Seoul city to hike Han River ferry fares for weekends starting next year

The Seoul city government has decided to raise fares for its Han River ferry shuttle service on weekends and public holidays starting next year, aiming to distribute costs more effectively. The currently priced Hangang Bus service will increase from the current 3,000 won ($2.17) to approximately 5,000 to 10,000 won on weekends and holidays, the city announced on Thursday.

The ferry service, marking its first anniversary on Friday, connects key points along the Han River that winds through the capital and has carried over 600,000 passengers since its launch on September 18, 2025, according to the city government. The fare hike is planned because of higher demand for the service on weekends, a city official explained, stating that a final decision will be made in April next year after public hearings.

Mayor Oh Se-hoon revealed that the city also intends to add more piers and ferries to cut waiting times to 15 minutes and diversify routes with an express service. The government aims to turn the ferry service into a viable form of public transportation.