The Daecheong Lake ferry route reopened on the morning of the 23rd, marking an emotional moment for local residents of Janggyeri village in Chungbuk's Okcheon County. Many of the villagers were able to board the 'Jeong Ji-yong' ferry, named after a famous local poet, and reflect on their memories of the area that was submerged in 1980 due to the construction of the Daecheong Dam. Some residents recalled their school days and the roads that were lost, highlighting the importance of this reopening for community nostalgia and identity.

The ferry service was officially launched during a ceremony hosted by Okcheon County, where it was announced that the 'Jeong Ji-yong' ferry, a 40-passenger vessel purchased for about 3 billion won, would operate between various tourist spots along an 18 km route. This service operates twice daily and is expected to serve not only as a means of transportation but also as a significant tourist attraction due to the stunning natural scenery that surrounds Daecheong Lake.

The revival of ferry services on Daecheong Lake had been stalled for decades due to strict regulations aimed at protecting water quality in the reservoir area following the dam's establishment. However, in May 2022, regulatory measures were slightly relaxed under a government initiative to alleviate public transportation issues, paving the way for the resumption of ferry operations. Local authorities, including Okcheon and adjacent areas, hope that the ferry service will boost tourism and improve regional economic activity by revitalizing access to this otherwise isolated area now rich in cultural and natural heritage.