Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City expands half-price ferry fare support to 34 islands

[Financial News, Jeonnam-Gwangju = Reporter Hwang Tae-jong] Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City, or Gwangju Metropolitan City, said on the 19th that it will invest 5.2 billion won to expand its half-price ferry fare support program for general travelers from 19 islands on seven routes in four cities and counties to 34 islands on 15 routes in six cities and counties, ahead of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition.
The move is intended to encourage domestic and international visitors to travel to the islands during the 2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition and to boost island tourism by linking Yeosu and major islands in the Jeonnam-Gwangju area with the event.
Gwangju Metropolitan City Maritime and Port Division Director Park Geun-sik said, "The 2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition is an important opportunity to showcase the beautiful islands and marine tourism resources of the Jeonnam-Gwangju area to visitors at home and abroad." He added, "Through the half-price ferry fare support program, we will encourage exhibition visitors to visit and experience islands not only in Yeosu but across the Jeonnam-Gwangju area, and help turn that into stronger island tourism."
According to Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 31st, the half-price ferry fare support program for general travelers has been in place since 2022 to reduce travel costs for visitors to islands in the Jeonnam-Gwangju area, improve accessibility, and help increase tourism income for island residents and revitalize the local economy.
In particular, with the expansion, Yeosu, the host city of the island expo, will significantly increase supported routes, including Yeosu-Geomundo, Dolsan-eup-Geumodo Island, Baekyado-Geumodo Island, Baekyado-Nangdo, and Yeosu-Yeondo, allowing visitors to enjoy both the exhibition and island tourism.
It will also cover 50% of ferry fares on routes such as Goheung County-Geomundo, Mokpo-Gageodo, Haenam County Woosooyoung-Jangsando Island, Jindo Island-Gwanmaedo, and Jodo Island-Jindo Island.
However, the subsidy applies only to ferry fares and does not cover terminal fees or vehicle fares. The applicable days, such as weekends, public holidays, and weekdays, may vary depending on local conditions and budgets in each city and county, so visitors should check with the relevant local office before traveling.
Gwangju Metropolitan City also plans to operate a "half-price yacht tour" during the island expo, using yachts and cruise boats as alternative transportation to ease road congestion around the venue. The city will spend 600 million won on the program, helping tourists move around more conveniently while enjoying Yeosu's beautiful islands and sea.

[email protected] Hwang Tae-jong Reporter