cruise han river

[Seoul Yeouido] Eland Hangang River Cruise

Option and inclusions, information, refund policy, guide language.

• 1. You can enjoy the day or night view of the Han River on board
• 2. Take memorable photos with family, lover, or friends at light tunnel shining E-land Cruise areas, light trees, cherry blossoms, various photo zones
• 3. After getting off, we recommend you to enjoy leisure time having Chimaek (a pairing of fried chicken and beer) at Han River Park in Yeouido

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Date & time, option details.

What if you want to have the most romantic, memorable, and unforgettable experience in Seoul?

We recommend you to enjoy the day or night views and scenery of Han River, a center of Seoul. Leave fantastic memories with your loved ones watching the scenery of Han River and Seoul under the blue sky by day! Make an unforgettable moment as you board a cruise! 

Hangang Tour Cruise (40 Minutes)

• Course:  Yeouido-Seogang bridge/Dongjak bridge-Yeouido (※ Please note that the course may change depending on the Month/Time)

• Viewpoint : Yeouido, Bamseom Island, National Assembly

[April~June]

• Mon : 15:00 / 16:00  (40') • Tues ~ Fri 11:30 / 13:00 / 15:00 / 16:00  (40') • Weekends (Sat, Sun), Public holidays 11:30 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00

Sunset Cruise (40 minutes)

• Course:  Yeouido-Seogang bridge-Yeouido or Yeouido-Dongjak bridge-Yeouido

(※ Please note that the course may change depending on the sunset)

• Recommend view spot: Yeouido, Bamseom Island, National Assembly

• Operation period : (Feb~Oct) 18:00 / (Nov~Jan) 17:00

Moonlight Cruise (70 minutes)

• Course: Yeouido- Banpo bridge-Yeouido

• Recommend view spot : Sebit Doongdoong Island, Dalbit Nodeul, Banpo bridge

• Operation time : Apr ~ Nov 19:00, 20:30 / Dec ~ Mar 19:30

Starlight Cruise (50 minutes)

• Course: Yeouido- Seogang bridge -Yeouido

• Recommend view spot: National Assembly, Night view of Yeouido

• Operation time : Apr ~ Nov 22:00 / Dec ~ Mar 21:00

Fireworks Music Cruise (70 minutes)

• Course : Yeouido - Banpo bridge - Yeouido

• Operation time : Friday 20:30 

※ July is a rainy season with heavy rain, so we do not operate Fireworks Music Cruise. It will operate as Moonlight Cruise in July. (Fireworks Cruise will re-operating in August.)

1. Reserve and purchase the desired cruise option and  Check mobile voucher or email voucher.

2. Arrive E-land Cruise Ticket Office 15 minutes before the reservation time on the day of reservation.

※ Voucher will be sent after the booking is confirmed.

3. Present the voucher at the ticket office and fill out the boarding report .

4. Board on E-land Cruise! 

•  Location of Ticket Office: Get off of Exit 3 of Yeouinaru Station (Subway line 5) and go down to the Han River Park → Ticket office is located on the stairs before the dock. 

• Search  " Eland Cruise Ticket Office"  on Google Map.

Address: 86-5 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Korea 

After entering Yeouido Hangang Park Parking Lot 1, go straight and park in the dedicated cruise area (free parking)

*Please note that on weekends and during the Spring Flower Festival in April, the surrounding roads and parking lots are very congested, so please use public transportation whenever possible.

1. You must bring your passport.

2. If your reservation cannot be made at a desired date and time, our CS Team will contact you via email.

3. Cruise operation dates may vary / be canceled depending on the cruise or weather conditions. In this case, our CS Team will contact you via email.

4. Please go to the E-land Ticket Office and fill out the boarding report first, and redeem a physical ticket after checking your Id Card (Please note that a mobile ticket is not allowed due to checking your identification).

5. Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show is operated only from April to October. It can be canceled due to bad weather or Seoul City conditions without prior notice.

6. Please note that during the COVID period, available boarding pax may be changed according to the safety reason and check vaccination is done or not on-site. 

7. Electric wheelchairs, electric strollers are not allowed (folding ones can be folded and boarded)

8. On weekends and during the April Spring Flower Festival, the surrounding roads and parking lots are very congested and parking takes a lot of time, so please use public transportation. (If you are unable to board on the day due to parking and traffic difficulties, you cannot cancel or change your reservation). 

