President Lee Jae-myung has expressed his gratitude to the city of Incheon for deciding to offer ferry fare discounts to career soldiers, firefighters, and police officers working on islands.

Today (the 14th), President Lee shared a related news report on his social media account, writing, "I would like to express my deep gratitude on behalf of our soldiers, police officers, and firefighters to our beloved Incheon Mayor Park Chan-dae, members of the Incheon City Council, and the citizens of Incheon for Incheon's thoughtful consideration."

He added, "I cheer for and love Incheon, a city that embodies 'haebulyangsu' (meaning the sea rejects no water and embraces all streams)."

Following his visit to the Marine Corps Yeonpyeong Unit last June, President Lee noted that stationed soldiers had complained about the heavy burden of paying as much as 110,000 won for round-trip ferry fares when taking leave to the mainland, prompting him to suggest institutional improvements.

The city of Incheon has decided to expand the eligibility of its "I-Bada Pass" project—which offers coastal ferry fares at a discounted rate of 1,500 won one-way for Incheon residents—to include non-resident career soldiers stationed in the area through an amendment to the enforcement rules of the relevant ordinance.

(Photo: Yonhap News)