Han River Bus Guide: Your Commute & Cruise Guide to Seoul's New River Transit (한강버스)

Tired of the endless traffic on Seoul's 강변북로 (Gangbyeonbuk-ro)?
Or just looking for a new, exciting way to explore the city?

Say hello to the Han River Bus, Seoul's brand-new 수상 대중교통 (river transit) that just launched today, September 18, 2025. It's more than just a boat ride; it’s a new solution for daily commuters and a unique way for expats and visitors to experience the city.

Whether you're new in town or just tired of crowded subways, this guide will show you how to ride the Han River Bus (한강버스) like a local. I'll cover everything you need to know, from its routes and fares to how to use it with your T-Money or Climate Card.

Let’s get ready to swap the road for the river and see Seoul from a whole new perspective.

What Makes the Han River Bus (한강버스) a Big Deal?

If you've been living in Seoul for a while, you know the morning commute can be a real challenge. The city’s main roads, like 강변북로 (Gangbyeonbuk-ro), are often packed with cars, turning what should be a short drive into a long, stressful journey.

This is where the Han River Bus (한강버스) comes in. It’s not just a new form of public transport; it’s a game-changer designed to ease that traffic nightmare and offer a refreshing new way to get around.

For commuters, the bus provides a scenic and reliable alternative. Imagine skipping the bumper-to-bumper traffic and enjoying a peaceful ride on the river instead. It’s a solution that saves time and reduces daily stress.

But it’s not just for people going to work. For anyone looking for a new experience, the Han River Bus offers a unique opportunity to see Seoul’s most famous landmarks, like Namsan Tower and the 63 Building, from a completely different viewpoint.

Whether you’re looking for a new way to commute or just want to enjoy a beautiful boat ride, the Han River Bus is a huge upgrade to city life.

Essential Info Before You Ride: Fares, Routes, and More

The Han River Bus (한강버스) has just started operating, so it's a good idea to know the basics before you go. This new system is expected to change and expand, so always check the official website for the latest updates.

Routes and Operating Hours

The bus currently runs along the Han River between Magok and Jamsil, stopping at a total of seven piers.

The full list of stops is: Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Oksu, Ttukseom, and Jamsil. Right now, the service starts at 11:00 AM and runs until 9:37 PM, with a new bus arriving roughly every 60 to 90 minutes.

They're planning to add more buses during rush hour after October 9, so keep an eye out for an expanded schedule if you plan to use it for your morning commute.

How Much Does It Cost to Ride the Han River Bus (한강버스)?

Paying for your ride is simple, but there's no option for cash. You’ll need a transportation card (like T-Money or a Korean credit/debit card) to pay your fare by tapping it at the pier. The fares are set by age, similar to the regular subway and bus system.

Adults: ₩3,000
Youth (ages 13-18): ₩1,800
Children (ages 6-12): ₩1,100

Ride the River: Han River Bus Official Site ➡︎

Pro Tips for Smart Riding (한강버스)

Knowing the basics is great, but here are some pro tips to make your Han River Bus (한강버스) experience even better. This is especially useful for foreigners, as some of the rules and systems can be a bit tricky.

T-Money vs. Climate Card: Which Is Right for You? (기후동행카드)

Most expats in Korea already have a T-Money card, which works perfectly fine for a single ride. But if you’re a resident who uses public transport a lot, you might have heard of the “Climate Card” (기후동행카드). This is a monthly pass that gives you unlimited access to Seoul's public transport (subway and bus) for ₩65,000 (mobile version is ₩62,000).

You should use a regular T-Money card if…

You only plan to ride the Han River Bus once or twice a month, maybe for a weekend outing.
You don’t take the subway or bus that often.

You should consider the Climate Card if…

You use public transport regularly.
You plan to use the Han River Bus for commuting. For an extra ₩5,000 a month, you can get unlimited rides on the river bus. This is a huge money saver if you use it more than twice a week.

The Current "No Reservation" Policy Explained

Some online posts might say that you can book a ticket online, but this isn't true for individual riders yet. Right now, the system is simple: you just go to the pier, and if there's a bus, you can get on. It works just like a regular bus or subway.

For Individuals: No need to reserve. Just show up and tap your card. Seats are first-come, first-served.
For Groups: If you're traveling with a large group, you can call the Han River Bus call center (02-2203-3450) to make a reservation.

Making Smart Transfers from the Subway and Bus

The Han River Bus piers are located on the riverside, so you’ll likely need to transfer from a subway or bus to get there. The good news is that the public transport transfer discount applies!

You can transfer from a subway or bus to the Han River Bus and get the transfer discount.
You can also transfer from the river bus to a subway or bus afterward and get the discount.

Just remember to always tap your card when you get on and off each mode of transport to ensure the transfer benefit is applied.

