Seoul’s ambitious Han River ferry service, the Hangang Bus, is set to resume full operations on Sunday, March 1st, after a months-long suspension triggered by a grounding incident last November. The relaunch represents a critical moment for Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who has championed the project as a key component of the city’s public transportation network despite facing persistent safety concerns and mechanical challenges. The service, modeled after London’s Thames Clippers, aims to provide a unique and efficient commuting option along the Han River, but its path to full functionality has been fraught with obstacles.
The grounding incident, which occurred near Jamsil Dock, involved a vessel carrying 82 passengers and prompted a temporary halt to operations on the eastern section of the route. This setback underscored existing anxieties surrounding the river’s shallow depth – averaging between 3 and 4 meters – and the potential for navigational hazards. The resumption of full service follows extensive safety upgrades and a revised operational plan designed to address these concerns and restore public confidence in the Han River bus system. The project’s success is viewed as politically significant for Mayor Oh Se-hoon, particularly as the city approaches mayoral elections in June.
Addressing Safety Concerns and Operational Changes
Following the November grounding, the Seoul Metropolitan Government initiated a comprehensive review of the Han River Bus system, collaborating with central government authorities to identify and rectify safety issues. A joint inspection revealed a total of 120 areas requiring attention, with a focus on navigation and potential hazards. As of Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, officials confirmed that 96 of these issues have been resolved, with the remaining 24 slated for completion in the first half of the year. The Korea Times reports that this included surveying an 8.9-kilometer stretch of the river between Apgujeong and Jamsil docks, dredging shallow areas, and removing underwater debris to ensure safe passage for the vessels.
To further enhance safety, the city has installed an alarm system designed to prevent vessels from deviating from designated routes. Buoys in the accident zone have also been replaced with taller, more visible markers, increasing their height from 1.4 meters to 4.5 meters to improve guidance, particularly during nighttime navigation. These improvements aim to mitigate the risks associated with the Han River’s shallow depth and ensure the safe operation of the ferry service.
Revised Route Structure and Service Schedule
The Han River Bus service will now operate with a revised route structure centered around Yeouido as a central transfer hub. This consolidation aims to improve efficiency and streamline connections for passengers. The service will be divided into two separate lines: an eastern route connecting Jamsil and Yeouido, and a western route linking Magok and Yeouido. Each route will operate 16 round trips daily, with departures approximately every hour. The Straits Times details the schedule, noting that the first boat on the Jamsil-Yeouido line will depart at 10:00 a.m., with the last arrival at 8:27 p.m. The Magok-Yeouido line will commence service at 10:20 a.m., with the final arrival at 7:32 p.m.
Transfers between the two lines at Yeouido will be offered free of charge, encouraging passengers to utilize the integrated network. The city plans to introduce rush-hour express services in April, directly linking Jamsil, Yeouido, and Magok without requiring transfers, to alleviate congestion during peak commuting times. A temporary pier will also be established at Seoul Forest in May to accommodate visitors during the Seoul International Garden Show, demonstrating the city’s commitment to leveraging the Han River Bus for tourism and special events.
Political Implications and Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s Role
The successful relaunch of the Han River Bus holds significant political weight for Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. He has been a vocal advocate for the project, positioning it as a cornerstone of the city’s efforts to enhance river mobility and provide an alternative transportation option for residents and visitors. But, the initial setbacks and safety concerns raised questions about the viability of the project and the Mayor’s judgment. Chosun Biz reports that Oh Se-hoon defended the Han River bus, expecting a fair review by the public. The resumption of full service, represents a crucial opportunity for the Mayor to demonstrate his leadership and reaffirm his commitment to innovative transportation solutions.
The Han River Bus project, inspired by the River Bus service on the Thames in London, was launched in September 2025 with the aim of providing a convenient and scenic mode of transportation along the Han River. The 28.9-kilometer route connects Magok in western Seoul to Jamsil in the southeast, offering passengers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and riverside landscapes. Despite the initial challenges, the city government remains optimistic about the long-term potential of the Han River Bus to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient transportation system.
Looking Ahead: Future Developments and Public Response
Beyond the immediate resumption of full service, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is continuing to explore ways to optimize the Han River Bus system and enhance the passenger experience. The introduction of rush-hour express services and the temporary pier at Seoul Forest are just two examples of the city’s ongoing efforts to adapt the service to meet the evolving needs of the community. The success of these initiatives will likely depend on public acceptance and continued improvements in safety and reliability.
The city is also monitoring passenger feedback and analyzing ridership data to identify areas for further improvement. This data-driven approach will be crucial in ensuring that the Han River Bus remains a viable and attractive transportation option for Seoul residents and visitors alike. The long-term sustainability of the project will hinge on its ability to overcome the challenges of the past and establish itself as a reliable and efficient component of the city’s public transportation network.
The next key development will be the completion of the remaining 24 safety upgrades slated for the first half of 2026. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has not yet announced a specific date for the completion of these upgrades, but officials have assured the public that they are committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences with the Han River Bus service in the comments below.