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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World Beyond Maritime Blind Spots: The revision of the law was welcome news for island R&D Station

Q1. How do you assess the current situation?

Advocating for Island Residents’
residents, as it created a legal foundation for using

people. But the road ahead is still long. Although the
KIDI Right to Mobility local government-operated vessels to transport
framework is in place, without practical policy support,
Research Fellow
the benefits have yet to be truly felt on the ground.

Jang Cheolho The 2022 revision of the Island Development Promotion Act marked
meaningful progress by establishing a legal basis for using vessels
Interview Q2. What is the ultimate goal in enhancing mobility for island residents?
managed and operated by local governments for transporting
The ultimate goal is the vision of One Island, One Path. This means building a transportation system that
people. However, detailed policies for actual implementation
allows every Korean citizen to move freely between the mainland and the islands. What matters is creating
remain insufficient. Unless followed by concrete and effective action,
an environment where not only island residents, but also tourists and the general public, can conveniently
the law risks remaining merely symbolic.
and comfortably enjoy the islands.

Q3. What improvements do you believe are necessary to make this a reality?

Second, we should diversify our transportation options beyond conventional vessels. Ferries aren’t the
only answer. We must consider alternatives like small aircraft (under 50 seats), eco-friendly autonomous
water taxis, or even Urban Air Mobility (UAM), as seen in countries like Greece, Japan, and the UK. These
Vol.03 alternatives could serve dual purposes—as transportation and tourism resources. Finland, for instance,

launched the world’s first commercial fully autonomous water taxi in 2024. It has already led to improved
access to the Helsinki archipelago, lower fares via reduced labor costs, carbon emission reductions through
solar panels, and a boost to the local real estate market.

Third, we need to establish a centralized maritime traffic control tower. Currently, maritime transport
affairs—licensing, operations, safety inspections—are spread across multiple ministries and agencies. A
unified organization is necessary to ensure streamlined, effective governance.

Q4. This sounds like more than just improving convenience—it’s about protecting basic rights.

Exactly.
The rights to mobility and safety are fundamental and must be guaranteed to all. Island residents face persistent
difficulties due to inadequate transportation. Now is the time for bold ideas and decisive policy action.

Q5. Any final words you’d like to share?
Island residents living in maritime blind spots deserve the same convenient and safe transportation as
everyone else. When mobility rights are restricted, it leads not only to physical inconvenience but also to
psychological exclusion creating a form of social inequality. I hope to see policy and action that reflect the
real conditions of island life, bringing warm, meaningful change like a spring breeze to island communities.

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