Yeosu City Launches Seomseom Yeosu Ships 1, 2, and 3 on Three Unserved Island Routes

by Heo Seonsik

Published 19 Dec.2023 16:36(KST)

Updated 14 Aug.2025 22:21(KST)

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Boat Routes to All Inhabited Islands in Yeosu, Residents 'Greatly Welcome'

All unserved inhabited islands in the island areas of Yeosu, Jeollanam-do will have new sea routes opened.

On the 19th, Yeosu City (Mayor Jeong Gi-myeong) announced that following its selection for the ‘Support Project for Operation of Routes to Isolated Islands,’ the SeomSeom Yeosu vessels 1, 2, and 3 will operate on three previously unserved inhabited island routes within this year.

[Photo by Yeosu City]

According to the city, the ‘Support Project for Operation of Routes to Isolated Islands’ is a key government national agenda, newly implemented this year to secure universal maritime transportation rights for residents of islands within the region where passenger ships and ferries do not call and no alternative transportation exists.

In this regard, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries launched a public contest for the ‘Support Project for Operation of Routes to Isolated Islands’ in March, selecting 10 routes nationwide. Among these, Yeosu City had two routes selected: Daewoondu-do in Hwayang-myeon and Sodurado and Sohwengan-do in Nam-myeon.

Additionally, in August, Chudo in Hwajeong-myeon was newly selected, securing a total of 270 million KRW including 135 million KRW in national funding, enabling support for expenses necessary for vessel operation such as labor and fuel costs.

Previously, the city secured decommissioned fishing vessels from Goheung, Jeollanam-do and Goseong, Gyeongsangnam-do to be deployed on these routes, and over approximately five months completed all administrative procedures including vessel re-registration, repairs, and inspections.

Currently, the captains have completed safety training, and the vessels have been named ‘SeomSeom Yeosu 1, 2, and 3’ using the city’s BI.

With all preparations for service completed, starting on the 19th, SeomSeom Yeosu 1 will operate routes to Daewoondu-do and Gamdo in Hwayang-myeon, followed sequentially by SeomSeom Yeosu 2 (serving Sodurado, Sohwengan-do, and Woljeon in Nam-myeon) and SeomSeom Yeosu 3 (serving Chudo and Nangdo).

Mayor Jeong Gi-myeong of Yeosu said, “Ahead of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo, opening new sea routes to previously unserved inhabited islands greatly alleviates the inconvenience of local residents, which is very meaningful. We will continue to do our best to provide safer maritime transportation services to island residents.”