Pyeongtaek Port to Launch Jeju Ferry Service Three Times Weekly

A ferry service to Jeju Island will set sail for the first time at the end of February from Pyeongtaek Port, located in the Seoul metropolitan area.

According to Pyeongtaek City on the 13th, Sechang Shipping is preparing to launch the Jeju ferry service with a target first departure at the end of February.

Currently, ship repairs and interior work are underway.

The Jeju ferry service operating from Pyeongtaek Port is scheduled to run three times weekly in both directions, departing from Pyeongtaek Port every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7 p.m., arriving in Jeju the next morning at 8 a.m.

From Jeju, the ferry will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7 p.m., arriving at Pyeongtaek Port the next morning at 8 a.m.

The vessel deployed for this coastal ferry service is the 'Cordelia,' a 15,661-ton ship capable of accommodating 700 passengers, 200 TEU of cargo, and 150 vehicles.

In connection with the launch of this coastal ferry service, Pyeongtaek City is upgrading ticketing offices and waiting areas at the International Passenger Terminal for passenger convenience. The city is also exploring measures such as increasing bus services to improve public transportation connections to Pyeongtaek Port.

A city official stated, "We are making efforts to revitalize Pyeongtaek Port and ensure the successful implementation of the coastal ferry service," and added, "When the ferry sets sail at the end of February, we estimate that approximately 80,000 passengers annually will use the coastal ferry service."

Meanwhile, the coastal ferry service to Jeju received conditional licensing from the Pyeongtaek Port Authority last October and is preparing for operations. The ferry will operate three round trips weekly between Pyeongtaek Port and Jeju, covering approximately 470 km, with a sailing time of approximately 13 hours.