Discover The Charm of South Korea’s Cruise Ports
While South Korea is an increasingly popular tourist destination, there are many hidden port Gems worth exploring beyond Seoul. Busan, Jeju, Incheon, Yeosu, and Sokcho are the five major cruise ports in Korea with distinctive charms. Take a moment to learn about Korea’s ports and some of the must visit spots for you and your clients.
Busan: Seafood Lovers
Busan is a famous marine city known for Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village and Jagalchi Market. With the blue sea and fresh seafood delicacies, Busan is the ideal place for travelers. Major attractions include Nampo-dong food alleys with old stalls and stores; a Buddhist temple located on the coast that you can visit on a city tour bus; the International Film Festival; and the Busan Fireworks Festival held along the beaches.
Jeju Island: Paradise
Jeju Island is the largest island in Korea and a resort city with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A world-famous volcanic island, known for the Haenyeo (women divers), some in their 80s, dive to collect seaweed, shellfish and other seafood in a unique way (Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO).You can still see some of these sea mermaids ‘at work’ and learn all about their history and culture in the Haenyeo museum on Jeju island. Full of natural landscapes as well as a unique culture and mysterious legends. Haenyeo (sea women) catch seafood for a living with only a knife while holding their breath. They are breath-hold diving, or free diving, down to about 10 meters / 30 feet, for minutes – depending on their experience.
Incheon : An evolving International City
Incheon – South Korea’s third largest city is an expanding metropolis and industrial port. It’s colorful Chinatown and Open Port areas are the most tourist-friendly parts of the city to explore and easily accessible. Incheon has distinctive features from its food to its architecture and landscapes. Visit the Incheon Art Platform, Wolmido, Incheon Landing Memorial Hall, Wolmi Observatory, and Korean Emigration History Museum.
Yeosu: Romance
Yeosu is Korea’s romantic city!
It is a coastal city located in Jeollanam-do, South Korea. It’s known for its scenic coastal shorelines, succulent seafood and camellias blossoms in spring. This city offers many things to enjoy. You can take a cable car, enjoy a rail-bike ride along the sea, and taste a hearty meal of fresh seafood.
Sokcho : Home of Seoraksan National Park
Sokcho is located on the east coast of the Korean Peninsula and occupies a large portion of Gangwon-do, where visitors enjoy stunning views and sunbathing on long golden beaches with a view of the East Sea’s horizon. Visit and explore Seorak Waterpia, the Teddy Bear Farm, and Seoraksan national park near the city of Sokcho.
The Seoraksan National Park is the third-highest mountain in South Korea with an elevation of 5,604 ft. Famous for its views, clear mountain streams, and vibrant flora and fauna, Seoraksan boasts some of the loveliest trails in the country.
