Han River ferry service expands with new Seoul Forest pier

The Han River ferry service will expand its reach with the addition of a new pier at Seoul Forest, commencing operations on June 8 and continuing through late October. This development ensures the continuation and potential expansion of the ferry service, a signature initiative championed by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, following his recent election victory.

The new Seoul Forest pier will integrate into the existing eastern route, which now spans from Jamsil to Ttukseom, Seoul Forest, Oksu, Apgujeong, and Yeouido. The ferry will operate 16 times daily, providing convenient access for citizens to the Seoul International Garden Show, currently underway in the Seoul Forest, Han River, and Seongsu-dong areas. This event, spread over 180 days, features 167 gardens across approximately 710,000 square meters.

Seoul City reports a significant increase in ferry ridership, with May recording over 91,000 passengers, a nearly 19% rise from April and a new monthly record. The city anticipates further growth with the launch of the Seoul Forest pier. Safety measures, including precise depth surveys and navigation channel widening, have been completed to accommodate the expanded service.

Despite the growing popularity, the ferry's primary function remains debated. While Mayor Oh promotes it as a "Charming Seoul" project, critics like Jung Kang-ho previously argued for reallocating its budget to youth housing support. The service currently leans more towards leisure and tourism than daily commuting, prompting ongoing discussions within the city council about its purpose and financial justification as a public transport versus a tourism infrastructure.

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Charming Seoul