9. Please check your reservation date and product carefully, and be sure to read the detailed notes on usage. (Access to Yeouido Pier / Information on ID / Usage Guidelines and Cancellation Policy)

Q. I want to see Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show. Which cruise should I take?

A. You can watch Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show on Music Cruise or Fireworks Cruise.

- Cancellation by 16:00 (KST) 2days before reservation date: 100% refundable

- Afterwards & No-show:   No Refund

Recent reviews (22)

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• Yeouido Han River Ferry Terminal near Yeouinaru station (Line 5)
• Han River Cruise
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[Eland Cruise] Story Cruise

$  18.3

• This is for FOREIGNERS ONLY
• This is price for Adults & Teenagers
• Children (36 months- 12 years): $ 9.5
• No charge for under 36 months  *ID verification
• Passport/Embarkation card needed

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• Booking Process

Yeouido – Dangsan Railway Bridge – Yeouido (40 minutes)

• See Han river day view
• Have fun feeding seagulls (Additional charge for Seagull snacks)
• Enjoy the live guitar performance (Note that it is not included in 11:30 departure)

Hangang River Ferry Cruise began operations on October 26, 1986, traversing the heart of Seoul between east and west. The operation company, E-Land Cruise, aims to develop a cruise theme park at Hangang River as the iconic attraction representing Seoul. It also aims to promote and familiarize Hangang River to international tourists as a world famous attraction. Visitors and Seoul residents alike can take a break from the busy urban atmosphere and enjoy a relaxing time while on the cruise.

E-Land Cruise currently operates two terminals and 7 docks in Yeouido, Jamsil, Ttukseom, Jamdubong, Seonyudo, Seoul Forest, Gimpo, and Incheon.

www.elandcruise.com  (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese)

Show email voucher/ Show your mobile and Embarkation Card at the Ticket Office

Address : 290 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 290 (여의도동) 한강유람선 선착장

Subway : Yeouinaru station, Exit 3, walking 3-5 min to the right along Han river

Reservation is available via website.

* Group reservation (10 or more people) is available. Contact us via our email.  (Click here)

[Yeouido Ferry Dock] Story Cruise: Yeouido – Dangsan Railway Bridge – Yeouido (40 minutes)

See Han river day view Have fun feeding seagulls (Additional charge for Seagull snacks) Enjoy the live guitar performance (Note that it is not included in 11:30 departure)

Please arrive at Ticket Office at least 30 minutes in advance . The cruise will depart on time and if you are late, we will consider it as cancellation and there will be no refund.

You must bring your passport and Embarkation Card . (We will send it to you via email. When you book, please write down on Order Note  your Phone number and Nationality)

100% refund: 2 days before the departure (KST) 0% refund: 1 day before the departure (KST)

Please note that we are not responsible for 5% paypal commission fee. Even for 100% refund, you will not be able to get refund for the 5% paypal commission fee.(KST)

If you need to change the date, please cancel and make a new booking. Regular cancellation policy will be applied. *If cancelled by cruise company, 100% refund will be issued*

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1. You need to log in first.

2. Choose date and number of tickets.

3. Choose your option. (If there is one)

4. Payment can be done by PayPal.

5. Check your email voucher. (Confirmation within 1 business day)

6. Show your voucher at Ticket Office.

9 reviews for [Eland Cruise] Story Cruise

Asmae and Leila – 2022년 March 1일

Beyond my expectations ! everything was perfect thank you a lot

Lilianne – 2023년 February 8일

The cruise was perfect thanks Etour!

Chloe – 2023년 February 8일

I really appreciated to naviguate in Han river, i recommend !

Mireille – 2023년 March 2일

I had a great time, it was very funny to feed the seagulls!

Chris – 2023년 March 2일

A beautiful cruise, my wife and I had a great time!

Xavier – 2023년 March 13일

Very interesting cruise, I learned a lot of things!

Hugh – 2023년 March 13일

Wow really awesome!

Lola – 2023년 March 13일

Very nice cruise, my sister loved it and me too!

Lily – 2023년 March 13일

I had a good time, too bad I discovered at that moment that I was seasick!

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Living and traveling in Korea

10 Ways To Enjoy the Han River

The Han River, known as the Hangang in Korean, is an iconic natural symbol that runs through the center of the capital city of Seoul, South Korea. The construction projects that began in the 1980s to give the Han River a needed makeover have been extremely successful and now there are plenty of things visitors can do to enjoy the scenic waterway. Throughout the year the Han River parks beckon with bike paths, pedestrian friendly walkways, concerts, and more.

There is a ton to do for solo travelers, couples, and families from picnicking in one of 11 Han River Parks to swimming, sailing, and games along the banks of this massive river. However long your trip to Korea is, you need to have at least one visit to the Han River.

Don’t be left out. Here are 10 ways to experience and enjoy the Han River from summer to winter:

What to know about the Han River

• Visit one of the beautiful parks
• Take a bike ride
• Enjoy a dip in the water
• Take a ferry river cruise
• Cross as many bridges as you can
• Take a walk or jog
• Have a picnic
• Sail a boat
• Take a water taxi

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

The Han River is a large body of water that flows through the heart of Seoul. An iconic symbol of the capital of South Korea, it’s beautiful but also holds historical value. When people talk about the Han River or where they live in Seoul, they often talk about it in reference to the river, north of the Han or south of the Han. North of the river you’ll find older buildings and establishments while south of the river is newer but the entire city embraces this central waterway.

What to do at the Han River 

1. Visit one of the beautiful parks

If you don’t want to actually touch the water but you’re just looking for a good place to view the river from, there are eleven parks that provide the scenery from a nice dry place. Though the river is lined with greenery, these eleven parks provide sporting facilities, ecological education zones and other specialty areas. Try to visit all eleven if you can.

