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🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

Incheon considers 1,500 won ferry pass for island-based soldiers

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The city of Incheon is considering extending its 1,500 won (approx. $1.08) ferry pass program to professional soldiers stationed in its island areas, even if they don't reside there.
  • This program, currently for Incheon citizens, offers a discounted one-way ferry ticket.
  • The city plans to amend its ordinance to include these soldiers, who currently lack separate travel support for non-official trips, by September.

Incheon is exploring a significant expansion of its "i-Sea Pass" ferry subsidy program, potentially offering the 1,500 won (approximately $1.08) one-way fare to professional soldiers stationed in the city's numerous islands, regardless of their residency status. The city government announced on May 29 that it is reviewing the inclusion of these military personnel, who currently lack dedicated travel support for non-official journeys.

The soldiers stationed on Yeonpyeong Island today complained that the ferry fare to the mainland for their leave costs a whopping 110,000 won, which is an enormous burden.

— Lee Jae-myungPresident Lee Jae-myung's post on X (formerly Twitter) after visiting Yeonpyeong Island.

The "i-Sea Pass" currently provides a heavily discounted ferry service for Incheon citizens traveling to and from the city's islands. Incheon officials are considering revising the relevant ordinance to implement this expansion, with a target date of September. The proposed change would benefit professional soldiers stationed in island areas who have not yet registered their residency in Incheon. Soldiers who have already registered are already eligible as Incheon citizens.

Reports indicate that 20% to 30% of professional soldiers stationed in these island regions have not yet established residency. While conscripted soldiers can utilize military travel allowances or free passes for leave, professional soldiers do not receive such benefits for personal travel. This initiative follows President Lee Jae-myung's visit to Yeonpyeong Island, where soldiers expressed the significant financial burden of ferry fares, which can cost up to 110,000 won for a round trip.

We will review and ensure that soldiers stationed in island areas, including the West Sea 5 Islands, receive appropriate benefits.

— Park Chan-daeIncheon Mayor-elect Park Chan-dae's response on X to President Lee's post.

Following the President's remarks, Incheon Mayor-elect Park Chan-dae pledged to "review and ensure that soldiers stationed in island areas, including the West Sea 5 Islands, receive appropriate benefits." A city official noted that the plan is still in its early stages and details may change, emphasizing that the expansion is currently under consideration.

It is currently in the planning stage, so specific details may change. We are currently considering expanding the program.

— Incheon City OfficialComment on the ongoing review of the ferry pass program expansion.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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