Seoul to get Climate Cards, river buses, hot-air balloon in 2024

A person tags a card at a subway turnstile to get into Seoul Station in downtown Seoul on Aug. 29. [NEWS1]

From transportation to welfare, new measures are set to be adopted in Seoul in 2024.

The capital’s transit pass, which allows unlimited transportation rides, including buses, subways and public bicycles, will be offered starting Jan. 27. A new transportation option will be introduced along the Han River in September, allowing commuters to travel from Gangseo District to Yeouido in just 30 minutes by boat.

The so-called Climate Card, an unlimited transit pass aimed at reducing pollution in the city by encouraging the public to use more public transportation, will be offered in two versions — costing 62,000 won ($48) for unlimited rides on subways and buses and 65,000 won, which also covers the capital’s public bicycles, or Ttareungi. The project will be reviewed after a test period through June. The pass is anticipated to cover intercity buses to neighboring Incheon and Gimpo as well as the Gimpo Gold Line in April.

The city’s much-anticipated river bus will be introduced in September. It is expected to have 199 seats, 22 bike stands, and food and drink facilities. The price and routes for the river bus will be revealed in the coming months.

As part of the city government’s welfare policies, the safety income program, launched as a pilot project in 2022, will be expanded to reach more residents. The Seoul Safety Income Project offers monthly cash supplements to individuals who earn below a certain level, with payments graduated according to need. A total of 500 households will be selected and supported under the project this year.

Measures to combat the city’s low fertility rate will be expanded. The city-run “kids cafe,” otherwise known as indoor playgrounds, will be expanded to 200 places across the city. Taxi services for parents, equipped with baby seats, will be extended to every district in the capital from the current 16.

To foster the development of AI, a museum to exhibit and educate on robotics and AI will be established in Dobong District, northern Seoul. An “AI hub” supporting research and training talents will be established in Seocho District, western Seoul.

To boost cultural activities and achieve its goal of attracting 30 million international tourists, the city will host multiple events and establish new facilities. A hot-air balloon, dubbed Seoul's Moon, will float above Yeouido Hangang Park in western Seoul in June, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy the night view of the capital from the air.

A “showroom” to support training sessions and consultations for fashion businesses will be constructed at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in eastern Seoul. The place will also serve as a space for pop-up stores and events for different designers.

The Seoul International Garden Show 2024 will be held six months from May at Ttukseom Hangang Park in eastern Seoul. In November, a public photo gallery will be opened, marking the country’s first such gallery, as announced by the city government.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]