Pier Information & Accessibility

Getting to the Han River Bus (한강버스) pier is easy, especially since they are all connected to the city’s public transport system. Knowing the closest subway station or bus stop can save you a lot of time. Here is a brief guide to each of the seven piers:

Magok Pier (마곡나루)

This pier is conveniently located near Magongnaru Station (마곡나루역) on Subway Line 9 and the Airport Railroad Express (AREX). It's one of the easiest piers to access if you're coming from the western part of Seoul or Incheon International Airport.

Mangwon Pier (망원)

To get here, you can walk from Mangwon Station (망원역) on Subway Line 6. It's a great starting point for those wanting to explore the trendy Mangwon-dong area before or after their ride.

Yeouido Pier (여의도)

One of the most popular and central stops, this pier is a short walk from Yeouinaru Station (여의나루역) on Subway Line 5. It's perfect for travelers who want to see the Han River Park and the surrounding financial district.

Apgujeong Pier (압구정)

You can reach this pier from Apgujeong Station (압구정역) on Subway Line 3. Located in the heart of the fashionable Gangnam district, this stop is a great option for those who plan to shop or dine in the area.

Oksu Pier (옥수)

This pier is a bit of a walk from Oksu Station (옥수역) (Subway Lines 3 and Gyeongui–Jungang). The path offers some beautiful views of the river and is a good option for a scenic stroll.

Ttukseom Pier (뚝섬)

You can get to this pier by walking from Ttukseom Resort Station (뚝섬유원지역) on Subway Line 7. It's a popular spot with a large park and plenty of things to do, making it a perfect leisure destination.

Jamsil Pier (잠실)

This pier is a bit of a walk from Jamsilnaru Station (잠실나루역) on Subway Line 2. It’s the easternmost stop on the line and provides easy access to the Lotte World area and Olympic Park.

Best Time to Ride: Sunset Views, Smooth Commutes, and More

The Han River Bus (한강버스) can be more than just a commute—it can be a special part of your day. The best way to use it depends on what you're hoping to get out of your ride.

For Commuters

The Han River Bus (한강버스) is a promising solution for commuters. While the current operating hours begin at 11:00 AM, which might not be ideal for a typical 9-to-5 job, this is just the beginning.

The service plans to significantly expand its operating hours soon, including a dedicated rush-hour express service. This will make it an incredibly efficient and time-saving option for daily commutes, helping you avoid Seoul's infamous traffic jams.

So, even though it's a bit limited for now, the Han River Bus is on its way to becoming a perfect daily ride for a stress-free commute.

For Fun and Sightseeing

This is where the bus really shines. It's a fantastic way to see the city.

Daytime Ride: Enjoy a relaxing journey with cool breezes and a clear view of the city.
Evening Ride: Ride in the late afternoon to catch the sunset, and then see the beautiful city lights as the sun goes down. The night views from the river are spectacular and perfect for taking photos.

See When to Sail: Full Han River Bus Schedule ➡︎

Han River Bus F.A.Q. for Expats

Here are some answers to common questions about riding the Han River Bus (한강버스).

Q1. Can I pay with cash?

No, cash is not accepted. You must use a transportation card, like T-Money or a credit/debit card, to pay your fare.

Q2. Can I bring my pet?

Yes, you can bring pets as long as they are in a dedicated pet carrier. Service animals for the visually or hearing impaired are an exception and can board without a carrier.

Q3. Are there seats for wheelchair users?

Yes, the Han River Bus is designed with accessibility in mind. There are four dedicated spaces for wheelchairs on board, one at each side of the front and back of the vessel.

Q4. What should I do if I lose something on the bus?

The quickest way to find a lost item is to call the Han River Bus call center at 02-2203-3450. They can check if your item was found and arrange for you to pick it up.

Q5. Can I eat food or drinks on the bus?

Yes, you're allowed to have simple snacks and drinks on board. However, please be considerate of other passengers and avoid bringing anything with a strong smell, like instant noodles.

Q6. Is there a tourist-friendly single-ride ticket?

The city plans to install ticket machines at the piers where tourists can purchase a single-ride paper ticket with a card. This system is still in the works, so for now, using a transportation card is the only way to pay.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Ride the River

The Han River Bus (한강버스) is more than just a new way to get from A to B; it's a new opportunity to enjoy Seoul in a whole new way. Whether you're a commuter hoping to avoid traffic or an adventurer looking for a unique sightseeing experience, this new service offers a practical and exciting option.

With the upcoming expansion of the service and the possibility of a reservation system, it's bound to become an even more convenient part of Seoul's public transport system.

So, grab your T-Money card, check the schedule, and get ready to see the city from the water.

What’s Around? Pier Facilities & Nearby Perks ➡︎

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