Residents of Hwajeong-myeon Island in Yeosu City Say, "Now We Take the Village Bus Instead of the Boat"

Opening of Hwayang-Jeokgeum Land and Sea Bridge... Village Bus Route Announcement in Hwajeong-myeon on the 17th

Expected to Alleviate Transportation Difficulties in Island Areas

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] The opening of the Hwayang-Jeokgeum land and island bridge is expected to bring a revolutionary change to the lives of residents on the islands of Hwajeong-myeon, who previously had to travel by boat.

According to Yeosu City on the 19th, the city announced on its website on the 17th the village bus routes to be introduced this year in Hwajeong-myeon for a period of one month.

The route starts from Udu, Goheung-gun, passing through Jeokgeum Village, Yeosan Village, Gyupo Village, Dunbyeong Village, Jobal Village, Jangdeung Village, Sepo, and ends at Najin.

The village buses, totaling two vehicles, operate 5.5 round trips per day, with each round trip taking 170 minutes.

The city secured 600 million KRW this year, following last year, by being selected for the urban transportation model project implemented by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to alleviate transportation difficulties in highland and island areas where city buses have difficulty entering.

The Hwajeong-myeon village bus is the fourth urban transportation model project following the currently operating village buses in Gukdong, Goso-dong, and Geomundo. After holding a residents' briefing session on the 23rd of last month, the village bus route was announced in accordance with related ordinances.

A city official stated, “We are fully prepared to proceed immediately with follow-up procedures such as announcing the recruitment of operators after the announcement period expires to ensure the early introduction of the village bus, which will improve the living environment of Hwajeong-myeon island residents.”

Meanwhile, Yeosu City plans to temporarily adjust two city bus routes (No. 26-1 and No. 29) until the village bus operation begins, following the official opening of the Hwayang-Jeokgeum land and island bridge on the 28th.