The 11 Han River parks include: Gwangnaru Hangang Park, Jamsil Hangang Park, Ttukseom Hangang Park, Jamwon Hangang Park, Ichon Hangang Park, Banpo Hangang Park, Mangwon Hangang Park, Yeouido Hangang Park, Nanji Hangang Park, Gangseo Hangang Park, Yanghwa Hangang Park. Learn more about these parks and see which is the best one for you to start out in by checking out this massive guide with all of the info and directions: The Hangang Parks: A Guide To The 11 Han River Parks in Seoul, Korea

2. Take a bike ride

Join the bike enthusiasts, bike club members and everyone else on a bike cruising along the waterfront this summer. The paths are paved and the tires have been pumped so, what are you waiting for?

With 80 kilometers, 40 on the north side and 40 on the south side, of bike paths along the Han River, biking is a must experience when visiting the Han River. There are also numerous bike rental kiosks along the river if you don’t have a bike of your own.

3. Enjoy a dip in the water

No, I’m not promoting swimming in the Han River. In fact, let me clarify for anyone that may misunderstand. Due to a strong current, I am not saying anyone should take a dive in the Han River. However, that being said, there are seven swimming pools on the banks of the Han River that provide good clean fun along with a great view of the quick moving river nearby and there is where you should be swimming during the summer.

For a pool that is a bit lesser known but offers that infinity pool experience on the Han River for cheap, check out the Nanji Han River Infinity Pool. This is an awesome budget friendly swimming pool that we love to frequent in the summer but there are plenty to choose from! This is a very small kid friendly pool as well as it slopes out and isn’t too deep.

If you really do want to dip your toes in the Han River, you can though! There are some water sports that happen right on the river. In the Ttukseom Han River Park, visitors can kayak ! From the same park, you could also try windsurfing or paddle boarding   and those aren’t even all of the options. Because the riverside is so accessible, water activities like swan boats, water skiing, and wake boarding have become popular too.

4. Take a ferry river cruise

What better way to see the river than taking a ride on it? The cruise service offers everything from a general back and forth no-fuss-no-muss tour to a romantic dinner-with-your-lover cruise which is perfect for Valentine’s Day in Seoul . From morning into the evening you can see the city under the shining sun or watch as the city lights start to glimmer underneath the dark sky above.

With cruises that range in price from just W12,000 to W65,000, there’s a ship for anyone from the budget traveler to the big spender.

How to book a Han River Cruise

Get tickets: Reserve tickets on Klook or on Trazy . Not only do you get a discount when you book here, but you can also make sure the date you want isn’t booked up. 

PRO TIP: Birds often fly behind these boats and if you toss some of the snacks they have on board up, you’ll be able to get a fun shot of the birds above you on the back of the ship. If you don’t like birds.. maybe don’t go to the back of the ship where others will likely be doing this.

5. Cross as many bridges as you can

Thirty bridges span the Han River and wouldn’t it be fun to say you walked, jogged, biked, trained it or drove across every single one? Maybe that’s just a fun thing in my head. Either way, it’s something that can be done when talking Han River adventures. If you want to start with the oldest bridge in Seoul, head for the Yangwha Bridge and begin your journey.

One that is especially fun to cross especially at night is Banpo Bridge. If you visit at the right time, you can see the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Show ( 반포대교 달빛무지개분수). The Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Show is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest bridge fountain in the world and measures 1,140 meters long. 60 tons of water is sprayed out into the Han River every minute that the Rainbow Fountain is operating.

The fountains are NOT small by any means. The water jets out 43 meters from the bridge before falling 20 meters back down to to the river. The fountain is programmed to play different shows during the day and the night. The program during the day shows a hundred different configurations to evoke waving willow branches and leaves while the program during the night features rainbow colored jets of water synchronized with music, which is why the bridge is the most famous.

6. Go camping

There are four major camping sites within Seoul but only one of them sits on the edge of the Han River. The Nanji Campground near Worldcup Stadium in Sangam-dong provides a nearby ecological park and swimming pool as well as baseball diamonds to enjoy while also camping out and enjoying the view. This is technically the only overnight camping site on the Han Riverside. Yes, most Koreans take a tent with them when they head to the river throughout the summer to be used for shade, but come evening, they pack up and leave.

7. Take a walk or jog

If biking isn’t for you, the paths along the Han River are just as friendly to the meandering walker or the go-get’um jogger. Bring some comfy shoes and hit the road. There are convenience stores right along the paths, children’s parks, skate parks , ecological parks and more to enjoy too so maybe taking your time and jogging or walking is the way to go in order to see all of the sights along the way. Or head to one of the parks that is outfitted with various art installations like Ichon Han River Park or the Yeouido Han River Park. There’s something to see while you run!

8. Have a picnic

The Han River is lined with parks galore. If you’re not so much into activity and you’d prefer to people watch, having a picnic is the way to go and in the summer the Han River is THE place to be. Everyone will be there and if you don’t want to pack the food to take it, not to worry, you can even have food delivered to you! It’s definitely something to experience.

