sooner hours in the course of the week are to permit commuters to journey alongside the river as an alternative of utilizing congested highway and public transportation routes. This could make travelling in Seoul throughout rush hour much less worrying (it’s actually busy now) and save commuters a number of time in some conditions.
How Typically Will The River Boat In Seoul Function?
The river boat in Seoul will run at totally different frequencies relying on the time of day and week:
- Weekdays (Rush Hour): 15 minute intervals (6:30am to 9:00am & 6:00pm to eight:30pm)
- Weekdays (Different Instances): 30 minute intervals
- Weekends (All Instances): 30 minute intervals
- Specific Service: 16 occasions throughout commuting hours
The Seoul river bus service takes as much as 75 minutes to journey the total route between Magok and Jamsil, or 54 minutes between these two locations when you use the categorical service that solely stops at Magok, Yeouido, and Jamsil.
What Are The Seoul River Bus Stops?
The Seoul river bus service will cease on the following places (as proven from left to proper within the map picture above) alongside the Han River:
- Magok
- Mangwon
- Yeouido
- Jamwon
- Oksu
- Ttukseom
- Jamsil
You may see these locations with this Seoul River Bus Areas Map from Google Maps. These locations have been chosen based mostly on various elements and supply providers to residential, business and vacationer areas. The preferred areas for vacationers on the Han River are Mangwon, Yeouido, and Ttukseom, however every space has sights and providers that travellers are prone to journey to.
What Can You See Close to These Stops?
As talked about, the most well-liked stops on the river bus in Seoul for vacationers are Mangwon, Yeouido, and Ttukseom, as these stops are dwelling to well-liked Han River parks and different vacationer sights. Should you’re planning to experience the Seoul river bus service whenever you go to Seoul, this desk reveals you among the key sights and areas you’ll discover close to every cease. This can assist you plan your Seoul itinerary.
| River Bus Terminal | What To See & Do Close by |
|---|---|
| 1: Madok | Gimpo Airport for inner flights in Korea. Seoul Botanic Backyard & Wetland. Gangnseo Marsh Ecological Wetland. Gangseo Hangang River Park. |
| 2: Mangwon | Seoul Battleship Park. World Cup Stadium. Haneul Sky Park. Oil Tank Tradition Park. |
| 3: Yeouido | Yeouido Hangang River Park (Seoul cherry blossom hotspot). 63 Constructing (observatory & aquarium). Nationwide Meeting. Han River Cruise. Numerous festivals all year long. |
| 4: Jamwon | Banpo Rainbow Fountain Bridge. Banpo Hangang River Park. Seoul Wave Artwork Centre. Offers entry to Gangnam space. |
| 5: Oksu | Dalmaji Park & Peak. Seoul Forest Park (throughout the river). Eungbongsan Pavilion & Viewing Level. Offers entry to Itaewon. |
| 6: Ttukseom | Ttukseom Hangang River Park. Frequent Floor. Residence to sledding in winter and swimming swimming pools in summer time. Offers entry to Seongsu-dong. |
| 7: Jamsil | Lotte World Tower (Seoul Sky Observatory). Lotte World Journey. Seokchon Lake. Jamsil Sports activities Advanced. Olympic Park. |
Future Terminals On The Han River Boat Service
Moreover the unique 7 stops on the Seoul river bus service, the town authorities has introduced plans so as to add extra locations to assist improve comfort for commuters and to make Seoul extra enticing for vacationers. The road would possibly prolong previous Magok to the Gimpo Ara Han River dock, which is near Gimpo Airport resorts and obligation free retailers. There may additionally be extra stops between terminals.
In addition to the river bus, the Seoul authorities has various different future sights within the works, such because the world’s first twin ferris wheel and an aerial gondola connecting numerous cultural and vacationer hotspots alongside the river. These are a part of Seoul mayor Oh Se-Hoon’s “Nice Han River Undertaking Plan” that may rework the capital’s riverside space within the subsequent few years.
How A lot Does The Seoul River Boat Value?
