CRUISING THE MIGHTY HAN RIVER

CRUISING THE MIGHTY HAN RIVER

63 building looms at the background

At the Restaurant Area

May 28, 2011(Saturday), Hangang River ---- Tourism has boomed in the Han River since the development of various facilities and infrastructures like Ferry docks, parks, restaurants and open fields that is spacious for picnics, social gatherings and the like. Surely anyone who has visited Seoul knows of the mighty Han River (한강). Originating on two mountains, one in South Korea and the other in the North, the Hangang, as it’s known in Korea, winds along peacefully for over 500 kilometers before passing through Seoul on its way into the West or Yellow Sea.

Before boarding the ferry

Seeing Seoul from its main artery is a great way to get your bearings in this huge city. Starting in 2006, Seoul City has worked with lighting designers to create new illumination systems for the bridges that span the river. The result is a diverse array of bright and beautiful pieces of light art that paint not just the bridges, but the surrounding river as well in a colorful glow. To conserve energy, only half of the bridges are illuminated at any one time, and low-wattage, energy-efficient bulbs and cold cathode lamps were installed. As a matter of fact, the daily cost for illuminating a bridge is just 33,000 won.

Hangang River Ferry Cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery around Hangang River that flows through Seoul. For KRW 15,000 (rougly PHP 600 or USD 15) Cool wind from the river, the surrounding scenery, which get more beautiful in the evenings, are the rewards the ferry cruise can offer you. Currently there are six ferry cruises, going from Yanghwa to Jamsil, and they all operate throughout the year. There are 4 places to get on or get off the ferries: at the Yeouido, Jamsil, Nanji, and Yanghwa docks. All rides run on two kinds of cruise schedules. One cruise leaves the dock, goes on the Hangang River cruise course, and comes back. The other course starts from either Yeouido, makes a stop at Ttukseom Island, then ends at Jamsil. The alternate route starts from Jamsil, makes a stop at Ttukseom Island, and finishes at Yeouido. On the cruise, you can see Hangang River’s beautiful scenery, the surrounding islands, Jeoldusan Park, the 63 Building, Namsan Tower, Jamsil’s Multi Sports Complex, and other famous tourist spots. The cruise is often used for weddings, birthday parties, music performances and other events. In addition to the standard sightseeing cruises, the boats can also be chartered for special events and parties.