Bicycle riding delivery men will be able to find you with little more than a, “we’re sitting next to the tree to the left of the children’s park near the Mangwon station entrance.” Take some friends and a blanket and you’ll be good to go for hours. Don’t have a tent.. a blanket.. or any camping necessity? Let Trazy help you out. They provide a tent, blanket, mat, chairs, lights and more if you want to have the camping experience without buying all of the stuff.

Want to have a picnic with an awesome view? Don’t miss the massive Yeouido Fireworks Festival which happens the first weekend in October each year. This is a huge festival, so if you want to check it out, make sure you know all of the tips and tricks so you don’t end up packed in a subway car like a sardine! T he Yeouido Fireworks Festival is amazing , if you know how to see it.

9. Sail a boat

The 700 Yacht Club in Nanji, the Seoul International Yacht Club in Jamwon and the Seoul Marina in Yeouido provide boats, classes and even skippers for those with some cash to burn. If you wish to sail your own boat, make sure to sign up for lessons before you hope to  head out because not just anyone can hit the water with their very own ship. Take advantage of this lesser known activity on the Han River this summer!

From Some Sevit in the Banpo Han River Park, visitors can take a ride on a yacht, a limousine boat, a Cinderella boat, and more. There are plenty of options for an awesome ride with friends or family and unforgettable views.

Get tickets:  Reserve your own yacht ride on Trazy and get a discount.

10. Take a water taxi

Places to go? People to see? Taxis aren’t always the most convenient form of transportation in this city of millions so when the roads are congested and the cars are moving at a snail’s pace, why not hail a water tax i ? With 11 ferry points along the river, you could get from here to there and manage to enjoy the view on the way. The water taxis can seat up to 8 people and the more that ride, the less it’ll cost. The next time you want to get from here to there and you want to try something new, definitely hail a water taxi.

Hop On/ Hop Off Bus:  If you’ll be traveling via the Seoul City Hop On/Hop Off Bus, know that it also stops here. You can buy the ticket for this bus here . And to get more information about the bus, here is a guide to the Hop On/ Hop Off Bus In Seoul .

These are just some of the ways that you can enjoy the Han River in the spring, summer, winter or fall. Get out there and take advantage of the beauty that the natural symbol of Seoul offers.

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25 comments.

Owo, i just got so much Information about han river just reading this article. I ddint know many things about han river like water taxi, ferry travel, water surfing and so on, though have been there over three times. Thanks foe righting in depth of Han river.

Definitely! There is SO MUCH to do on the Han River. Hope you can go back and experience more of the fun there. ^^

Wow! There’s definitely a lot of ways to enjoy Han River. Thank you! What I really want to experience is the Han River Cruise.

Agness of eTramping

The Han River seems like a once in a lifetime experience, Hallie! Thanks for motivating and inspiring with each post!

Thanks for the comment. It is amazing. I hope you can visit and enjoy it like I do. ^^

When I first read “swimming”, I immediately thought, “What? Ew. No way, really?” But then you clarified it! Swimming in a swimming pool right off it sounds like fun.

I grew up near a really wide river, it was just across the road from the building where I lived. I love cities that have some water bodies. And I love spending my time near water. One more reason to visit Seoul!

everyfootstepanadventure

I love these ideas! The Han River looks like a fun place to enjoy the outdoors!

Paige Wunder

I love that Seoul saw the value in the river and started cleaning it up and giving it a makeover. I would be all about biking and picnicking by it! I looks like it’s a nice quiet place to escape from the city!

The Han river at night is also really nice. I went on a tour with a local agency called onedaykorea to see the best nights view of Seoul and i saw among others the Han river. It was stunning, so don’t hesitate and go there at night it is more quiet and you enjoy the view.

Great tip Stephany. Thanks for the comment. ^^

Hi Hallie. I saw some pictures of the Hangang bridge from above. The night view is particularly amazing. I did some research and found a short clip on youtube where some people went up to a look out point behind what looked like a residential area. The night view of the Hangang bridge and Seoul was beautiful from that spot. I can’t find any information on where that spot is or even how to get there. I plan to visit Seoul sometime in the fall and would love to go there if I could. Do you happen to know where I’m talking about? Can you please help me? Thank you very much and I’ve enjoyed reading your posts!

Do you have a link to the clip you’re talking about? It would give me a better idea of the location. If I had to hazard a guess, since the neighborhood to the north of the bridge is Yongsan-gu and Yongsan is set on a mountain, I would imagine it’s from a look-out in that neighborhood but any other info you have would help me narrow it down.

Hi Hallie, Here’s the clip I’ve found on Youtube. Thanks for your help! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu-4m_04D-U

Have a wonderful weekend! Dianne

Hi Hallie, I found out the name of the place is Dragon Pavilion Park Observatory. However, I still can’t find any information about it or how to get there! 🙁

Hi Dianne, yeah, I hadn’t gotten a chance to watch that video, but it actually says in Korean where they are at the bottom when they first arrive there. ^^

There really isn’t much info about it in English, but the pavilion sits in a little park with some Korean traditional buildings just outside of Heukseok subway station, exit 1. The park area is called Hyosajung which you probably won’t be able to find much info for in English either. But if you walk straight out of exit 1, it’s a rather short distance and will come up on your right. It looks like you’ll see some traditional buildings or a temple/shrine area first and then you walk up a bit to the pavilion to get that view that you’re seeking. Hope that helps.