The Seoul river boat service will price ₩3,000 (about $2.25) per experience, which is dearer than the present value of subway rides and bus rides within the capital, however gives a handy technique of crossing the river which will definitely save a number of time. You need to be capable to use transportation playing cards such because the T-Cash Card to pay for the rides, though that is nonetheless to be confirmed.
Seoul’s public transportation community at present permits free transfers between buses and subways inside half-hour, so long as you contact out together with your transportation card when leaving the bus or subway. It hasn’t been confirmed whether or not the Seoul river bus service may also characteristic free or discounted transfers between journeys with different strategies of public transportation.
How To Get Discounted River Boat Rides In Seoul
As a part of the Seoul authorities’s push to cut back commuting prices and encourage individuals to make use of extra public transportation, individuals with a Seoul Local weather Card may also be capable to experience on the Han River boat service free of charge. The Local weather Card, which launched in January 2024, gives limitless public transportation throughout the metropolis for a month-to-month payment beginning at ₩62,000.
What To See And Do On The Han River
The Han River gives an abundance of sights for guests to Seoul to get pleasure from. Travellers can discover prolonged riverside parks good for biking, jogging or leisurely strolls, with scenic stretches like Yeouido Hangang Park and Ttukseom Hangang Park. There are additionally swimming swimming pools, sports activities amenities and efficiency venues located alongside the shores, and numerous festivals all year long.
Listed below are 15 high sights alongside the Han River in Seoul:
- 1. Yeouido Hangang Park – Well-liked park with trails, bike paths, and gardens.
- 2. Banpo Hangang Park – Residence to the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain.
- 3. Seoul Forest Park – Big eco-park with gardens, a zoo, and playgrounds.
- 4. Seoul Wave Artwork Centre – Riverside Starbucks and creative vacation spot.
- 5. Sevit Island – Synthetic islands with efficiency venues.
- 6. Nodeul Island – Cultural house with a deal with nature, books, and music.
- 7. Nanji Hangang Park – Peaceable riverside park with tall tree-lined pathways.
- 8. Jamsil Hangang Park – Full of sports activities amenities and baseball stadium.
- 9. Ttukseom Hangang Park – Biking, paddle boats and an out of doors stage.
- 10. Seonyudo Park – Hanging architectural pavilion on an island.
- 11. Eungbongsan Mountain – Scenic lookout level that’s well-liked with {couples}.
- 12. Ichon Hangang Park – Options sports activities fields, swimming swimming pools, and a marina.
- 13. Oil Tank Tradition Park – Transformed gasoline tanks into exhibition and occasion areas.
- 14. Seoul Battleship Park -Seoul’s first-ever battleship-themed park with actual battleships.
- 15. Paradise On line casino Walkerhill – Leisure space close to Achasan Bridge and Jamsil.
With a lot recreation, leisure and sightseeing obtainable alongside the banks of the river, the Han River space guarantees interesting locations for any customer to Seoul, which can solely be enhanced with the forthcoming water bus service. The pure surroundings, historic landmarks, and wealth of actions supply compelling causes for travellers to discover this iconic river and its parks.
Han River Night time Cruises In Seoul
When the solar goes down, the Han River comes alive with illuminated cruise boats that present a magical method to see Seoul’s skyline. The Seoul Hangang River Cruise is a well-liked method to see the sights of Seoul alongside the river at night time. Lasting about an hour, the river cruise brings passengers previous the glittering Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain, metropolis landmarks, and picturesque parks after darkish.
Gliding gently down the river, the night cruise permits guests to view Seoul’s vibrant vitality from a singular vantage level amid the glistening reflections of a capital that actually by no means sleeps. In addition to night time cruises that present you Seoul’s vibrant metropolis lights below moonlit skies, you may as well take a Han River cruise in the course of the day with common departures day by day. Ebook on-line or purchase tickets on the day.
Different Methods To Get Round The Han River
The Han River encompasses among the most stunning components of Seoul, with 12 riverside parks, sights, and areas of pure magnificence to get pleasure from all through the town. Moreover taking a river bus in Seoul to see the Han River, listed below are another methods you may discover the waterway.
