(Photo by Busan Port Authority//courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
The city of Busan has officially begun operating its cruise terminal 24 hours a day for the first time in Korea, marking a significant step toward expanding stay-over cruise tourism.
The move coincides with the arrival of this year’s first overnight cruise, the Regatta, a 30,000-ton vessel carrying up to 650 passengers on a 15-day itinerary across Korea, Japan, and China.
The ship arrived at Busan Port at 7 a.m. on February 23 and departed at 10 a.m. the following day for Kanazawa, Japan.
Under the new system, passengers may disembark upon arrival and re-board freely at any time before departure, eliminating the previous 10 p.m. boarding deadline.
Previously, even overnight cruises were subject to terminal operating hour restrictions, limiting how long passengers could explore the city.
The new 24-hour model is the result of ongoing coordination between the Busan Metropolitan Government and the Busan Port Authority, along with customs, immigration, and quarantine authorities.
City officials expect the extended hours to increase local economic impact by allowing cruise visitors to spend more time and money in the region.
During their stay, passengers are scheduled to visit major attractions including Haedong Yonggungsa, Beomeosa, Gukje Market, and Jagalchi Market, as well as nearby Gyeongju.
To enhance the overnight experience, the city is also introducing special programs, including social media engagement events and an evening “Night Tour” featuring panoramic views from Hwangnyeongsan Observatory.
Busan’s cruise sector is expected to diversify further this year, with projections of 442 total cruise calls, including nine overnight cruises, 169 vessels from China, and 20 semi-homeport operations. Officials estimate approximately 800,000 cruise visitors will arrive in 2026.
The city plans to implement targeted marketing strategies, improve passenger convenience, upgrade tourism content, and design structured revisit programs.
Efforts will include customized promotions for cruise lines, enhanced transportation support, expanded food and cultural experiences, and farewell performances and pop-up souvenir zones aimed at strengthening Busan’s image as a destination worth returning to.
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