Seoul to begin trial rides for Han River ferry in July

Seoul will begin recruiting participants for trial rides on the Han River ferry, an environmentally friendly water transit service set to launch in September.

 
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Monday that starting July 1, citizens and tourists can apply to take part in the trial, which will run through Aug. 30. 

The Han River ferry is the city’s first water-based public transportation system along the river and will stop at seven piers — Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Oksu, Apgujeong, Ttukseom and Jamsil — covering a route of approximately 31.5 kilometers (19.6 miles). An express service connecting Magok, Yeouido and Jamsil will also be operated. 

 
“The Han River ferry was introduced to improve transportation convenience for citizens and enhance the city’s global competitiveness by creating a new tourism resource,” the city said in a statement. 

 
The service was first unveiled at a launch ceremony held on Nov. 25 last year. Since then, the vessels have passed safety and performance tests by the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority. Trial runs with experts and emergency response drills have also been conducted. 

 
Two completed vessels will be used for the trial period. When the service officially launches in September, 10 vessels will be in operation, with two additional boats on standby, bringing the total fleet to 12. 

Applications for the trial ride open on Monday via the official ride application website. Participation is free and open to Seoul residents as well as domestic and international tourists. Rides will be offered every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during the trial period. 

Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-06-24/national/socialAffairs/

Comprehension

What is the purpose of the Han River ferry?
When does the trial period start and end?
How many stops will the ferry make along the river?
What are the names of the ferry stops mentioned in the article?
What kind of tests were done before the ferry trial?
How many vessels will be used during the trial period?
How many vessels will operate once the service launches officially?
Who can apply to ride the ferry during the trial period?

Discussion

Would you like to ride a ferry on the Han River? Why or why not?
Do you think water transportation is a good idea in a city?
What are some benefits of using environmentally friendly transport?
What other places in your country could use a ferry service?
How can public transportation improve life in a city?
Would you prefer a ferry, subway, or bus for daily travel? Why?
What do you think about trying new transportation before it is officially launched?
If you could design a ferry route in your city, where would it go?
How important is safety testing for public transportation?
What kind of transportation do tourists enjoy the most in your city?

Vocabulary

Ferry – a boat used to carry people or vehicles across water
Environmentally friendly – not harmful to the environment
Trial – a test period to try something before it becomes official
Route – the path or direction of travel
Pier – a platform at the edge of water for boats to stop
Express service – a faster transportation option with fewer stops
Fleet – a group of vehicles or boats owned by one company or service
Drill – a practice activity to prepare for an emergency