Wando-gun Signs Agreement with Soan Nonghyup for Nighttime Passenger Ferry Operations

Published 09 May.2023 17:49(KST)

Soan Port↔Hwaheungpo Port, Guaranteeing Mobility Rights for Island Residents

On the 9th, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do and Soan Nonghyup signed an agreement for nighttime passenger ferry operations between Wando (Hwahaengpo) and Soan (Soan Port).

According to the county, the nighttime operation between Hwahaengpo Port and Soan Port departs from Soan Port at 7:50 PM and from Hwahaengpo Port at 10:00 PM, taking about one hour one way (route distance 12.5 km).

Wando County and Soan Nonghyup have signed an agreement for night operation of passenger ships. <br>[Photo by Wando County]

Wando County and Soan Nonghyup have signed an agreement for night operation of passenger ships.
[Photo by Wando County]

In May 2020, the county revised the "Wando-gun Support Ordinance for Passenger Ferries, etc." to include support for nighttime operations, and in October 2021, it first implemented nighttime operations between Dangmok Port and Iljeong Port, which run back and forth between Yaksan-myeon and Geumil-eup, and it has been operating since then.

Shin Woo-cheol, Wando County Governor, stated, "The nighttime operation between Hwahaengpo and Soan is expected to contribute to improving transportation convenience for residents of Nohwa, Soan, and Bogil, as well as increasing the stay time of visitors and tourists, thereby revitalizing tourism and the economy in island areas." He emphasized, "Particular attention should be paid to safety during nighttime operations."

He added, "We will do our best to enhance maritime transportation welfare to guarantee the mobility rights of island residents."

Hwang Hyung-sik, Chairman of Soan Nonghyup, said, "We will actively cooperate with the county to ensure that the scheduled start date for nighttime operations is not delayed," and added, "It is expected that the living conditions of about 10,000 residents in the southwestern region of Wando and three eup-myeon will be dramatically improved."

Meanwhile, at the agreement ceremony, Wando County Council Vice Chairman Jo Young-sik and council members Park Jae-seon, Park Seong-gyu, and Choi Jeong-uk said, "After efforts with residents to implement nighttime operations, we have achieved good results, and we hope that nighttime operations will be implemented early after consultations with related organizations."