Additional Shipping Fees for Island Residents and Passenger Ferry Fares to Be Supported

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 4th that it will support additional delivery fees for parcel services and passenger ferry fares for residents of island areas this year.

The support targets approximately 766,000 residents living on 322 islands nationwide. Island residents can receive full reimbursement for additional parcel delivery fees they actually paid, up to 400,000 KRW per person annually, throughout the year. The support for additional parcel delivery fees is expected to greatly help reduce the economic burden on island residents, especially before and after the Lunar New Year holiday when parcel demand is high. Island residents who wish to receive support for additional parcel delivery fees should submit proof of parcel usage to the administrative welfare center of their town, township, or neighborhood. Once the documentation is verified, the subsidy will be paid into the applicant’s personal bank account.

Additionally, to enhance transportation welfare for island residents, passenger ferry fares for island residents will also be supported. Island residents will only need to pay up to 2,500 KRW for short-distance ferry routes and up to 7,000 KRW for long-distance routes. For non-commercial vehicles registered under island residents’ names, including cargo trucks, passenger cars, and vans under 5 tons, a discount of 20% to 50% on vehicle fares will be applied.

Kang Do-hyung, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, “We hope that support for additional parcel delivery fees and passenger ferry fares will help alleviate the burden of daily logistics and transportation costs for island residents.” He added, “We will continue to develop various support measures to stabilize the livelihoods and economic activities of island residents.”