Yeosu~Geomun Route Geomundo Sarangho, First Voyage on the 13th

Yeosu City Secures Backup Vessel for Route Cancellations... Alleviating Inconvenience for Samsan Residents

Jeonnam Yeosu City (Mayor Jeong Gi-myeong) announced that the backup passenger ship for the Yeosu~Geomeun route, ‘Geomeundo Sarangho,’ began its first operation on the 13th.

‘Geomeundo Sarangho’ is a backup passenger ship secured by the city in preparation for the cancellation of the first trip on the afternoon of the 13th and the first trip on the morning of the 15th, following discussions between the current shipping company and residents of Samsan-myeon regarding the proposed change in operating hours for the Yeosu~Geomeun route.

The 'Geomundo Sarangho,' a reserve passenger ship for the Yeosu~Geomun route, began its first operation on the 13th.

Earlier, the Yeosu~Geomeun route experienced cancellations for about 10 days in September, causing significant inconvenience to residents. Although residents consistently requested the Yeosu Port Authority to secure a backup ship to prepare for future cancellations, no clear solution was found.

In response, Yeosu City devised an extraordinary measure to ‘secure a backup ship.’ After several meetings and consultations with the Yeosu Port Authority, the city decided to financially support the operation of the backup ship, while the Yeosu Port Authority agreed to support all matters related to the operation of the backup ship. Subsequently, on October 11, an operational agreement was signed with Haekwang Shipping Co., Ltd.

According to the agreement, Haekwang Shipping Co., Ltd., which operates the state-subsidized Sonjuk~Gwangdo route, will charter and operate the backup ship until a new shipping company begins service. During this period, Yeosu City will cover the charter fees, labor costs, and fuel expenses.

After completing safety management regulation reviews on the 23rd and captain qualification assessments on the 26th, preparations for operation were finalized. The operation commenced on the 13th following the Yeosu Port Authority’s order to operate the backup ship.

Kim Jeong-o, Director of the Island Development Support Division, stated, “Since this is an extraordinary measure prepared to alleviate the practical inconveniences of Samsan-myeon residents, we will support the smooth operation of the backup ship. We will also strive to stabilize the operation of passenger ships, which are the only public transportation means for island residents of Samsan-myeon.”

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