By Bicycle: The Seoul Public Bike rental service supplies individuals the prospect to lease bikes and cycle alongside the lengthy stretches of the river’s edge. Well-liked areas for biking are round Yeouido and in Seongsu-dong between Seoul Forest Park and Ttukseom Park and past. This is likely one of the greatest locations to experience a motorcycle in Korea, with 240km of cycle routes alongside the Han River.
By Foot: Together with cycle paths that run alongside the Han River’s shore, there are additionally strolling paths in related areas. The strolling path round Yeouido is very stunning and residential to a number of spring flower festivals, together with one in all Seoul’s largest cherry blossom festivals. Strolling between the 2 banks of the river has been exhausting till the introduction of the river bus in Seoul, which can making exploring simpler.
River Cruise: As talked about, a river cruise is a good way to see the sights of Seoul, each in the course of the day and at night time. Despite the fact that the brand new Seoul river bus service would possibly cut back individuals’s need to pay for a cruise, the truth that you may journey in peace and move below the numerous stunning bridges at a gradual tempo will maintain the cruise well-liked.
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Visas & Ok-ETA: Some travellers to Korea want a Vacationer Visa, however most can journey with a Korean Digital Journey Authorisation (Ok-ETA). At present 22 International locations don’t want both one.
How To Keep Linked: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to gather on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, obtain a Korean eSIM for you travels.
The place To Keep: For Seoul, I like to recommend Myeongdong (handy), Hongdae (cool tradition) or Gangnam (purchasing). For Busan, Haeundae (Seaside) or Seomyeon (Downtown).
Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Specific (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus throughout Seoul. Ebook an Incheon Airport Non-public Switch and calm down to or from the airport.
Korean Tour Operators: Tour firms which have an enormous presence in Korea embrace Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Information. These websites supply discounted entry tickets for high sights.
Seoul Metropolis Passes: Go to Seoul’s high sights free of charge with a Uncover Seoul Go or Go Metropolis Seoul Go. These passes are nice for households and {couples} visiting Seoul – it can save you heaps.
How To Get Round: For public transport, seize a T-Cash Card. Lower your expenses on Korea’s excessive pace trains with a Korea Rail Go. To see extra of Korea, there are a lot of rental automotive choices from Klook, EconomyBookings, and RentalCars.
Journey Cash: Use cash exchanges close to Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for one of the best trade charges. Order a Sensible Card or WOWPASS to pay by card throughout Korea.
Flights To Korea: I take advantage of flight comparability websites akin to Expedia and Skyscanner to search out one of the best flights to Korea from any nation. Air Asia is an effective possibility for finances flights from Asia.
Journey Insurance coverage: It is very important insure your journeys to guard your self towards the sudden. World Nomad is a specialised journey insurance coverage supplier with choices for various protection for travellers from around the globe. You may as well buy cowl when you’re already travelling.
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Continuously Requested Questions
Listed below are some regularly requested questions in regards to the Seoul river bus service. These solutions are based mostly by myself expertise and from analysis performed to write down this text. When you’ve got any extra questions on this subject, please be at liberty to put up a remark on the finish of this text.
When will the Seoul river bus service start?
The Seoul river bus service is scheduled to start in October 2024. It would function river boats for commuters and travellers from 06:30am to 10:30pm on weekdays and 09:30am to 10:30pm on weekends and public holidays.
What’s one of the best place to go to on the Han River?
The very best place to go to on the Han River is Yeouido Hangang Park. Spanning over 2 miles of riverfront, it gives the proper city oasis with bike paths by way of lush gardens, out of doors efficiency areas, and sweeping views of Seoul’s skyline.
The place do the Han River night time cruises depart From?
The Han River night time cruises, operated by Eland, depart from the Eland Cruise Terminal on Yeouido Island in Seoul. The closest subway station is Yeouinaru Station and it takes about 10 minutes to stroll from the station to the cruise terminal.
Will the Seoul river bus function throughout winter?
The Seoul river bus ought to function throughout winter in Korea, nevertheless, the service could also be restricted or cancelled at occasions when the Han River freezes over, which may occur when the climate could be very chilly.
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