Hangang Bus Draws Over 70,000 Passengers in April, Setting Monthly Record

Weekend Ridership Up 15% Compared to Early April
8,897 Passengers Last Weekend... Total Expected to Reach 75,000
Temporary Seoul Forest Dock to Open for International Garden Expo

The number of passengers using the Hangang Bus in April surpassed 70,000. This marks the highest monthly ridership, and the number of users continues to increase steadily with the arrival of the prime outing season.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on April 29, the total number of passengers over the past weekend (April 25–26) was 10,247 (5,035 on Saturday and 5,212 on Sunday), representing an increase of approximately 15.2% compared to the first weekend of April, which had 8,897 passengers.

Citizens visiting the Hangang River Bus Pier in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

From April 1 to April 27, the number of passengers over the course of about one month exceeded 70,000. This is the highest monthly ridership since operations began. With three days of service remaining, the total is expected to surpass 75,000 passengers. The highest daily ridership was recorded on Sunday, April 26, with 5,212 passengers. In March, the total number of passengers was 62,491.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will operate a temporary dock near Seoul Forest starting from May 20, in line with the International Garden Expo held at Seoul Forest beginning May 1. A special direct route connecting Yeouido Dock and Seoul Forest Dock for the International Garden Expo is also planned.

The temporary dock at Seoul Forest will open an area previously used exclusively by Seoul’s official vessels to the general public, aiming to improve convenience for visitors to Seoul Forest. Additionally, a garden linking the dock and Seoul Forest will be created to provide a relaxing space for visitors. Facilities such as the Seongsu Cloud Bridge will be improved, and pedestrian paths will be renovated to enhance user convenience.

In response to the increase in ridership, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is also reviewing measures to boost revenue from auxiliary facilities (such as cafes, chicken pubs, and convenience stores) as well as plans to expand advertising and events to improve profitability in the future. Park Jinyoung, head of the Future Hangang Headquarters at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "With the Hangang Bus recording the highest monthly number of users, it is establishing itself as a water transportation option that meets both daily commuting and tourism demands. Starting in May, we will further enhance convenience for citizens by opening a temporary dock so that people can visit the International Garden Expo at Seoul Forest via the Hangang Bus."

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