Chinese tourists arrive in Busan on the Blue Dream Melody cruise ship on June 12. Yonhap News Agency
South Korea on Monday unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at attracting one million foreign tourists by 2027 and significantly expanding its cruise tourism sector.
The ambitious plan, announced in a joint press release by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, includes major upgrades to the country’s infrastructure and cruise-related services.
The strategy comes as cruise tourism is expected to rebound, with 273,817 tourists recorded in 2023, surpassing the 267,381 recorded in 2019, before the pandemic.
The centerpiece of the plan is the construction by next year of a new cruise ship pier at the Saemangeum New Port in Gunsan, on reclaimed wetlands on the southwest coast, and a new international passenger terminal at Mukho Port on the east coast.
To improve the quality of existing services, the government plans to extend cruise terminal opening hours, introduce pop-up markets and set up 24-hour unmanned currency exchange booths to provide greater convenience for travelers.
The two ministries also aim to establish distinct identities for seven major ports. For example, Incheon will be developed as an “airport-connected aviation and cruise port city” with Incheon International Airport as the country’s main gateway.
Sokcho, home to the scenic Mount Seorak, plans to promote itself as a city famous for mountain climbing.
The plan also emphasizes developing special tourism programs tailored to international tourists.
“The government will revitalize regional tourism linked to cruises and attract foreign tourists to various parts of Korea with diverse attractions,” Deputy Minister of Culture Jang Mi-ran said in a press release.
She promised close cooperation between the governments and comprehensive support for the tourism industry. (Yonhap News Agency)
