Ulleungdo Closer Than Ever... High-Speed Large Passenger Ship Operating Between Pohang and Ulleung

It will become easier to travel to Ulleungdo in the future.

Daejeo Ferry Co., Ltd. was selected as the final operator in the Pohang-Ulleung route maritime passenger transport business competition conducted by the Pohang Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office.

The Pohang Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office formed a panel of more than seven experts in shipping and safety fields to evaluate the proposal submitted by Daejeo Ferry, and held the evaluation on the 26th in the main conference room of the headquarters.

They scored over 90 points in areas such as financial soundness, safety management plans, manpower plans, vessel acquisition, and operation plans, and were chosen as the final operator.

Eldorado Express under construction at Incat shipyard in Australia.

The ‘Eldorado Express,’ scheduled to be deployed as early as July 1, is a large ultra-high-speed passenger ship designed and built according to IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) standards, with a total tonnage of 3,164 tons, a length of 76.7m, and a width of 20.6m. It can carry 970 passengers and 25 tons of general cargo, and is known to cover the 117-mile route between Pohang and Ulleung at the fastest speed in Asia of 45 knots in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Currently, the finishing process is underway at Incat Shipyard in Australia, a world-renowned brand in the ultra-high-speed ship sector. Sea trials to verify seaworthiness and performance will begin on May 12, and if all requirements are met, the vessel will be delivered on May 20, after which it will prepare for deep-sea navigation and depart for Pohang.

The Eldorado Express is divided into three classes: Economy, Business, and First Class, and to enhance user convenience, the seat pitch in all seats is much wider than on other vessels.

Convenience facilities include priority seats for the disabled, accessible restrooms, nursing rooms, patient rooms, pet rooms, convenience stores, information desks, and bicycle racks, reflecting and accommodating the needs of socially vulnerable groups and customers.

In particular, it adopts a wave-piercing catamaran hull suitable for the high waves of the East Coast, ensuring safety and maneuverability, and it is expected to reduce seasickness by about 20% compared to general catamarans of similar size.

The operation plan aims to contribute to regional economic development by scheduling morning departures from Pohang during the tourist season for the convenience of tourists, and to improve living conditions by scheduling morning departures from Ulleung during the off-season such as winter, facilitating smooth travel for island residents.

Kim Yang-wook, CEO of Daejeo Ferry, said, “We are pleased to be selected as the operator for the Pohang-Ulleung route,” adding, “We will thoroughly prepare for the maritime passenger transport business license and do our best to build advanced transportation infrastructure and revitalize tourism.”