If you’ve ever walked along the Han River and wondered what it would be like to travel across it — not just beside it — Seoul now gives you that chance. The Han River Bus (한강버스) has officially resumed operation, offering a fresh, scenic way to explore the city. More than just public transportation, it’s a moving viewpoint of Seoul’s skyline, parks, and bridges — perfect for international students or travelers looking for a new way to experience the city.
1. What Is the Han River Bus?
After years of planning and a trial phase, the Han River Bus officially returned to service in November 2025. Operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the route runs roughly 28.9 kilometers, connecting major riverfront districts from Magok in the west to Jamsil in the east.
Currently, there are about 14 trips per day, with intervals of roughly one hour. As ridership grows, Seoul plans to expand the service to include express lines during commuter hours and additional weekend sailings.
Think of it as a hybrid between a ferry and a bus — affordable, comfortable, and full of beautiful city views.
2. Why You Should Try It
For foreign residents or travelers, the Han River Bus isn’t just a ride — it’s a chance to see the rhythm of local life along the water. You’ll glide past riverside parks, cycling paths, and Seoul’s most famous bridges, all while avoiding traffic and subway crowds.
Seoul’s roads can get heavily congested during rush hours, and subways are often packed to capacity. The Han River Bus offers a calm, scenic alternative to the usual city commute — a way to travel across Seoul without the stress of traffic jams or crowded trains.
The route connects several must-see districts, so it can double as a mini city tour. It’s also a fun, eco-friendly alternative for your weekend outings with friends or visiting family.
3. Routes and Dock Stops
The main route runs between seven key docks:
Magok → Mangwon → Yeouido → Apgujeong → Oksu → Ttukseom → Jamsil
Each dock connects easily to nearby subway stations and city buses, and some — like Magok, Apgujeong, and Jamsil — even offer free shuttle buses from the nearest stations.
An express route is scheduled to open soon, stopping only at major docks like Magok–Yeouido–Jamsil for faster commuting.
4. Ticket Prices and Payment
- Adult fare: ₩3,000
- Youth (13–18 years): ₩1,800
- Children (6–12 years): ₩1,100
Payment is made via transportation cards such as T-money or compatible apps — cash is not accepted.
If you’re already using the Climate Companion Card (기후동행카드), you can add just ₩5,000 for unlimited Han River Bus rides within its validity period. It’s an affordable and sustainable option for frequent travelers.
5. Travel Tips
- Best time to ride: Late afternoon for sunset views, or after dark for the illuminated bridges and night view of the city.
- Bring your T-money card: No card, no boarding.
- Check schedules online: Timetables may change with weather or events.
- Accessibility: Onboard spaces are designed for strollers, wheelchairs, and even bicycles.
6. A New Way to See Seoul
The Han River Bus isn’t just transportation — it’s part of Seoul’s new identity, reconnecting the city with its most iconic landmark. It’s also a comfortable and affordable way to explore, relax, and see Seoul from a new angle.
And for daily commuters, it can be a refreshing alternative to the city’s congested roads and crowded subways, especially during rush hours. You can skip the gridlock, enjoy the breeze, and still get where you need to go — all while taking in one of the best views Seoul has to offer.
Whether you’re commuting to class or work, heading to Yeouido for a picnic, or simply chasing sunset views over the river, the Han River Bus gives you a journey worth taking — one wave at a time.
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