The Need to Connect the 'Main Transportation Artery' of 178 Islands Grows
Proposal to Be Delivered to the Government After Final Approval at the Plenary Session
The proposal titled "Request for Change of Starting Point of National Route 18 and Prompt Construction of the New Jodo Bridge," initiated by Injung Kim (Democratic Party of Korea, Jindo), a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly, passed the relevant standing committee review of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly on July 11.
The proposal urges the government to improve transportation accessibility for the Jodo area in Jindo-gun by changing the starting point of National Route 18 from Goseong-ri, Gogun-myeon to Yeomi-ri, Jodo-myeon, and to promptly proceed with the construction of the New Jodo Bridge.
Jodo is a region formed by 178 large and small islands resembling the shape of a bird. Annually, 90,000 vehicles and 210,000 people travel to and from the area, but ships are the only means of transportation. As a result, the movement of people and goods is restricted depending on weather conditions.
In particular, last year, there were 774 cancellations, accounting for 13.8% of all ship operations, which caused difficulties in the timely transport of approximately 3,500 tons of agricultural and marine products such as mugwort, hijiki, and anchovies. In addition, the 2,700 residents of Jodo face threats to their basic living rights, including life-threatening delays in emergency medical transport and limited educational opportunities for students.
Kim stated, "Changing the starting point of National Route 18 and constructing the New Jodo Bridge have been long-standing aspirations of local residents, reflected in both the 20th and the current 21st presidential elections. Now, these must be fulfilled as a national responsibility beyond political promises."
She added, "Other island regions in the province have seen significant improvements in accessibility and turning points for regional development through the construction of bridges connecting islands and the mainland. It is time for the Jodo region to move beyond a transportation environment that relies solely on ships."
She further emphasized, "Building bridges connecting islands and the mainland will lay the foundation for balanced growth throughout the Republic of Korea, starting from the periphery of the nation. The government must pay active attention and provide support to improve the quality of life for Jodo residents in areas such as transportation, healthcare, and education."
Meanwhile, the proposal, having passed the standing committee review, is scheduled to be finalized at the plenary session on July 24 and will then be delivered to relevant institutions, including the Office of the President, the National Assembly, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
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