Cruising in South Korea

It is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations with cruise lines such as Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises calling at destinations in South Korea.

The capital, Seoul, is a sprawling metropolis with hyper-modern skyscrapers and high-tech subways where pop culture meets Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets. Visit the futuristic Dongdaeumun Design Plaza, a convention hall with curved architecture and a rooftop park.

Seoul is also the best place to catch some K-Pop artists who are gaining popularity even in Western countries. Seoul is also known for it’s amazing food – from high-end restaurants to food trucks, you can get an array of local delicacies. Gwangjang Market is Seoul’s largest food alley. If you’re after a bit of culture, visit the National Folk Museum of Korea which covers the Korean culture and way of life.

The Leeum Samsung Museum of Art showcases modern, traditional and international artists. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, visit Jeju, which is known for its beautiful beaches, lush countryside and seaside hotels designed for relaxation.

Places to stay

The Shilla is a large luxury hotel with a Korean twist and sits beside the beautifully landscaped Jangchungdan Park. It also features one of the only outdoor pools in the capital and a fantastic spa by Guerlain.

The W is the hippest hotel in town, all minimalist chic, cool cocktail bars and raised platform beds. Mid-range hotels tend towards the bland but are generally affordable, clean and modern. The Lotte resort in Jeju is a huge complex with hotel rooms, cool freestanding villas, shopping and even a volcano fountain.

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South Korea’s best cruise ports

Busan

Who goes there: Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, P&O Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea.

Cruisers like: Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and the country’s largest seaport. Beomeo-sa Temple is one of Korea’s five great temples and this complex is located up in the mountains. One of Busan’s largest attractions is the white lighthouse which overlooks the green sea. Lots of people enjoy eating raw rish on the rocky shore. Also check out the famous Ja-galchi Fish Market, which displays freshly caught fish and live sea creatures.

Best for: Everyone.

Getting around: There is a Busan hop on/hop off tour with two different routes. The Taejongdae route runs every 40 minutes and has a stop near the cruise terminal. Busan also has a subway and there are lots of taxis available, both regular and deluxe.

Incheon (Seoul)

Who goes there: Crystal Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea.

Cruisers like: This charming city, an hour from Seoul, is known for its therapeutic hot springs. All the downtown hotels have public bath facilities and swimming pools where visitors can bathe in spa waters. It is believed the waters help cure skin ailments, eye problems, neuralgia and gynaecological diseases. It is also one of the best places in South Korea to buy ceramics. Visit the Incheon Ceramics Village where there are hundreds of studios and shops with traditional wood-fired kilns.

Best for: Families.

Getting around: Cruise ships dock close to the centre of town and it is only an hour and a half to Seoul by bus. Visitors can also catch a cab from the port to the East Incheon subway station for a train that takes an hour and 20 minutes to get to the centre of Seoul.

Jeju

Who goes there: Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Silversea.

Cruisers like: Located just off the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, Jeju is a semi-tropical paradise with luxury hotels, authentic regional cuisine, natural scenery and beautiful beaches. For years, this island has been a popular vacation destination for Koreans and Japanese. Visit the Cheonjaeyeon Waterfall. Legend has it that seven nymphs descended from heaven at midnight to bathe in the waterfall’s pool. Nearby is the Hallim Park where visitors can explore underground caves and Bonsai Gardens.

Best for: Nature lovers.

Getting around: Buses from the terminal in Jeju City go to a number of destinations around the island. The buses will stop at various tourist attractions. Major hotels and tourist agencies also offer one- or two-day tours around the island.