Pohang Canal Cruise ... Anticipating a Second Leap Forward

‘Pohang Canal Cruise,’ which has established itself as Pohang’s largest marine tourism attraction, is anticipating a second leap forward.

Aqua Patio Lounge, the vessel available for purchase.

‘Pohang Cruise,’ a social enterprise that created new tourism demand in Pohang, Gyeongbuk, an area once considered a marine tourism desert, officially began operations in March 2014. On holidays, it attracts an average of 1,000 visitors per day and 300 on weekdays, with a cumulative total of over 1.1 million passengers to date, firmly establishing itself as Pohang’s premier marine tourism destination.

However, due to the impact of earthquakes and COVID-19, the number of tourists sharply declined, delivering a direct blow to the local tourism industry, and visitors to the Pohang Canal and cruise also significantly decreased. Nevertheless, with the phased recovery of daily life, the number of tourists has gradually increased, resulting in sales reaching 1 billion KRW by the end of December last year and achieving the same milestone by the end of October this year.

Choi Mandal, who took office in June 2021, explained confidently that despite the difficult environment, the company has escaped long-term deficit operations and achieved two consecutive years of profitable management. On November 8, he was reappointed at the board meeting and plans to focus on ensuring a more enjoyable and safe travel experience for tourists next year by purchasing three aging vessels with new American leisure boats.

Pohang Cruise’s operating hours during the winter season are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The boarding fee is 15,000 KRW for adults and 12,000 KRW for children under 13, with a 20% discount for Pohang residents. The fleet consists of five vessels: the 40-seat Yeonorang, the 45-seat Seo-nyeo, and the 11-seat Aqua Patio, among others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.