Yeosu~Geomeun Route, 50% Fare Discount Expanded

Half-Price on Weekdays Starting March... Expected Boost in Island Tourism

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Yeosu City in Jeollanam-do announced that starting March 1, it will offer a 50% discount on passenger fares year-round (weekdays) for non-local residents using the Yeosu~Geomun route.

This year-round support is made possible as Jeollanam-do operates a pilot project called the ‘General Passenger Ferry Fare Half-Price Support Project’ on four routes within the province in celebration of the ‘2022 Jeonnam Visit Year.’

The passenger fare discount is shared with Jeollanam-do covering 20%, Yeosu City 20%, and the ferry company 10%. Non-local passengers only need to pay half of the fare, which is 18,050 KRW out of the total 36,100 KRW.

However, according to Jeollanam-do’s guidelines, the discount does not apply on weekends, public holidays, or during the peak summer passenger special shipping period, and the program will end early if the budget is exhausted.

Originally, Yeosu City had been providing a 50% fare support during the off-season since 2019 for non-local passengers on the relatively expensive Yeosu~Geomun route to promote island tourism.

This year, the off-season support period was extended to six months, but with Jeollanam-do’s current support, half-price fares on weekdays are now available year-round.

Yeosu City plans to analyze changes in passenger trends on the Yeosu~Geomun route and propose to Jeollanam-do that fare support be extended to weekends, public holidays, and the passenger special shipping period as well.

Mayor Kwon Oh-bong of Yeosu said, “As COVID-19 has prolonged, island tourism has become very popular. With reduced fare burdens, we hope visitors can fully relax and enjoy the pristine sea and the natural beauty of Geomundo.”

Meanwhile, Yeosu citizens currently receive a 50% discount on all routes in the Yeosu area, and island residents have been benefiting from the ‘Island Residents 1,000 KRW Fare System’ since last September.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.