Seoul's Hangang Bus at One Year: A River Leg for Asian Groups
15 October 2026 · Explera DMC · 3 min read
The short answer
The Hangang Bus is Seoul's public commuter ferry on the Han River. It started on 18 September 2025, passed 600,000 riders a year later and stops at seven piers from Magok to Jamsil. For agents across Asia, Explera DMC uses it as a short river leg for small groups or as a free-time tip, not as a charter.
Seoul now has a scheduled ferry on the Han River, and it has just finished its first year. Our Korea team covers the service in its briefing on the Hangang Bus for small groups. This note is for agencies and tour operators across Asia that build Seoul days for their clients.
What Is the Hangang Bus?
A city commuter service. It is a public ferry that runs to a timetable, not a sightseeing cruise.
Seven piers. Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Oksu, Ttukseom and Jamsil, from the west of the city to the south-east.
A first year with a pause. Service began on 18 September 2025. After a boat ran aground near Jamsil in November 2025, the city made safety changes and the full route reopened on 1 March 2026.
Ridership. Seoul city data put cumulative ridership above 600,000 by mid-September 2026, most of it after the March reopening. On-time performance rose from 97.7% in March to 99.3% in July.
The red-pillared halls of a royal palace in Seoul on a clear day. A palace morning can end with a short river leg in the afternoon.
How Can Agents Use It in a Group Programme?
As a short leg for small groups. A sailing between two piers, such as Yeouido and Jamsil, can replace part of a coach transfer and shows the city from the water.
As a free-time tip. Clients on their own between programme days can use it like any other public transport.
Not as a charter. We have found no group charter product. When a group wants its own boat, we book a Han River cruise instead.
Not for large groups. The boats are shared with commuters, so big groups stay on a coach and take a chartered cruise.
What Should Agents Check Before Selling It?
The timetable for your date. Departures change by season, so we confirm them close to travel.
Rush hours. We avoid commuter peaks so the group is not split across boats.
Weather. Sailings can be suspended when river conditions are poor, so the coach stays on standby.
Fares. We do not print fares here. Weekend and holiday fares are under review by the city, so we quote the leg inside the full programme.
A traditional pavilion on an island in a palace pond in spring, reflected in the still water, with mountains behind. Seoul days mix heritage sites with time outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hangang Bus in Seoul?
A public commuter ferry on the Han River. It began on 18 September 2025 and carried more than 600,000 passengers in its first year.
Where does the Hangang Bus stop?
At seven piers: Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Oksu, Ttukseom and Jamsil.
Can a tour group charter the Hangang Bus?
We have found no charter product. It is a scheduled public service. For a private sailing, Explera DMC books a Han River cruise.
Is the Hangang Bus a good fit for large groups?
It suits small groups and free time better. Boats are shared with commuters and sailings can stop in bad weather, so large groups stay on a coach with a chartered cruise.
Our Korea team plans Seoul days with coaches, guides, river cruises and advice on free time, and quotes them inside the full programme.
Write to b2b@explera.kr or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.
