Jeonnam's "1,000 Won Ferry" Presents a New Paradigm for Maritime Transportation Welfare

1.9 Million People Use Ferries Annually Across 143 Islands
Guaranteeing Transportation Rights and Reducing Living Expenses for Island Communities

Passenger ferry in Wando, Jeonnam. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province's "1,000 Won Ferry Fare Support Program for Island Residents," which was introduced in 2021 as the first of its kind in the country to reduce the transportation burden and improve living conditions for islanders, is proving the new potential of maritime transportation welfare. The number of users has been clearly increasing, and the efficiency of daily life, such as the transport of household goods, has also greatly improved.

According to Jeonnam Province on October 6, island residents in Jeonnam, who previously had to pay up to 40,000 to 50,000 won for ferry fares, can now use them for just 1,000 won. As of last year, more than 1.9 million people used ferries annually across 143 islands in the region, and the program is spreading as a standard model for metropolitan areas, with other local governments benchmarking it.

In addition, Jeonnam Province is supporting "isolated island route operations" and "maritime transportation costs for daily necessities" to address blind spots in maritime transportation and improve living conditions.

In 2024, the "Support for Isolated Island Route Operations," which guarantees mobility rights for residents of remote islands, will maintain stable operations on nine routes with more than 91 trips per week. The "Support for Maritime Transportation Costs for Daily Necessities," aimed at alleviating the burden of fuel transportation costs, will subsidize the maritime shipping of 956,000 LPG cylinders (20kg each) and 3,835,000 liters of fuel annually, thereby reducing living expenses and contributing to improved quality of life for island residents.

Park Geunsik, Director of Maritime Affairs and Ports at Jeonnam Province, stated, "The 1,000 Won Ferry is not only about reducing fares but is also a key welfare policy that supports island residents in preparing for holidays and daily travel. I hope that this Chuseok, many islanders will be able to prepare daily necessities without burden and enjoy a warm holiday with their families."

He added, "Going forward, Jeonnam Province will continue to expand various maritime welfare policies to further improve living conditions for islanders and make the islands a happy place to live."