Han River Ferry Cuts Through the Water... "Beyond Transportation, a Space for Everyday Innovation"

Comfortable Facilities Including Panoramic Windows and Cafeteria... Passes Various Viewpoints, Offers a Nightly Light Show

Vinyl Cafe at the Pier, Pet-Friendly Cafe Among "Hot Spots" Gaining Popularity... Rooftop Becomes a Sunset Wedding Venue

Inauguration Ceremony Held a Day Before Launch... Oh Se-hoon: "A New Lifestyle Proposed by Seoul... Leisure, Culture, and Trends"

Han River Ferry to Officially Launch on the 18th [Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government. Reproduction and DB prohibited]

On the 17th, the day before the official departure of the 'Han River Ferry,' a new water transportation system to navigate Seoul's Han River, an inauguration ceremony was held at the Yeouido pier.

The inauguration ceremony, held with the concept of 'A Gift to the Citizens,' was attended by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman Choi Ho-jeong, the local National Assembly member for the pier's district, and the district mayor.

The Han River Ferry had garnered expectations as an eco-friendly public water transportation system operating between seven piers: Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Oksu, Ttukseom, and Jamsil, covering a distance of 28.9 km.

However, the project's progress was not entirely smooth.

When the business plan was first announced in March 2023, voices of opposition were raised due to reasons such as accessibility and lack of business viability. The construction of the vessels was delayed, leading to three postponements of the operational schedule and sparking controversy.

The competitiveness of the ferry as a mode of public transportation for commuting is also uncertain. The travel time from Magok to Jamsil via the regular route is 127 minutes, which is 52 minutes later than initially planned.

Nevertheless, Seoul City explains that the Han River Ferry will become a lifestyle innovation space that adds leisure to citizens' lives, beyond simply being a means of transport.

Panoramic windows installed on the Han River Ferry [Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government. Reproduction and DB prohibited]

◇ Comfortable Interior... Lined with "Viewpoints" like Namsan Tower and Cheongdam Bridge

The most prominent feature of the Han River Ferry is its expansive panoramic windows.

Additionally, the seats are equipped with individual fold-out tables, making it convenient for reading or working on a laptop.

A cafeteria operates on board, allowing passengers to enjoy coffee and light snacks like bagels while traveling in greater leisure. Bicycle racks (for 20 bikes) and wheelchair seats (4 seats) are also available.

There are various "viewpoints" to encounter during the Han River Ferry ride.

First, when passing between Yeouido and Apgujeong, you can see N Seoul Tower, the iconic backdrop of the Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters (K-DeHeon),' and in the Oksu-Ttukseom section, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Cheongdam Bridge, where Huntrix and demons clashed in K-DeHeon.

If you board the Han River Ferry after sunset, the Yeouido-Ttukseom section is recommended.

The city emphasizes that along this route, a dazzling and spectacular night view unfolds like a parade, starting with the Yeouido Seoul Moon, followed by the 63 Building, Han River Bridge, Sevitseom, Nodeul Island, and the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain.

Some subsidiary facilities at the piers, which began opening sequentially from June, have been gaining popularity even before the Han River Ferry's operation.

According to a city official, several stores have become so popular through word-of-mouth on social media that people queue up for them upon opening.

Currently, convenience stores and cafes are located at all seven piers, and representative K-food chicken restaurants and ramen experience zones are also in operation.

Concept stores reflecting the unique characteristics of each pier are also notable.

The Mangwon pier is home to the thriving pet-friendly cafe 'New Case,' and at the Ttukseom pier's 'Vinyl Han River,' you can enjoy coffee and beer while listening to LPs.

Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, a 'viewpoint' to enjoy from the Han River Ferry [Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government. Reproduction and DB prohibited]

◇ Rooftops at Piers as Open Spaces for Citizens... Various Festivals Accessible by Han River Ferry

The rooftops of all piers will be utilized as open spaces for citizens.

Starting in the second half of the year, weddings can be held against the backdrop of the Han River at sunset on the rooftops of five piers: Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Ttukseom, and Jamsil. Various experiential events and exhibitions will also be held regularly.

The Han River Ferry can also be a great option for runners along the Han River.

You can start at the 'Runner Station' near Yeouinaru Station, known as a mecca for runners, run around the Yeouido-Magok area, and then return by water ferry. 'Fit Station' located at Jayeon Station on Line 7 is also conveniently accessible.

The Han River Ferry is also ideal for enjoying festivals held at various locations along the Han River.

You can conveniently visit 'Reading Han River Park,' held every Saturday in September and October near the Yeouido pier; the 'Han River Drone Light Show,' held on September 20th and 26th, and October 18th at Ttukseom Hangang Park; and the 'Han River Muryongdowon Festival,' held from September 18th to 28th at Jamwon Hangang Park, by taking the Han River Ferry.

Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, "The Han River Ferry is a new lifestyle proposed by Seoul, a way to find leisure amidst busy city life, and another way to connect with the Han River." He added, "The Han River Ferry, not only on the river but also each pier, will become a plaza where culture and trends converge." Yonhap News