Jeju Governor Oh Young-hoon Expresses Regret Over Delay in Opening New Qingdao Route

"Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Must Expedite Procedures"

Jeju Island government building exterior view.

Oh Young-hoon, Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, expressed strong regret over the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' delay in deciding on the establishment of a new route between Jeju and Qingdao, urging for a swift procedural progress.

Governor Oh made this statement on the morning of the 12th at the 'Emergency Economic Policy Council' held at Tamna Hall in the provincial government office, prior to discussions on economic measures.

Governor Oh pointed out, "Since Jeju Port was designated as a trade port in 1968, despite being managed by the state for over 40 years, no substantial efforts have been made to activate its function as an external port," adding, "There has been no policy support to secure basic trade port functions such as attracting shipping companies and establishing routes."

Currently, Jeju Port is a locally managed trade port, serving as a hub for regional land and maritime transportation networks and primarily handling cargo necessary for local industries. However, in the current situation where foreign cargo ships do not enter or leave, it has lost even its basic functions as a trade port.

Governor Oh emphasized, "It has been analyzed that if the new Jeju-Qingdao route is established, export logistics costs will be reduced by 42% compared to the existing route via Busan," adding, "This will have a positive ripple effect on residents' lives and the overall regional economy beyond simple cost savings."

Specifically, he added that various economic effects are expected, including ▲real household burden relief through reduced logistics costs for residents ▲strengthening export competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises ▲activation of new manufacturing company attraction ▲creation of quality jobs.

In particular, Governor Oh expressed regret, stating, "It is incomprehensible that the central government neither provides financial support for logistics costs nor recognizes the public function of maritime transport, while even blocking Jeju Province's autonomous efforts," and "Despite local governments' efforts through local diplomacy to attract shipping companies and establish routes, they have not been supported."

He also criticized, "The government repeatedly emphasizes regional balanced development and the era of local governments whenever possible, yet in reality shows a double standard by ignoring Jeju Province," and pointed out, "The central government has turned a blind eye to the high prices and logistics costs that Jeju residents have endured."

Governor Oh urged, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries must immediately present reasonable and clear reasons for the delay in deciding on the establishment of the new Jeju-Qingdao route."