A large ferry has recently been added to the Jeju - Mokpo line. Analysts say it will really help alleviate transportation issues for both passengers and cargo, since sailings are scheduled both day and night. Joseph Kim has more.
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Jeju Harbor

Trucks and passengers are flooding out of the ferries lined up at Jeju harbor.

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Santa Lucino sails between Jeju, Mokpo

This is the Santa Lucino, running the sea route between Jeju and Mokpo.

It is a 24,000-ton vessel which can accommodate up to 1400 passengers and 500 vehicles.

A new ship has been added to the line that operates daily between Jeju and Mokpo.

Ferry service between Jeju and Mokpo which was limited to once a day passage, will now see its operations expanded into morning and evening services.

[INTERVIEW]
Kwon Chang-ho / Sea World Express Ferry
We added the large vessel to meet regulations and pass safety inspections, as well as to be able to ship agricultural and seafood products.
<인터뷰 : 권창호/(주)씨월드고속훼리 부장>
"제주 농산물 수송에 어려움이 많은데 선박 규제나 안전 점점을 극복하고
도내 농수산물 수송에 일조하고자 대형 선박을 투입하게 됐습니다."

Last year’s Sewol ferry sinking has slowed the shipping process but the addition of a new line is expected to resolve transport delays as winter vegetables such as mandarins are ready for shipment.

[INTERVIEW]
Kang Chang-sik / Cargo truck driver
We used to have major delays because of the limited lines but the recently added routes to Yeosu and Mokpo have helped ease the problem.
<인터뷰 : 강창식/화물기사>
"기존에는 배편이 많이 모자라서 물류에 차질이 많았는데
최근에는 여수나 목포에 배가 새로 와서 물류에 많이 도움이 되죠."

The starting of the 15,000 ton class vessel ‘Gold Stellar’ followed by the ‘Santa Lucino’ line between Jeju and Yeosu has brought the transportation rate back to its previous levels prior to the Sewol ferry sinking.

[INTERVIEW]
Kim Kyoung-ho / Head of Jeju Port Distribution Association
To come to Jeju from the mainland, it used to be a two- to three-day wait, but we can now travel the same day, or whenever needed, from either direction. The Mokpo-Jeju line should be able to resolve all of the logistical issues we’ve been having.
**Super change**
<인터뷰 : 김경호/제주항만물류협회장>
"육지에서 제주로 오려면 2~3일 대기를 했는데
이제는 당일 또는 자신이 요구하는 쪽으로 갈 수 있도록 가도록 (물류수송이) 소화되고 있습니다.// **수퍼체인지**
목포 노선 배가 또 취항하면서 물동량은 100% 해소된다고 (볼 수 있습니다.)"

[reporter] Joseph Kim

The Jeju sea route took a major hit after last year’s tragedy, but as larger vessels are opening new routes, transportation services for both passengers and cargo are expected to return to normal.

Joseph Kim KCTV