Uljin Governor Byeongbok Son Meets Vice Minister Seongbeom Kim to Propose Normalization and Substitute Vessels for Uljin?Ulleung Route

Uljin County Requests Government Support
for Rapid Restoration of Uljin?Ulleung Maritime Route
Concerns Grow Over Economic Impact and Inconvenience
as Suspension of Sunflower Cruise Service Continues

Uljin County in North Gyeongsang Province has requested government support for the swift normalization of the Uljin (Hupo)-Ulleung (Sadong) route, which recently suspended operations.

Byeongbok Son, Governor of Uljin County (left), held a meeting with Seongbeom Kim, Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, and proposed measures for the continuous operation of cruise ships or the deployment of substitute vessels on the Uljin-Ulleung route. Provided by Uljin County

On October 23, Byeongbok Son, Governor of Uljin County, visited the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and met with Vice Minister Seongbeom Kim to propose measures for the continuous operation of cruise ships or the deployment of substitute vessels such as high-speed ferries.

Recently, as H Shipping, the operator of the Sunflower Cruise, halted operations and began the process of returning its license, concerns have grown over increasing inconvenience for local residents and tourists, as well as a potential downturn in the local economy.

Governor Son stated, "The Uljin (Hupo)-Ulleung (Sadong) route is a key maritime transportation link between Uljin County and Ulleung County. If the suspension of service is prolonged, it will severely impact the regional economy and tourism industry. Active administrative and financial support from the government is needed to ensure the continued operation of the current cruise ship," he said. "If it is difficult for the existing operator to resume service, please support the deployment of substitute vessels, such as high-speed ferries, to prevent any disruption in maritime passenger transportation."

In response, Vice Minister Seongbeom Kim of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said, "We are fully aware of the impact that a gap in maritime passenger transportation can have on the region. To swiftly devise countermeasures, we will conduct a demand survey among shipping companies and review possible alternatives."

Governor Son added, "Regarding this matter, our county will work closely with Ulleung County, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and passenger ship operators to minimize inconvenience for residents and tourists and to reduce economic damage to the region. We will do our utmost to restore the route as soon as possible."

Byunghok Sohn, Uljin County Governor, holds a meeting with Seongbeom Kim, Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries.