During a trial run ahead of its official launch, passengers aboard Seoul’s Hangang River Bus look out at the city as the ferry departs from Yeouido Pier en route to Jamsil Pier on July 1. / Reporter Moon Jae-won

“It’s more stable than I expected. Not bad at all. But when I think, ‘Could my daughter really take this to work every day?’ I’m not so sure.”

On July 1, a passenger aboard Seoul’s new Hangang River Bus fanned herself as she shared her thoughts. “It might be nice to ride with friends once the heat dies down,” she added. “But seriously, why is it so stuffy on this boat?”

Seoul’s Hangang River Bus began its first trial run on that day, carrying members of a citizen test group selected last month.

The ferry, carrying about 50 participants, departed from Yeouido, passed through Ttukseom, and reached Jamsil, completing the roughly hour-long journey.

Participants stepped out onto the deck to enjoy the views and take photos and videos. However, once official service begins, passengers will be prohibited from leaving their seats for safety reasons.

The ferry used for the trial has a capacity of 199 and is powered by a hybrid propulsion system that alternates between electric and diesel engines. The ride was notably smooth, with little vibration. Many test riders said the ferry felt stable and comfortable. One participant, Mr. Song, 66, said, “It was a relaxing ride with good views, and it felt very safe.”

However, engine noise increased toward the rear of the ferry, where the engine is located. A Seoul Metropolitan Government official from the Future Hangang River Headquarters said, “Of the 12 Hangang River Buses we plan to launch, 8 will use this electric-diesel hybrid system, while the remaining 4 will be fully electric. Electric boats will likely be quieter, but the hybrid ones will still produce some noise.”

The Hangang River Bus service is set to begin official operations in September. Two routes will be offered: a “regular” route connecting seven piers, including Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Oksu, Apgujeong, Ttukseom, and Jamsil, and an “express” route linking Magok, Yeouido, and Jamsil. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to utilize the Hangang River Bus service as a commuting transportation option.

The full trip on the regular route will take about 75 minutes, while the express will take 54 minutes, including boarding and disembarking time. On weekdays, services will run every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (arrival time). On weekends, operations will begin at 9:30 a.m. and run every 30 minutes until 10:30 p.m.

Still, many citizens remain skeptical about using the ferry service for daily commuting.

An office worker from Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, said, “The access from Yeouinaru Subway Station to the pier was fine, but I doubt many office workers could use this regularly, unless they live nearby.”

One major issue is the amount of time it takes to travel from a pier to nearby transit points. For example, walking from the final stop of the Jamsil pier to Jamsilsaenae Subway Station takes about 17 minutes. While Seoul’s Public Bike, “Ttareungyi,” is available nearby, it is not a viable option for those who cannot ride a bicycle.

A 73-year-old citizen from Bundang, Gyeonggi Province, said, “After trying it myself, I realized that getting to and from the pier takes quite some time, so I don’t think it’s suitable for commuting. But it’s cheap and fast, so I’d consider taking it for sightseeing with friends or when relatives visit from out of town.”

Fares for the Hangang River Bus service are set at 3,000 won one-way for adults, 1,800 won for teens, and 1,100 won for children. Riders with Seoul’s Climate Card can use the service unlimitedly all month long for an additional 5,000 won. Compared to existing Hangang River sightseeing cruises, the new service is significantly cheaper.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to gather feedback from the pilot operation and reflect as much of it as possible before the official launch. For instance, many testers complained that the cabin was too hot. The panoramic glass windows allow intense sunlight in, and the current air conditioning system is not sufficient to cool the space. The city plans to make technical improvements to improve the air conditioning issue.

Starting next month, Seoul will also recruit commuter-focused test groups to gather opinions specifically from users trying the service during rush hours. “We’re exploring various ways to integrate the Hangang River Bus service into the broader public transportation system so that it can serve as a practical commuting option,” a Seoul city official said.