BUSAN — Busan is taking a bold step toward redefining urban mobility and coastal tourism. On November 11, the metropolitan city hosted a special test run for local journalists, showcasing the upcoming "Busan Marine Taxi" ahead of its official rollout.

Designed to bypass congested coastal roadways, the marine taxi route spans a 45-minute loop connecting the Suyeong River, Gwangalli Beach, and Haeundae. Operating twice on the day of the trial (at 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM), the media preview departed from the APEC Naru Park dock to test the waters and evaluate passenger experience across the three key marine landmarks.

A Scenic Commute and Tourist Attraction The 45-minute journey—broken into three 15-minute segments—is engineered to serve a dual purpose: a high-speed maritime transit option that avoids heavy traffic in Haeundae and Gwangalli, and a scenic sightseeing cruise offering unobstructed views of Busan’s pristine coastline.

Infrastructure and Fleet Rollout Spearheaded by the Busan Metropolitan Government with a budget of 1.4 billion won, the project entails building three dedicated boarding stations by the second half of 2027: a primary hub on the Suyeong River and two sub-stations in Gwangalli and Haeundae. Detailed architectural and engineering designs are currently in progress.

Meanwhile, the private partner consortium, Yacht Talae, is tasked with manufacturing and deploying six eco-friendly vessels, each with a capacity of up to 50 passengers, by January 2028. City officials noted that discussions and planning are underway to launch early-phase operations using completed vessels as soon as the infrastructure finishes in late 2027.

"The Busan Marine Taxi will add a fresh dimension to our local tourism and transport network," said Na Yoon-bin, Director-General of Busan’s Tourism Content Industry Bureau. "We will incorporate the insights gained from today's trial to guarantee a seamless, safe, and enjoyable experience for the public."

City officials emphasized that the marine taxi is part of a broader, ambitious portfolio of maritime leisure initiatives—including upcoming amphibious buses—aimed at cementing Busan's status as a world-class global marine tourism destination.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]