Demand on the rise for Han River’s cruise ship

By Lim Jeong-yeo

Published : Sept. 27, 2016 - 17:33

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The Han River’s multipurpose cruise ship Araho will continue to expand its onboard cultural services to lure more visitors, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday.

Akin to the well-known Bateau Mouche boats on the River Seine in Paris, the Araho has since July been operated by the travel agency Lets Go Korea.

(Yonhap)

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the private company has diversified cultural content available on the ship, resulting in an increase in visitors.

The city government’s statistics show that more than 10,000 people went for a ride on the Araho in two months between July and September. And the number is climbing, from 2,418 in July to 3,899 in August and an estimated 4,500 in September.

(Yonhap)

Hwang Bo-yeon, chief director of the Han River’s business development, said the annual profits expected from Araho’s private operation is estimated to be 800 million won ($721,000).

Araho offers onboard cultural performances and it is also possible to hold weddings, exhibitions and corporate events on it.

The city plans to develop the “Yeouido Tour Belt” by incorporating bicycle rental services at Araho’s dock at Yeouido Han River Park. Some regularly held public festivals in the area are also to be included in the plans.

(Yonhap)

Whether the tour belt will extend to all 11 riverside parks in Seoul is still under review.

More information about Araho can be found at www.araho.kr.

(Yonhap)

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)

Demand on the rise for Han River’s cruise ship

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