Seoul Hangang Bus 2026: Routes, Fares & How to Ride
Seoul added a water bus. It runs along the Han River, connects 8 piers from Magok to Jamsil, and costs ₩3,000 per ride. That’s the short version — here’s everything else you need to know.
What Is the Hangang Bus?
The Hangang Bus is Seoul’s river public transit system. It’s not a tourist cruise — it’s a functioning commuter route that happens to have a good view. Two routes run along the river: West (Magok ↔ Yeouido) and East (Yeouido ↔ Jamsil), covering 31.5km total. Yeouido is the transfer point between the two. The boats are hybrid-engine vessels — quiet, spacious, and fitted with large windows. Runs daily 11:00–21:28, 32 trips per day.
The Route & Stops
West Route: Magok → Mangwon → Yeouido
East Route: Yeouido → Apgujeong → Oksu → Seoul Forest → Ttukseom → Jamsil
Magok
Western terminus. Business district — less touristy, mostly used by commuters. Good starting point if you want to ride the full west route into Yeouido.
Mangwon
Local neighborhood feel. Mangwon Market is a short walk away — one of the few traditional markets in Seoul that still feels lived-in rather than tourist-facing.
Yeouido
The central hub and transfer point between the two routes. IFC Mall and The Hyundai Seoul are both walking distance. In spring, the cherry blossom path along Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the most photographed spots in Seoul.
Apgujeong
Gangnam side. Upscale shopping, Rodeo Street, Galleria Department Store nearby. Useful if you’re heading into that part of the city.
Oksu
Quieter residential area. If you want to get off and walk the river path without crowds, this is a good bet.
Seoul Forest
Access point for Seoul Forest Park — one of the city’s larger green spaces. Good for a midday stop if you want to walk around before continuing east.
Ttukseom
One of the most popular Han River parks on weekends. Lawn areas, rental bikes, outdoor pools in summer. Gets busy on Saturday afternoons.
Jamsil
Eastern terminus. Lotte World Tower is right here — 555 meters, observation deck on the 123rd floor. A solid way to arrive from the west side of the city.
How to Ride
Tickets
No reservation needed — tickets are first-come, first-served. Buy at the pier ticket booth when you arrive. Cash is not accepted. Payment is T-money card or app only. If you don’t have a T-money card yet, pick one up at any convenience store or subway station before heading to the pier.
Fares
- Adults: ₩3,000
- Teenagers: ₩1,800
- Children: ₩1,100
* Previously, the Climate Card (기후동행카드) also worked here — but that card is being discontinued on August 29, 2026, so T-money is now the standard option for most visitors.
Timetable
Runs daily 11:00–21:28, 32 trips per day. Same schedule on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays.
Journey Times
Yeouido ↔ Jamsil: approximately 80 minutes
Yeouido ↔ Apgujeong: approximately 40 minutes
Getting to the Pier
Piers are tucked inside Han River parks — not always easy to spot from the road. Search the pier name on Naver Map or Kakao Map and follow the walking path to the boarding gate. Don’t just navigate to the park entrance.
For Magok, Jamsil, and Apgujeong piers: free shuttle buses run between the pier and nearby subway stations every 15–30 minutes. Check the schedule posted at the pier entrance.
Best Views
Between Oksu and Seoul Forest, the boat passes directly under Seongsu Bridge. The yellow steel truss frames the skyline ahead — and on a clear day, Lotte World Tower is visible through the arch. It’s one of those views you can only get from the water.
Worth Knowing Before You Go
- Rush hours (morning and around 5–7 PM) get busy — this is a real commuter route, not just a tourist ride. Midday is the most relaxed time to board. On weekends and in summer, wait times can exceed an hour — plan accordingly.
- Onboard announcements are in Korean only. There’s no English PA system. Download the route map before boarding so you know which stop is yours.
- There’s a small café on board for snacks and drinks.
Official reference: Seoul Metropolitan Government – Hangang Bus