Seoul Bans Han River Cruise Operations for Six Months Following Tragic Incident

On December 30, 2024, the Seoul city government imposed a six-month ban on the operations of the cruise company 현대해양레져 (Hyundai Marine Leisure) after it proceeded with a Han River fireworks cruise on December 29, despite a request to cancel the event due to a tragic accident involving a Jeju Air passenger plane at Jeonnam Muan International Airport.

The cruise, known as the 한강한류불꽃크루즈 (Han River Hallyu Fireworks Cruise), was held near Yeouido, Seoul, on the same day as the accident, which raised concerns about the appropriateness of such festivities. The city had requested the cancellation around 2:40 PM, but the company insisted that it could not cancel due to prior bookings and went ahead with the cruise at 6:30 PM.

In response to public outcry regarding the fireworks display on a day marked by tragedy, Hyundai Marine Leisure issued an apology on its website, acknowledging the insensitivity of holding the event under the circumstances.

As a result of the ban, Hyundai Marine Leisure will not be able to operate cruises along the Han River from the 경인아라뱃길 (Gyeongin Ara Waterway) to 원효대교 (Wonhyo Bridge) until June 2025. A city official noted that the company typically operated around 400 cruises annually, averaging one to two trips per day.

Additionally, the city has decided to halt all collaborative projects with Hyundai Marine Leisure, stating that the company’s disregard for the city’s request made it impossible to continue their partnership, which had previously included free cruises for underprivileged groups.