The new cable car project connecting Mireukdo Island and Hansando Island, and spanning a distance of 23.4 kilometers comes after the success of local cable car service Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, which has attracted over 1.4 million visitors. (Image: Yonhap)
TONGYEONG, Jan. 8 (Korea Bizwie) — The picturesque port city of Tongyeong is considering the construction of another cableway, which could end up being the longest cable car line in South Korea.
The new cable car project connecting Mireukdo Island and Hansando Island, and spanning a distance of 23.4 kilometers comes after the success of local cable car service Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, which has attracted over 1.4 million visitors.
If it comes to fruition, the proposed cable car service will see around 400 billion won spent to build eight routes by 2021, stopping at many local landmarks including the Battle of Hansan Island memorial and Bijindo Island, according to Tongyeong officials on Sunday.
While the new cable car will operate on several routes, it has yet to be confirmed whether passengers will be able to get on and off the cableway ride at different stops in the same way as on public buses.
The local government is hopeful that the cable car connecting Mireukdo and Hansando Islands could bring new job opportunities and tackle the economic malaise that has hit the shipbuilding industry.
The picturesque port city of Tongyeong is considering the construction of another cableway, which could end up being the longest cable car line in South Korea. (Image: Yonhap)
The number of visitors to the region is continuing to grow, increasing from 4.64 million in 2007 to 6.6 million in 2015, with more South Koreans interested in the natural environment.
“We plan on going forward with the project once we find a private business partner. We believe the new cable car will run in conjunction with the Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway and become a new icon that represents tourism in Tongyeong,” a local government official said.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