That’s wonderful! I’m sure I’ll be able to find it with your directions. Thank you so much for your help!!!

Do the water taxis still run. I live near one dock and don’t recall having ever seen one. That linked article is from way back in 2007.

Sorry for the late reply. Meant to look up info last week. After a quick naver search, they are running but it seems some locations work on the same system as a call taxi. So they aren’t just waiting around there. They’ll be at the high frequency locations but can come to any of the docks available for the taxis.

Thanks for looking. should do it one day just for fun.

Wonderful tips, Hallie! I’m a bike lover so I’ll definitely give it a try! But I’ve never heard of water taxis – what I’m thinking about now are those gondolas and I guess that moving with such a water taxi will be quite a fun!

I think the water taxis are more like propellor boats. I don’t think gondolas would have an easy time crossing the Han River. It’s pretty massive. That would be interesting to see though.

Shelley @Travel-Stained

Great list! Biking and running next to the Han are 2 of my all-time favourite activities. Honestly, I don’t know how I survived living so far from it before. 🙂

I agree. I’ve lived within a 10-15 minite walk of the river for 7 of my 8 years here. I can’t believe I haven’t taken a ferry yet. I did not realize they were so reasonably priced. ^^

Lol, I haven’t been on one of those yet either! Maybe we should go…?

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What to Expect on a Han River Cruise

One of the cool ways to enjoy Seoul’s main river is cruising right on it. Here’s what to expect with a Han River ferry cruise !

One of the last days I had during my trips to Korea was spent on a short little cruise along the Han through Trazy . I went with my friend, Marie, and we were hoping to see some pretty night views of the city.

The Han is the main river the runs through Seoul, and I actually haven’t spent nearly as much time near it as you’d think! I remember one specific time as a student ordering chicken with friends watching the Banpo light show, but that was quite a while ago now. So I was pretty excited to do a little cruise thanks to Trazy and spend some more time on the river!

Trazy is an English-friendly booking service that I’ve mentioned on here quite a few times. They often have discount tickets for many attractions around Korea as well as full on tours.

Our cruise was split into two parts. The light show, which starts around 8:00 pm and then the music performance, which starts at 8:10 pm. I think it all lasts until about 9:00 pm before bringing you back to where you started.

I’m going to be honest — the day I went on this cruise, I was dealing with the worst of my fever. I literally felt like I was in a medicated daze the whole day. On top of that, I mistakenly thought we were on the buffet cruise , so I came starving. Don’t do this. There are some food options on board, but it’s mostly snacks and drinks at their mini cafe.

I should also add, Seoul was going through another big cold front, so it was actually quite freezing at night, despite it being mid-April. I’m guessing because of how cold it was, they also didn’t do the normal Banpo Bridge light show, which is usually the highlight of the night cruises. We only went on deck for about 10 minutes and instead stayed inside where it was much cozier and we could see the views from the window.

I will say I really liked the music performance, and I don’t really enjoy live music unless I’m at a festival or concert. It wasn’t overwhelmingly loud, and the music was nice. They even played “Cherry Blossom Ending” and finished with “Arirang.”

All in all, it was a bit of a trifecta for me in terms of being sick, being cold, and being hungry, which are all three things you’ll hopefully avoid. I’d say check the weather when booking because spring in Seoul is so touchy! It was warm enough that I was in a T-shirt in Lotte World and then shivering on this night cruise only three days later!

How to Book

You can get your tickets at the terminal, but it’s much easier to book ahead. I’d get the Han River E-land Ferry Cruise tickets here as it’s also a slight discount.

How to Get There

The terminal is near Yeouinaru Station, Exit 3. You’ll see signs for it and, of course, cruise ships are kind of hard to miss! When you get your tickets, don’t forget to fill out an “Embarkation” card beforehand in the area right before the booth.

Also, because the terminal is in Yeouido, we got to see some of the cherry blossoms there at night! Little bonus if you go in mid-April.

And there you have it! All you need to know about cruising the Han River at night. Have you been? What did you think? I’d like to do it again, maybe in warmer weather, so I can see the light show!

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I was given tickets courtesy of Trazy. However all opinions are my own.

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🥁  Festivals ( Seoul • Busan )

Han River (Hangang) Cruise 한강유람선

서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 290 (여의도동) 한강유람선 선착장 | 290 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Dock: 10:00-22:00

refer to chart below

Yeouinaru (line 5, exit 3). 5 mins walk towards Han River (Hangang) to reach E-land Cruise Yeouido Dock.

www.elandcruise.com

The popular Han River (also refer as Hangang) Cruise is operated by E-Land Cruise since 1986. It brings visitors cruising between east and west of Seoul at fairly affordable rates from 15,000 won (per adult) day cruise to 89,000 won dinner fireworks cruise.

