• Following the success of the ‘Great Hangang River Project,’ Mayor Oh Se-hoon introduces the ‘Comprehensive Plan for Hangang River City’
• The plan aims to convert the Hangang River waterfront into a space for everyday life by establishing waterfront hotels, dining areas, and office spaces by 2030
• The city wants to make the river a growth hub by establishing a marina complex in Jamsil and Ichon, and expanding mooring capacity to accommodate 1,000 boats
• Anticipated to generate 6,845 jobs, contributing to an annual ripple effect in production of KRW 644.5 billion and a value-added inducing effect of KRW 281.1 billion

The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) aims to open an era where 10 million people utilize the Hangang River’s waterways by 2030. The SMG seeks to use the river to support various activities, such as commuting to work and accommodating vessels of different sizes for navigation and docking. The goal is to create an attractive and dynamic ‘River City Seoul’: beyond just admiring its scenery, citizens will be able to immerse themselves in, experience, and commune with the river.

The SMG anticipates its annual economic impact to be approximately KRW 925.6 billion, including the ripple effect in production of KRW 644.5 billion, the value-added inducing effect of KRW 281.1 billion, and the creation of around 6,800 jobs.

* The economic impact was calculated based on the expenditures of users when 10 million people engage in water-based activities, applying the induced coefficient (based on the 2015 multi-regional input-output tables of Seoul) to estimate the ripple effect in production, the value-added inducing effect, and job creation effect.

By 2030, the Hangang River will be recreated as a ‘space for everyday life,’ seamlessly integrated into daily life rather than reserved for special occasions. Floating facilities, including ‘waterfront hotels’ and ‘waterfront offices,’ will be established to ensure safety even during fluctuations in water levels. As for ‘waterfront food zone,’ it will offer a variety of cuisines from around the world against the picturesque backdrop of the Hangang River. Moreover, a new public transportation and tourism service known as the ‘Hangang River Bus,’ capitalizing on pleasant and convenient water routes, will be launched. Additionally, water-based activities such as water skiing and boat parades will be available.

* The Hangang River Bus will be operated this October.

Moreover, by establishing a comprehensive water-based infrastructure along the Hangang River, the city aims to reposition it as a ‘growth hub,’ to bolster its competitiveness. It plans to expand the mooring capacity along the Hangang River to accommodate a total of 1,000 vessels, construct a downtown-style marina in Jamsil, and build a pier in Yeouido to activate the Yeouido – Gyeongin Ara Waterway. Additionally, it will inaugurate the Port of Seoul in the latter half of 2026, allowing passengers to embark from Yeouido and cruise along the Hangang River to sail the Yellow Sea.

On Apr. 24, Mayor Oh Se-hoon unveiled the ‘Comprehensive Plan for Hangang River City,’ which encompasses these strategies. With a total budget of KRW 550.1 billion (KRW 313.5 billion from the private sector and KRW 236.6 billion from the government), it is expected to not only enhance the quality of life for Seoul’s citizens but also strengthen the city’s competitiveness through economic growth and job creation.