S.Korea-China ferries resume passenger transport after hiatus of 43 months

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of South Korea announced on Thursday that the passenger ferry New Grand Peace is set to embark on Friday afternoon from the port of Weihai, China, with around 100 passengers on board, and it will arrive at the Port of Pyeongtaek the next morning.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, international passenger ships between South Korea and China had only been transporting cargo. However, after a gap of 3 years and 7 months, passenger transport is resuming. In addition to the Pyeongtaek-Weihai route, passenger services will also take place on August 11 for the Incheon-Qingdao route, August 13 for the Pyeongtaek-Yantai route and for the Incheon-Weihai route.

There are a total of 15 international passenger routes between South Korea and China. Before the suspension of passenger transport in 2019, approximately 2 million passengers utilized these routes annually.

Considering the easing of quarantine measures in both countries and passenger demand, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries decided on March 20 to resume international passenger transport between South Korea and China. Shipping companies have been preparing by hiring crew members and maintaining cabins. The ministry plans to continue collaborating and preparing with Chinese port authorities to facilitate passenger transport on other routes as well.

"The resumption of South Korea-China passenger transport will not only greatly assist passenger ship companies and local economies that have faced difficulties due to the pandemic, but also contribute to strengthening friendly relations between the two countries," said Minister Cho Seung-hwan of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. "We will also prioritize passenger safety by conducting regular checks on international passenger ships and terminals."

Write to Se-Min Huh at semin@hankyung.com