Cruising on Han River is one of the best ways to enjoy beautiful views of Han River (day, sunset & night) and its many tourist attractions (e.g. Bamseom Islet, Jeoldusan Park, 63 Square, Namsan Seoul Towel, Jamsil Stadium) along the courses.

There are different themed cruises that include live performances, lunch buffet and dinner buffet as well.

The course that cruises East of Han River and passes under Banpo Bridge (also refer as Banpo-daegyo) at night is popular for the spectacular daily 20 mins Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show (Apr-Oct only) and Saturday's Fireworks Show .

The Story Cruise travelling on the West course is another popular option as it provides many flexible timings for cruise passengers.

To enjoy Han River (Hangang) on land , you can rent a bicycle (near Yeouido Cruise Dock) for a relaxing ride along the cycling path for a different and memorable experience of Han River altogether.

KoreaToDo TOP PICKS - Tours, Activities & Discount Tickets

➥ Handpicked experiences by KoreaToDo for their uniqueness, value, popularity, price competitiveness and at times, tedious to reach by public transport.

Seoul Eland Hangang River Cruise (Day Cruise)

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Seoul Eland Hangang River Cruise (Sunset Cruise)

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Discover Seoul Pass (Lotte World, COEX Aquarium, Han River Cruises, etc)

free access to >60 attractions

Seoul Eland Hangang River Cruise (Moonlight Cruise)

70 mins, 7/8.30pm, Jazz live

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Han River Cruise Afternoon Tour

Picture yourself drifting along the peaceful Han River without a care in the world! Our Han River Cruise tour is perfect for those who enjoy the art of slow travel. Packed with beautiful sights and iconic monuments, our tour will introduce you to the mysteries of the sea, guide you through centuries of Buddhism tradition, and allow you to relax and observe the buzzing city life from afar. Don’t miss the chance to experience Seoul from a whole new perspective with our Han River Cruise tour!

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The Han River – What to expect

Our Han River Cruise tour is a perfect balance of fun, culture, and relaxation. The Hangang (Han River) is the fourth-longest on the Korean Peninsula and the biggest in Seoul, starting from Gangwon-do and flowing alongside the entire city.

During the epoch of Korea’s Three Kingdoms, the river was integral as a trade connection to China via the Yellow Sea. Many battles were fought over it, as whoever controlled the river ensured economic prosperity.

Today, the Han River is an invaluable water source for over 12 million people. Lined with pedestrian and bike lanes, the waterfront offers a beautiful route through the capital.

Our journey centers around the concept of mindful travel. We’ll find our inner zen at an important shrine, enjoy a family-friendly attraction, and get a break from city life, melting into our chairs on a comfortable cruise boat. Seize the opportunity to experience Korea authentically with our tours in Seoul !

Hangang River Cruise Tour – Course Overview

Next, we will embark on our Han River Cruise. Floating along this scenic waterway, we’ll take in the stunning city views while indulging in quality time and rest. Finally, we’ll swing by the Amethyst or Ginseng Center before dropping you off at your hotel.

Let us be your guide through the intricate corners of Seoul on our Hangang River Cruise tour!

Dive into the mysteries of the sea at the Coex Aquarium

The aquarium has 183 display tanks that hold over 40,000 marine creatures! We’ll have time to explore the 16 different theme zones. Here, your kids can spot dozens of Dory – the famous Pacific blue tang fish from Finding Nemo, see stingrays, turtles, eels, and even sharks!

Populated by schools of tiny fish and adorable manatees, the floor-to-ceiling aquariums serve as a window into the life of sea creatures. Let yourself be amazed and feel childlike wonder as you observe first-hand these whimsical animals!

The Coex Aquarium holds a performance where a skilled diver rides a unicycle in one of the tanks, followed by a dreamy multicolor mermaid gracefully swimming underwater! Depending on scheduling and availability, we may be able to catch this charming show.

Meditate among beauty at Jogyesa or Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple

Korea has a rich Buddhist history, dating back to the 14th century. On our Hangang cruise tour, we’ll explore the very heart of the tradition at its source.

Jogyesa is the chief temple of Korean Buddhism, founded by the Jogye Order in 1395. The temple welcomes you with its colorful lanterns which symbolize enlightenment.

Inside, you will be greeted by a stunning altar and an ornate ceiling. A calming and peaceful experience, Jogyesa invites many Buddhist followers to spend a moment meditating and praying.

Bongeunsa is another stunning temple! The shrine is graced by an impressive statue of Buddha and houses over 3,479 scriptures! Each year, the monks celebrate a ceremony called Jeongdaebulsa where they carry the scriptures on their heads and recite the Buddhist rites. Walking around the temple’s neatly organized garden, you’ll see hundreds of grey lanterns gently swaying above your head. Ascending the steps to the main hall, you’ll find three golden Buddha statues – the centerpiece of a lavish altar. Feel free to grab a pillow and meditate for a moment before we continue our tour.

Disconnect from city life and relax in comfort on our Hangang Cruise

Over the course of our journey, you’ll see the National Assembly Building and the unique 63 Building. On-board the comfortable tour boat, you’ll find plenty of personal space. You can easily grab a cozy chair or a table to have a bite with your loved ones. If you’re looking for unique entertainment, go feed the seagulls! The shop on-board sells special seagull snacks. Just be careful as some may bite!

