The Korea Maritime Traffic Safety Authority (KOMSA) is providing various information necessary for ferry users, including nationwide ferry operation forecasts and terminal congestion data, in anticipation of the Chuseok holiday.
According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, approximately 385,000 people are expected to use coastal ferries during the special transportation period from September 23 to 27.
Starting September 23, KOMSA will broadcast 'Tomorrow's Operation Forecast' videos for major routes in each region through IPTV installed at 24 coastal ferry terminals across the country. The videos will include forecasts for ferry operations on September 24 and information on the likelihood of operations up to three days in advance.
During the holiday period, ferry operation forecasts can be checked on the KOMSA website under 'Tomorrow's Operation Forecast.' For 17 major routes, users can also access 'Tomorrow's Operation Forecast Plus,' which utilizes an artificial intelligence (AI) prediction model to provide operation likelihood information for up to three days ahead. This information will be updated daily at noon through the KOMSA website, Naver Band for ferry operation management centers, KakaoTalk's 'Marine Bot,' and electronic boards at ferry terminals.
For the five routes serving the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, including Yeosu to Hamgumi, the likelihood of operations will be categorized as 'high, medium, or low' for up to two days in advance, with English information available for foreign travelers.
Congestion information for major ferry terminals will also be provided through drone footage. Travelers can check vehicle loading wait times and parking congestion on the Naver Band for each operation management center before departure. Naver Maps and KakaoMap will offer information on travel routes connecting trains, buses, and ferries, as well as ferry operation times and fares.
Real-time ferry operation status can be checked through the Passenger Ferry Traffic Information Service (PATIS). Additionally, the virtual reality (VR) service 'How's the Ferry' allows users to preview boarding procedures, cabins, routes, life jacket locations, and emergency exits for 19 major islands, including Ulleungdo and Jeju Island.
“I hope travelers will utilize the various ferry information provided by KOMSA for a safe and convenient journey during the Chuseok holiday,” said An Young-cheol, the head of KOMSA. “We will continue to improve ferry services that the public can feel.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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