"Travel to Vladivostok for 299,000 Won" Ferry Service Resumes Between Sokcho and Russia

Sokcho?Vladivostok Ferry Route Resumes Operations
G&L Grace Returns to Service After Major Renovations
Sokcho Port Sets Course to Become a Pan-East Sea Hub
Boost to Local Economy and Tourism Anticipated

Ferry operations on the Sokcho Port route, which had been suspended since January for ship safety inspections and improvements to passenger convenience facilities, have resumed.

The GNLG race ship departing from Sokcho on February 28th. Provided by Sokcho City

G&L ST Co., Ltd., the operator of the Sokcho Port ferry route, resumed operations of the G&L Grace ship on February 28.

During the suspension period, G&L ST relocated the ship to Busan and carried out various tasks to enhance the safety and service quality of the route.

They completely renovated outdated facilities and installed additional amenities such as karaoke machines, gaming consoles, and massage chairs onboard to minimize inconvenience for passengers during long voyages.

Additionally, by reinforcing safety equipment-including the installation of new lifeboats-the company further enhanced the vessel's safety, laying the groundwork for stable, long-term operations.

These measures are expected to significantly improve customer satisfaction and strengthen the competitiveness of the route.

The Sokcho Port ferry route, which connects Sokcho and Vladivostok, Russia, operated a total of 21 voyages from its inaugural sailing on August 5, 2025, until the end of that year, transporting 2,244 passengers and 2,712 used vehicles.

This achievement demonstrates the business viability and growth potential of the route, even amid complex international circumstances and external conditions. It is also seen as confirming the foundation for Sokcho Port to emerge as a hub for exchanges in the Pan-East Sea region.

In particular, since the launch of regular ferry service, the supply of ship provisions such as food, small-scale ship repairs, laundry, and other maintenance work have been handled primarily by Sokcho-based businesses, making a tangible contribution to revitalizing the local economy.

Furthermore, 7 out of 9 staff members at the Sokcho branch have been hired locally, contributing to local job creation. The company is also engaged in community outreach activities, including donations to the Disabled Sports Association Development Fund and the Hope Sharing Fund, thereby building a model for mutual growth between the ferry route and the local community.

The ferry operator will offer a "3-night, 4-day Vladivostok tour package" through April.

The package includes round-trip ferry tickets, onboard meals, local hotel accommodation, transportation, a Korean-speaking guide, and tickets to tourist attractions.

Package prices are set at 299,000 won for departures from February 28 to March 21, and 399,000 won for departures from March 28 to April 25, respectively.

From May onward, the company plans to launch a 4-night, 5-day package that includes a 2-night stay in Vladivostok, with expectations that expanding stay-type tour products will lead to increased passenger numbers.

In response, Sokcho City will work closely with the operator to actively develop route-based tourism products and foster both inbound stay-type and outbound travel products in a balanced manner to secure a stable demand base.

The GN&L Grace ship departing from Sokcho on February 28th. Provided by Sokcho City.

Establishing the stable operation of the regular route is the top priority. Sokcho City, in cooperation with the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, plans to systematically implement a comprehensive strategy that includes expanding port infrastructure, strengthening logistics functions, and linking tourism strategies.

To this end, the city will restore the passenger terminal to normal operations and enhance logistics functions by re-designating bonded areas on port land near the terminal.

In addition, the city will gradually establish a direct import base for seafood raw materials using the ferry route, aiming to increase port cargo throughput.

An official from Sokcho City stated, "Above all, the stable operation of the route is critical," adding, "We will focus our administrative resources on ensuring operational safety and expanding port infrastructure."

The official added, "We will build a virtuous cycle for the local economy in which accommodation, food, tourism, distribution, and port-related industries grow together, and develop Sokcho Port into a hub for marine tourism and logistics in the Pan-East Sea region."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.