We will be treated to a live music performance, creating a lovely, romantic atmosphere as the city lights twinkle around us. If you enjoy photography, the cruise will give you plenty of opportunities to take unique shots of Seoul’s skyline.

The late afternoon – evening tour is arguably the best time to go on a cruise, so you can fully wind down after a busy day of discovering the city’s top sights. The cruise will last approximately 40 minutes which is an optimal time to relax and have a drink.

Seize the opportunity to explore the authentic side of Seoul! Get in touch with the marine world, travel back in time at a six hundred year old temple, and recharge your batteries on board a tranquil cruise. Our tour is perfect for the entire family, allowing you the chance to spend quality time with each other and experience three very different sides of the capital. Book our Han River Cruise tour now before spaces run out!

Han River Cruise Tour Itinerary

• Hotel Pickup (Seoul)
• Coex Aquarium
• Buddhist Temple (Jogyesa or Bongeunsa)
• Han River Cruise
• Amethyst or Ginseng Center
• Hotel Drop-off (Seoul)

Our Hangang Cruise experience includes

• Complimentary Hotel Pickup service
• Professional tour guide
• Transportation
• Entrance Fees and Tickets
• Han River Cruise Ticket
• Hotel Drop-off

Additional Notes

• Please bring your passport on the tour as Korean law requires a cruise passenger manifest. Thank you.

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The Han River Water Tourism Call Taxi (Han River Water Taxi), which was introduced with the aim of "commuting to and from the Han River," will leave after 17 years. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a plan to remove the commuting function and completely reorganize it into tourism, sightseeing, and shipboard restaurants after the Han River water taxi was old and few users were left.

According to the "Plan for the Complete Reorganization of the Water Tourism Call Taxi Project" recently prepared by the Seoul Future Han River Headquarters, the ferry (crossing the river, sea, etc.) function of the Han River water taxi will be abolished. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said, "The use of water taxis has been very poor, and external criticism and civil complaints have continued," adding, "We expect that the role of water taxis to commute will no longer be needed when introducing river buses in the future." As a result, the water taxi commuting route between Magok, Yeouido, and Jamsil for 5,000 won per person will disappear.

The Han River water taxi was introduced in 2007, but there were many twists and turns in operation. Cheonghaejin Marine Co., a subsidiary of Semo Group, stopped operating after the 2014 Ferry Sewol disaster, and only resumed operation in 2016 when its operator changed to the Korea Special Mission Merit Association. However, since then, the number of users has plummeted every year. From 2020 to 2023, only 26 to 32 people boarded during commuting hours. The number of passengers on the 25,000-won tourist course (7 courses including Seorae-naru-Yeouido, Jamsil, and Bamseom) that had users also shrunk from 5,017 in 2019 to 881 last year.

It has been repeated that private businesses, which cannot make profits from fares every year, make up for the deficit by operating some food and beverage facilities such as chicken restaurants in moorings (ports where ships and others stay). Due to the inability to invest in facilities, there are only a lot of old boats left at the Han River water taxi station. Of the nine ships, four are old, and five are out of order.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to specialize in tourism functions by using ships that have contracts with private businesses as they are valid until 2027.

In consultation with the business operator, the city decided to remodel four old ships by next month and introduce two 12-seater and 32-seater leisure ships. The five broken ships cannot be repaired, so they are eventually closed.

The two new ships will be used as cruise ships by creating programs that can be used by tourists, such as a tour of the Han River. It is a leisure ship that can accommodate up to 32 people, so it will be rented for corporate seminars, events, or wedding photography.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government also proposed to private businesses that "let's build a new ship to operate ship restaurants." It plans to invest 1 billion won by July next year to launch a 20-seat cruise ship. It is a model similar to the Yakatabune that travels to and from the Sumida River in Tokyo, Japan. Yakatabune is a kind of dinner cruise where you eat while enjoying the night view of Tokyo for about two hours. Although some cruises on the Han River offer meals, the Yakatabune form, which operates on a reservation basis and eats course meals, is introduced for the first time.

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Sun, Jul 21, 2024 page13

Taiwan in time: when the love river was unloved, kaohsiung’s main waterway was declared ‘dead’ in 1971 after the city’s population explosion and industrialization turned it into a putrid ditch.

• By Han Cheung / Contributing reporter

July 22 to July 28

The Love River’s (愛河) four-decade run as the host of Kaohsiung’s annual dragon boat races came to an abrupt end in 1971 — the once pristine waterway had become too polluted. The 1970 event was infamous for the putrid stench permeating the air, exacerbated by contestants splashing water and sludge onto the shore and even the onlookers.

The relocation of the festivities officially marked the “death” of the river, whose condition had rapidly deteriorated during the previous decade. The myriad factories upstream were only partly to blame; as Kaohsiung’s population boomed in the 1960s, all household wastewater went directly into the waterway due to poor sewage management.

