Sacheon Sea Cable Car, Transformed into a 'Nationwide Attraction'

Surpassing 3 Million Cumulative Passengers in 5 Years

Gyeongnam Sacheon Sea Cable Car opened in April 2018 and recorded 100,000 passengers within 23 days, surpassing 1 million passengers in about 350 days. It achieved a milestone of 3 million passengers in the same year, ranking among the highest cable car sales nationwide.

In the year marking its third anniversary, it recorded 2 million passengers, and just over two years later, on the 29th of last month, it surpassed 3 million cumulative passengers and achieved cumulative sales of approximately 44 billion KRW, continuing its solid growth.

Transforming Sacheon City, once a remote area as a tourist city, into an attractive city and establishing itself as a nationwide tourist destination, we take a look at the charm and past achievements of Sacheon Sea Cable Car.

Exterior view of Sacheon Sea Cable Car.

Started to revive the darkened ‘Samcheonpo Port’ with the hopes of Sacheon citizens and to contribute to the marine tourism industry and local economic development, Sacheon Sea Cable Car began construction in 2016 and officially started commercial operations in April 2018. At the time of opening, it was the first domestic cable car to travel over both sea and mountains, with a line length of 2.43 km.

There are several viewing points when riding the cable car, but the most highly regarded point is the ‘Changseon-Samcheonpo Bridge,’ which won the ‘Beautiful Road of Korea’ award.

The ‘Changseon-Samcheonpo Bridge’ is highly praised in academia as a bridge that combines both artistic and functional excellence through construction methods harmonizing with the natural scenery. Riding the cable car allows visitors to view the grandeur of the bridge up close, an experience previously only possible by car or fishing boat. This unique experience is available exclusively on the Sacheon Sea Cable Car.

But that’s not all. The cable car’s summit, Gak Sanjeong Ryu Jang, at an elevation of 407 meters, is not very high, but it offers panoramic views of Hallyeohaesang National Park, Samcheonpo Port, and Namhae. The refreshing deep blue sea, islands, charming lighthouses, and fishing boats blend together to create a picturesque landscape.

This distinctive beauty is also one of the reasons for its continuous soaring success, unlike some cable cars in local governments struggling with chronic deficits.

While Sacheon Sea Cable Car is renowned for its beautiful scenery, it also receives top marks for safety.

It was designed to withstand strong winds of up to 22 m/s through various wind tunnel tests, applying a low-sway automatic circulation bi-cable system for stable boarding in harsh sea winds. Wind direction and speed sensors are installed on all towers to prepare for sudden weather changes, and emergency engines and power generation facilities are established, incorporating the latest and safest technologies.

It is also perfectly prepared for unexpected emergencies. It has a revolutionary marine rescue system with a special structure vehicle equipped with its own driving engine that can directly approach the cable car and safely rescue passengers. This rescue vehicle and system are unique to Sacheon Sea Cable Car in Korea.

Additionally, joint rescue drills involving the cable car, coast guard, and fire station are conducted regularly to prepare for special disaster situations unique to cable cars. These drills are held annually to strengthen rapid and safe rescue operations and close cooperation among related agencies.

The achievements of Sacheon Sea Cable Car are also reflected in its awards. It has received the ‘2018 Korea Best New Product’ award, ‘2019 Consumer Trusted Good Brand’ award, ‘2020 14th Customer Satisfaction Management’ award, ‘2021 15th National Sustainable Management Excellent Company’ Minister of Health and Welfare Award, ‘12th Happiness Addition Campaign’ Environmental Contribution Minister of Environment Award, ‘2022 Korea Innovative Brand Public Institution’ Win-Win Growth Award, and ‘2022 Korea Top Awards’ Safety Brand Award, recognizing its efforts to provide safe and high-quality services to customers.

It has also been certified as an ‘Excellent Disaster Reduction Company’ by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and obtained the international standard ‘Occupational Health and Safety Management System (KOSHA-MS),’ establishing top-level safety management technology in the cable car business site.

Chairman Han Jae-cheon said, “I believe that the steady growth has been possible thanks to the support of customers and Sacheon citizens who have been with Sacheon Sea Cable Car, and I am grateful. We will continue to strive to offer various attractions and enjoyable experiences based on the cable car’s strengths of safety and unique scenery.”

Sacheon Sea Cable Car is holding a surprise event to celebrate surpassing 3 million cumulative passengers. Until the 5th of this month, all cable car visitors will receive a 1,000 KRW discount on the fare, and commemorative gifts will be given to the first 10,000 visitors.