This Year’s Cruise Carrying the Most Tourists Arrives at Jeju Gangjeong Port

Published 31 Jul.2023 14:24(KST)

On the 29th, a total of 4,500 people, including 3,700 Japanese, arrived in Jeju via MSC Bellissima

With the resumption of Northeast Asia cruises this year, the number of Japan-originating cruises visiting Jeju has been increasing, and the cruise carrying the most tourists this year docked in Jeju, attracting attention.

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Jeju Tourism Organization (President Ko Eun-sook) announced on the 31st that a total of 4,506 cruise tourists were aboard the MSC Bellissima, which docked at Gangjeong Port on the 29th, marking the highest number of passengers among cruises arriving in Jeju this year.

Pungmul troupe photo.

The MSC Bellissima, which made its fifth arrival in Jeju this year, has brought approximately 13,000 tourists to Jeju through four arrivals since May, signaling the full-scale reopening of the Northeast Asia cruise market.

With the peak vacation season underway, the cruise docked in Jeju carrying 4,506 tourists, including 3,745 Japanese tourists as well as visitors from Taiwan, the United States, Vietnam, and China, becoming the cruise that brought the most tourists to Jeju this year.

The approximately 4,500 tourists who arrived last weekend toured major local attractions such as Hallasan, Manjanggul Cave, Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji, Jeju Folk Village, and Sangumburi Crater, as well as various spots in Seogwipo city including the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, through optional tours and shuttle buses prepared by the cruise line.

Ahead of the MSC Bellissima’s arrival at Gangjeong Port, Jeju Tourism Organization held a Jeju tourism briefing and set up promotional booths onboard the MSC Bellissima on the 28th to increase the rate of disembarkation in Jeju and enhance tourist satisfaction.

A representative from Jeju Tourism Organization said, “Through the arrival of 4,500 tourists this time, we confirmed the continuous demand for Japan-originating cruises,” adding, “We will continue to attract cruises from various regions such as Japan and Taiwan to create opportunities for diversification in the cruise market, which was previously dominated by China.”