Spectators watch a dragon boat race on the Love River in 1949. The event was relocated in 1971 due to serious pollution of the river.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The government finally began rectifying the problem in 1977. The first phase, which entailed installing mechanisms to intercept wastewater and building separate sewers, took 10 years to complete. In February 1987, Kaohsiung city councilor Chen Tsun-hsiung (陳村雄) jumped into the river during a press conference. After emerging, he told reporters that the water was “sweet,” and after he got home he reportedly found a small crab in his suit pocket.

The dragon boat races returned to the Love River that year, but there was still a lot of work to do. It wasn’t until July 24, 2002 that the government considered the project a success, celebrating by reopening the gate separating the upper and lower parts of the rivers that had been shut off for 16 years. By this time, the Love River had once again become a popular hangout spot, with cruises, riverside parks, coffee shops and other sights.

News reports of dirty water would continue to surface in the ensuing decades, and the government still had to fix the river’s upper reaches — but the worst was over.

A woman poses for a photo by the Love River in the late 1960s.

Photo courtesy of Kaohsiung City Bureau of Cultural Affairs

RIVER OF LOVE?

For those familiar with local toponymy, “Love River” is an unusual name for a Taiwanese waterway. In fact, it was originally called the Takao River, and later the Kaohsiung River, obtaining its current name by pure accident. Most accounts state that there was a tourist operation along the river named the Love River Cruise (愛河遊船所) during the late 1940s. In 1947, a typhoon blew off the “cruises” part of the sign, and it was never repaired.

The following June, a woman’s corpse was found in the river. It was suspected that she committed suicide due to love problems, as it was common method in those days for forbidden lovers to die (there was even a movie in 1956 about it called The Canal Suicides, 運河殉情記). A reporter who had recently moved to Kaohsiung saw the sign and wrote it into the story’s headline — and somehow, the name stuck. By July 1950, most media outlets, including the state-run Central Daily News (中央日報), were referring to it as “Love River.”

A timber transport boat traverses the Love River during the 1970s.

It was renamed Renai River (仁愛河) in 1970, a name that the ruling Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) favored and gave to numerous locales, but locals continued to use the old name. In 1992, five years after the lifting of martial law, it was once again renamed the Love River.

PUTRID STENCH

Until the 1960s, the river was a pleasant spot for people to relax on the banks or enjoy a boat ride, and commercial activity was also abuzz. But the city was growing fast — from 168,008 people in 1947 to 669,146 in 1967 — as it developed into an industrial behemoth. A large percentage was concentrated along the river.

Workers clean debris from Kaohsiung’s Love River.

Photo courtesy of Kaohsiung City Government

After the government in 1947 banned logging in Alishan, timber companies began importing wood from Southeast Asia. Since the goods arrived in Kaohsiung harbor, these businesses built log ponds and processing facilities along the Love River. It was a common sight to see small motorboats dragging hundreds of logs, and this was the beginning of the river’s contamination.

Later, other factories (mostly leather, food processing, paper and chemical) sprung up along the waterway further inland in Gushan (鼓山) and Sanmin (三民) districts.

During the 1930s, the city’s famous dragon boat races, which were originally held by the ocean, were moved to the Love River. According to a China Times (中國時報) article, a particularly spirited team comprised of Marines splattered foul water and mud onto horrified audience members during their performance in 1970, and that was the last straw.

The next year, the races were moved to Lotus Lake (蓮池潭) and the river was declared dead, as only the hardiest creatures could survive in such waters. The China Times article states that back then, whenever passing by the river people could only cover their noses and quicken their pace.

RESUSCITATING THE RIVER

Hu Chin-yin (胡金印) writes in “Shaping the landscape for urban riverside tourism — Kaohsiung’s Love River as an example” (都市河岸觀光景觀之形塑—以高雄市愛河為例) that the first phase of the cleaning process involved setting up 11 wastewater interception stations along the river, especially in the heavily populated lower reaches, beautifying the banks and removing long standing illegal structures, and dredging 380,000m2 of sludge.

By the time Chen jumped into the Love River, there was still no separation of domestic and storm sewage, meaning that wastewater still went directly into the waterway before it was intercepted and diverted to a treatment plant.

The part that Chen submerged himself in was indeed cleaner at that time, but the waters upstream were still quite polluted. During heavy rain, the intercepting gates were opened and the filth still flooded into the downtown section.

The second phase was to upgrade wastewater interception and treatment capabilities, and to continue building and repairing sewage pipes while connecting households to the system. Hu writes that by 1997, 11 percent of the wastewater producing area was directly connected. This number reached 50.1 in 2007.

In 2001, Kaohsiung hosted the Taiwan Lantern Festival, which had been held in Taipei since its inception in 1990. The centerpiece was the “Jumping Turtle, Soaring Dragon” (鰲躍龍翔) installation by the Love River, which remains a landmark today.

The festival was held by the Love River again the following year, and an annual local version has taken place by the riverbank since. Cruises had resumed, and the Love River was once again teeming with activity.

Taiwan in Time, a column about Taiwan’s history that is published every Sunday, spotlights important or interesting events around the nation that either have anniversaries this week or are tied to current events.

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