Okcheon County in North Chungcheong Province announced that it would temporarily suspend the operation of the ferry 'Jeong Ji-yong,' which has been navigating Daecheong Lake, starting today (July 9).

The measure was taken as recent monsoon rains have washed various floating debris into the dock and surrounding waterways, posing a threat to vessel safety.

An official from Okcheon County explained, "Tree branches and vegetation washed down by rainwater have covered the area around the dock, making operations impossible for the time being," adding, "We are notifying the public through the county office website and information boards to prevent visitors from making unnecessary trips."

While the timeline depends on future weather conditions, Okcheon County expects that it will take at least 15 days to resume operations.

The 40-ton electric-powered vessel has been operating on a 21-kilometer route on Daecheong Lake, connecting Janggye Tourist Site in Annae-myeon to Dongrakjeong in Annam-myeon, since March.

The ferry has attracted many passengers, as its launch symbolized the reopening of the Daecheong Lake waterway for the first time in 43 years, after it had been closed since 1983.

Within three months of its launch, the number of passengers exceeded 6,000, and operating revenue surpassed 30 million won.

(Photo: Yonhap News)