verseas passenger ferries transport 1.82 million

International passenger vessels operating between Korea and overseas destinations like Japan, China, and Russia, transported 1,822,000 people, an increase of 32.1% (443,000 people) as compared with 1,379,000 people during the same period last year.

They also handled 295,000 TEU, for a 15.2% increase (39,000 TEU) over 256,000 TEU in 2003.

By service route, Korea and China services increased passengers by about 50% (258,000 people ) over the previous year, transporting 811,000 passengers while cargoes increased 11% (22,000 TEU) over 2003 up to 220,000 TEU.

MOMAF (Ministry of Maritime Affaires & Fisheries) explained that they attracted passengers away from traditional airfare with new service openings such as that between Incheon and Qinwhangdao, another between Gunsan and Qingdao, and with the latest model vessels with investment and additional conveniences and facilities.