Reopening of Incheon-China Sea Route... 'Carrying Passengers After 3 Years'

CIQ, Coordinating Timing While Inspecting Personnel and Equipment

The sea route between Incheon and China, which had been suspended for over three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will reopen starting next month.

With the Korean government lifting all quarantine measures for arrivals from China since the 11th of this month, some international passenger ferry operators on the Incheon-China route have announced plans to resume passenger transport next month and have recently started selling travel packages.

On the 4th, as the 11th typhoon 'Hinnamnor' approaches, all sea routes to and from Jeju have been cut off. The Incheon Jung-gu coastal passenger terminal bound for Jeju is quiet without any travelers. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Currently, CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine) related agencies are inspecting personnel and equipment while coordinating the specific timing.

The ferries operating between Incheon and eight Chinese cities halted passenger transport at the end of January 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 and have not carried a single passenger for over three years. They operated only with cargo, without passengers, suffering financial difficulties due to deteriorating profitability.

Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal is busy preparing to welcome guests for the first time in three years. Preparations are underway for crew recruitment as well as operating onboard duty-free shops and restaurants.

The international terminal, which opened in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon in June 2020, is preparing with full effort as this will be its first time welcoming passengers.

Discussions are also ongoing with businesses that will operate duty-free shops, duty-free goods delivery counters, convenience stores, restaurants, currency exchange offices, and domestic tax refund counters.