Chungcheongnam-do

This marks the definitive confirmation of the international cruise line operation, a long-awaited project of over a decade by South Chungcheong Province and Seosan City, pioneering in the Chungcheong region.
 
On the 27th, it was announced that a cruise operation agreement was signed between Seosan City and Lotte Tour Development, followed by an agreement between Lotte Tour Development and the shipping company Costa Korea for the "2024 Cruise Charter Operation".
 
Under this agreement, a 6-night, 7-day cruise tourism experience will commence on May 8th next year, starting from Dae-san Port in Seosan. The cruise will carry passengers through Northeast Asian ports including Okinawa and Miyakojima in Japan, and Jilong in Taiwan, before arriving at Busan Port.
 
The Costa Serena, the ship secured for this venture, has a gross tonnage of 114,000 tons, a length of 290 meters, and a width of 35 meters, with a capacity of up to 3,780 passengers.
 
Its facilities include a grand theater, disco, swimming pool, restaurants, themed bars, gym, kids club, casino, duty-free shop, and a beauty salon & spa.
 
Tourism products for this cruise can be purchased through the Lotte Tour Development website and Naver.
 
Despite the challenging situation where operators and shipowners are hesitant to launch new operations in unproven areas like Busan, the persistent efforts of South Chungcheong Province and Seosan City, including continuous promotion, policy cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and stakeholder meetings, have paid off.
 
Their efforts have laid the foundation for a cruise port in the otherwise undeveloped region of South Chungcheong.
 
The province expects that this successful attraction will boost international cruise travel through local ports and increase the region's potential as a cruise stopover.
 
This development is also anticipated to accelerate the construction of the West Coast Comprehensive Tourist Facilities (Marina) project, a key initiative of the eighth popularly elected government, and the development of the West Coast International Marine Leisure Tourism Belt. The province commits to sparing no effort or support in developing and revitalizing Dae-san Port as a central port on the West Coast, known for its proximity to major Chinese ports and optimal for trade with China.
 
 
Department in Charge : Maritime Policy and Maritime Leisure Tourism Team
Tel : 041-635-4767