SHINAN — Shinan County in Jeonnam-Gwangju is sharply expanding its half-price ferry fare subsidy for general passengers in a bid to revive island tourism and the local economy.
Starting Oct. 27, the county will extend the subsidy, previously limited to four islands, to all 11 remote outlying islands in the Heuksan area, the county said on the 23rd. The expansion covers Hongdo and Heuksando, two of Shinan's best-known tourist destinations.
Until now, the program applied only to four remote outlying islands — Gageodo, Manjaedo, Sangtaedo and Hataedo — and only on weekdays, excluding weekends and public holidays. Under the new measure, coverage widens to 11 islands in the Heuksan area and runs year-round, including weekends and holidays.
The county expects the expanded fare support to lower the barrier to island travel. An increase in visitors to Heuksando and Hongdo is likely to spread tourism demand to neighboring islands, it said.
Officials also anticipate growth in overnight island tourism. Longer stays could lift spending across local service industries, including lodging, restaurants and tourism businesses, which in turn would directly support household incomes and the local economy.
The county is pairing the move with environmental management to prepare for larger visitor numbers. Anticipating a rise in waste as fare support expands, Shinan recently deployed a cargo vessel serving Heuksando and smaller surrounding islands. The county said it will also step up environmental upkeep and household waste disposal in island areas.
"From next year, we plan to provide the half-price subsidy based on the Heuksando port fare," Shinan County Mayor Kim Tae-seong said. "We will increase the number of visitors who stay overnight and maximize the potential of island tourism." He added that the county "will do its utmost so that Shinan can become an island everyone wants to live on."
Shinan currently funds the half-price ferry program with subsidies from Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City and its own budget. But the burden on local finances is growing as the program widens. The county plans to continue talks with central government ministries and press for state subsidies under the Special Act on Support for Remote Outlying Islands.