Han River cruise gives different view of Seoul
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Passengers on a Hangang Ara Cruise enjoy a great view of Seoul from an open air deck. / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Governmen
By Kim Se-jeong
When it comes to river cruises, few would have even imagined the Han River until several years ago.
These days, Han River cruises are gaining attention from tourists who look for a fresh way to see Seoul.
The Hangang Ara Cruise, which is operated with a cruise ship owned by Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG), starts from Yeouido, the middle point of the river running through the city horizontally. The ride has two main routes: from Yeouido to Yanghwa Bridge in the west, and from Yeouido to Banpo Bridge in the east.
During the day, the cruise takes passengers to the west, via Bam Island and Seonyu Island to Yanghwa Bridge. Passengers can have a closer look at Hanwha 63 City building, LG Twin Towers and the National Assembly, and N Seoul Tower in the distance. The journey takes 40 minutes.
Bam Island is uninhabited as local authorities closed it off for conservation purposes. Passengers can have an up-close look at the island from the cruise ship. Seonyu Island is a nature park built in a former water treatment plant, and the fountain show off its shore is a must-see.
People enjoy a Tubester boat ride off Some Sevit near Banpo Bridge in the Han River. / Courtesy of Tubester Korea
The evening cruise is more popular with tourists due to the lights illuminating the city skyscrapers and bridges as well as on-board entertainment programs.
Evening cruise passengers are guided to see the eastern part of Seoul, until Banpo Bridge, via Some Sevit, or the three floating islands, Hangang Railway Bridge and Dongjak Bridge. The journey takes up to 90 minutes.
Dinner is served on board. Passengers can simply grab something from the bar and enjoy the night view from the deck. Those who want more entertainment with music and dance can choose to stay inside the cabin and enjoy diverse programs, including jazz and samul nori, a style of Korean percussion music.
The cruise is extremely popular during the fireworks festival in early October, offering an exclusive and privileged location to watch the show.
The daytime cruise costs 15,000 won, including taxes. Evening cruises start from 15,000 won as well, but if dinner or entertainment is included, the price can go up to 85,000 won.
Eland Cruise, a private company, also runs cruise programs with similar routes.
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Besides cruises, there are other ways to enjoy the river.
The most recently popular option is the Tubester, a floating tube-like boat capable of carrying up to six people.
Passengers can drive the boat on their own, and can take their own food and snacks, giving more freedom and privacy. A ride costs 30,000 won for 30 minutes or 45,000 won for an hour. The Tubester station is near Some Sevit. Visit