Sinan County Launches Fifth Public Passenger Ship Operating Between Aphe Songgong and Jeungdo Byeongpungdo

Improved Service Quality, Zero Inconvenience, and a Warm Welcome for Tourists Expected

Shinan County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Park Wooriang) announced on the 13th that it held the launch ceremony for its fifth public passenger ferry at Aphae Songgong Port on the 12th, with over 200 guests and local residents in attendance.

This new route, operating between Aphae Songgong and Jeungdo Byeongpungdo, is the first in the country to run a public passenger ferry and a 1,000-won passenger ferry. Starting with the public ferry connecting Jeungdo and Jaeun in 2016, this marks the fifth public ferry now in operation.

At Songgong Port in Amhae, Sinan, Bigwooryang Sinan County Mayor and about 200 residents are cutting the ribbon for the fifth public passenger ship inauguration ceremony. Provided by Sinan County

The county decided to take over the route previously operated by a private shipping company and convert it into a public passenger ferry route in response to ongoing complaints about delayed operations and lack of service quality from the private operator. This move aims to address these issues and provide better alternatives.

The vessel launched at this ceremony is the Slow City No. 5, a 167-ton car ferry with a capacity of 184 passengers?39 more than the previous private operator's vessel. The main route starts at Aphae Songgong and Jeungdo Byeongpungdo, with stops at Dangsado, Soakdo, Maehwado, and Gijeomdo.

Passenger fares have been reduced to 1,000 won for island residents and 2,000 won for general passengers. For vehicles, cars and vehicles under 1 ton registered to island residents can board for 2,000 won, which is one-fifth of the fare charged by private operators, greatly reducing the financial burden for residents.

The county has high expectations for the new public ferry. Byeongpungdo, one of the stops, is a representative tourist destination known for the Sibisado and the Celosia Festival. By taking over this route, the county plans to improve service quality, address long-standing complaints, enhance hospitality for tourists, and offer various public services, expecting to attract more visitors and improve the county's image.

One resident using the new ferry said, "Above all, I think the service quality will improve, and the stable schedule will resolve the inconvenience of missing the ferry or waiting endlessly. Because it is a public ferry, it feels even safer, and all residents welcome this launch."

Governor Park Wooriang stated, "With the complete public bus system already in place, residents' right to mobility is guaranteed. By continuously expanding public ferry routes, we are reducing fare burdens and ensuring mobility for each island, improving living conditions and quality of life. We will do our best to achieve a fully public maritime transportation system as well."

Shinan County plans to prohibit vehicles other than those of local residents from entering Byeongpungdo, aiming to create an 'island without tourist cars.' To guarantee mobility for tourists, the county will coordinate ferry and land transportation schedules so that visitors experience no inconvenience even without their own vehicles.

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