Gwanak District Launches "Gang Gamchan Bus" Shuttle Service for Public and Cultural Facilities

Addressing Long-Standing Transportation Needs in Areas with Limited Public Transit Access

Gwanak District in Seoul (Mayor Park Junhee) has launched a pilot operation of the "Gang Gamchan Bus," a shuttle bus serving public cultural facilities, marking the beginning of efforts to address the long-standing transportation needs of residents in areas with limited public transit access.

Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak District, unveiling a commemorative banner with residents at the Gang Gamchan Bus test ride ceremony. Provided by Gwanak District.

On December 1, the district held the first test ride ceremony ahead of the official pilot operation of the Gang Gamchan Bus. The event was attended by 15 people, including Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak District, members of the National Assembly, district councilors, and resident representatives. Participants experienced the improved transportation convenience firsthand and inspected the site for safety and other operational aspects.

The route operated during this test ride covered the Nanhyang-dong area, connecting Hapsil Hill, Woorim Market, and Sillim Welfare Center. This route includes major public facilities such as two comprehensive social welfare centers and the Nangok Health Branch, as well as cultural sites like Gwanak Park Golf Course, Baesuji Park, and a children's park.

A resident representative who participated in the event commented, "There are many pedestrians and steep uphill roads, but the bus was operated skillfully and safely, so I felt reassured." The representative added, "Illegal parking is usually an issue in this area, but the introduction of the Gang Gamchan Bus route seems to have improved the situation."

The second test ride, scheduled for 4 p.m. on December 2, will cover Route 2 of the Gang Gamchan Bus, operating in the Namhyeon-dong area (from the entrance of Gwanaksan Mountain to Namhyeon-gil and Sadang Station). This route also enhances residents' accessibility to public facilities such as Yeochon Children's Park and the entrance to the Namhyeon-dong Community Center, as well as cultural sites like the House of Poet Seo Jeongju, Namseoul Museum of Art, and Namhyeon Art Garden.

After a month-long pilot operation in December, the district plans to improve the shuttle bus system and service quality based on resident feedback and begin full-scale operation next year.

Anyone visiting public cultural facilities in Gwanak District can install the Gang Gamchan Bus app and receive a QR code ticket to ride the bus for free. Transportation-vulnerable groups, such as seniors and people with disabilities who may have difficulty using mobile phones, can simply present their ID to the bus driver.

To support the operation of the Gang Gamchan Bus, the district established an institutional foundation by enacting the "Ordinance on the Operation of Shuttle Buses for Public Cultural Facilities" in the first half of the year. In September, the district secured the necessary funds through a supplementary budget and subsequently selected the name "Gang Gamchan Bus" through a public contest.

Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak District, stated, "As this is a public bus for residents in transportation-vulnerable areas, reflecting residents' opinions to enhance convenience and safety will contribute to the effective operation of the Gang Gamchan Bus. We will thoroughly review the operation system and on-site conditions to ensure the bus becomes a 'safe means of transportation' for residents when regular service starts next year."

Gang Gamchan Bus Route Map. Provided by Gwanak District.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.