Incheon’s “I-Sea Pass” boosts island tourism, driving 32% rise in local revenue

Incheon City’s initiative to make island travel more affordable is showing significant results, with both tourism revenue and ferry passenger numbers rising notably this year. The policy, which reduces the cost of traveling to Incheon’s islands using coastal passenger ferries, is credited with opening access to island destinations for more residents and visitors.

According to data released by the city on November 11, tourism-related revenue across Incheon’s island regions reached approximately 29.5 billion KRW from January to October 2024, marking a 32% increase from 22.3 billion KRW in the same period last year.

Passenger numbers also climbed sharply. During the same ten-month span, 776,000 people used coastal passenger ferries, up 30% from 597,000 in the previous year.

The surge is largely attributed to the “Incheon I-Sea Pass” program, introduced this year. Under the initiative, Incheon citizens pay just 1,500 KRW (about $1.10) for a one-way trip on 14 ferry routes. For non-residents, the subsidy rate for standard fares was raised from 50% to 70%, significantly lowering travel costs.

City officials note that the program has not only encouraged more recreational island visits but also helped support local economies, particularly small businesses in fishing villages and tourism-oriented communities.

A city-led online survey of about 12,000 Incheon residents in July found the I-Sea Pass ranked first among the city’s top ten policy initiatives, indicating broad public support.

“Incheon’s islands are among our most unique cultural and ecological assets,” a city official said. “We will continue implementing tourism and economic revitalization policies that residents can directly benefit from.”

The city plans to further promote its island tourism brand, improve transportation infrastructure, and develop seasonal and thematic travel programs to sustain growth.