The river route of Daecheong Lake reopens after 40 years... 'Jeong Ji-yong' will operate next month
The Daecheong Lake ferry service will resume for the first time in 40 years, with the ferry 'Jeong Ji-yong' set to begin operations next month.
The ferry service on the Daecheong Lake in the Geumgang River basin is poised to resume after a hiatus lasting over four decades. Starting from mid-March, the ferry 'Jeong Ji-yong' will commence operations, as confirmed by the Okcheon County authorities. Preparations are underway, with final inspections of the boat and facilities taking place ahead of the official launch. These checks, conducted in conjunction with the Korea Maritime Safety Authority, ensure compliance with safety regulations, focusing on areas such as loading ramps, safety measures, and operational standards.
The cancellation of the ferry service in 1980 was a result of the construction of the Daecheong Dam, which led to significant environmental restrictions, including the designation of substantial areas around the lake as water source protection zones. This situation created considerable inconvenience for local residents, who had long advocated for the resumption of ferry services to improve access and local transport options. The reopening of the ferry service was made possible following a modification in 2022 by the Ministry of Environment, which responded to community calls to alleviate transportation issues and enhance local welfare.
The 'Jeong Ji-yong' ferry, named after the renowned local poet, is 40 passengers strong and powered by electricity, purchased for 3 billion KRW. This ferry will navigate five ports in the area, with a one-way journey expected to take approximately 80 minutes. Additional landing spots have been prepared as future expansions. The return of this ferry service not only restores a vital transport link that has been absent for decades but also symbolizes the success of community efforts to influence environmental policy and enhance local livability in Okcheon County and the surrounding Daecheong Lake region.