Gangwon Tourism Foundation Successfully Concludes 'Sokcho Port Cruise Festa' Enjoyed by Citizens and Tourists Alike

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, Sokcho City, and the Gangwon Tourism Foundation (CEO Choi Sunghyun) announced on the 19th that the local festival "Sokcho Cruise Festa," held in conjunction with the Westerdam cruise ship that docked at Sokcho Port on the 18th, was a great success. The event attracted over 5,000 people, including about 2,700 cruise tourists, domestic and international visitors who came to Sokcho for the weekend, and local residents.

On the 18th, the Westerdam cruise ship docked at Sokcho Port, bustling with tourists. Provided by Gangwon Tourism Foundation

This event marked the first attempt in Gangwon Province to combine cruise tourism with local community development. A variety of programs showcasing K-culture and the charms of Sokcho were held at the Sokcho Port Cruise Terminal and Abai Village Beach area. The experience zone was especially popular, featuring activities such as Korean calligraphy fan making, traditional knot bracelet crafting, and dalgona (Korean honeycomb candy) making.

Notably, around 15 local small business owners participated directly in the event, promoting and selling Sokcho's food and specialty products. This not only boosted local consumption but also provided domestic and international tourists with an opportunity to experience the flavors and culture of Gangwon Province. A participating small business owner commented, "With local merchants taking part directly, the event brought tangible vitality to the local economy."

Meanwhile, the Westerdam cruise ship, operated by Holland America Line and carrying about 2,700 passengers and crew, is a large premium cruise vessel. Passengers enjoyed the autumn atmosphere of Korea by touring major destinations along the East Coast, including Sokcho, Goseong, Yangyang, and Gangneung. In particular, the foundation recruited about 200 cruise passengers for tours of major attractions in Gangneung, which had a positive impact on revitalizing tourism in areas recently affected by drought and economic downturn.

Choi Sunghyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Foundation, stated, "This event was a meaningful occasion that demonstrated the potential for cruise tourism and local communities to thrive together. Moving forward, the Gangwon Tourism Foundation will continue to expand marine tourism content, including cruise port tours, to help Gangwon become Korea's leading global marine tourism hub."

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