Seoul's commuter ferries mark one year, 600,000 passengers
When the Hangang Bus launched last September, skeptics questioned whether a fleet of ferries could transform into a legitimate leg of public transit in a city already serviced by one of the world's most extensive subway networks. One year in, municipal officials say the bold experiment is proving its worth on the water. More than 600,000 passengers have boarded the Hangang Bus since its inaugural…
Last September, the Hangang Bus began operating as a fleet of ferries aimed at becoming a key part of public transit in Seoul, a city already well-served by the world's most extensive subway system. Despite initial skepticism, the service has proven its value. As of Thursday, the Hangang Bus has carried over 600,000 passengers since its first trip on September 18, 2025.
The launch faced a period of adjustments and safety improvements, but these have paid off. Once operations resumed fully on March 1, ridership surged, with nearly 500,000 passengers utilizing the ferries by early April. The busiest month was August, when over 89,000 people chose the riverfront commute over crowded trains and congested bridges.
Crucially, the reliability of the service has improved significantly. On-time performance reached 99.3 percent in July, an increase from 97.7 percent in March, indicating that crew and terminal staff have become more adept at managing the urban waterway's demands.
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- Seoul's commuter ferries mark one year, 600,000 passengers koreatimes.co.kr
