- Access to 25 islands in Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gun with city bus fare for Incheon residents -

- First in the country to integrate passenger ferries into public transportation, with fare support expanded up to 70% for non-residents of Incheon -

- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok: “A major turning point in revitalization of tourism on Incheon’s islands” -

The Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is set to officially implement the “Incheon i-Sea Pass” project in January 2025. This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, enables all citizens to use passenger ferries at the city bus fare. 

The “Incheon i-Sea Pass” aims to guarantee the mobility rights of Incheon residents and to boost the local economy by revitalizing island tourism. The program covers 25 islands in Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gun.

Incheon residents are able to use passenger ferries for KRW 1,500 for a one-way trip, which is equivalent to the city bus fare. Non-residents will benefit from increased fare subsidies and pay only 30% of the regular fare. The discount has increased from the previous 50% to 70%. The discounted fare is automatically applied to online reservations or on-site ticketing at terminals without a separate application process, increasing user convenience.

On January 2, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok attended a promotional event held at the Incheon Coastal Passenger Terminal to mark the successful launch of this initiative. 

During the event, Mayor Yoo conducted safety inspections before the ferry departure and engaged directly with citizens, explaining the key benefits and instructions regarding the “Incheon i-Sea Pass.” Brochures were also distributed to highlight the importance and expected impact of the policy.

Mayor Yoo stated, “This initiative is a significant turning point, providing an opportunity to visit Incheon’s islands without financial burden. We anticipate the i-Sea Pass will contribute immensely to the revitalization of island tourism.” He also emphasized the broader impact of the policy, noting that the conversion of passenger ferries to public transportation will improve the mobility rights of both island residents and tourists. “The increase in tourism will invigorate the local economy,” Mayor Yoo added.

Since 2022, the Incheon Metropolitan Government has been pioneering efforts to improve living conditions in island areas by allowing residents to use passenger ferries at city bus fares. Previously, the city covered 80% of ferry fares for general citizens. With the expansion of this policy, all citizens now enjoy the same benefits, significantly improving access to island tourism.