Sokcho Port Makes Impact at Miami Cruise Expo... Achieves Expansion of Global Cruise Line Port Calls

Participation in Seatrade Cruise Global
Discussions on Expanding Port Calls
with Major Lines Including Royal Caribbean and MSC

Gangwon Tourism Foundation (CEO Choi Sunghyun) announced that it participated in 'Seatrade Cruise Global 2026', held in Miami, USA from April 13 to April 16, actively promoting cruise port attraction marketing centered on Sokcho Port.

Gangwon Tourism Organization (CEO Seonghyun Choi) participated in 'Seatrade Cruise Global 2026' held in Miami, USA, from the 13th to the 16th, actively promoting the cruise port call attraction marketing centered on Sokcho Port. Provided by Gangwon Tourism Organization

'Seatrade Cruise Global' is the world’s largest cruise industry trade fair, bringing together more than 15,000 representatives from cruise lines, ports, tourism organizations, and related companies from over 120 countries. It serves as a key platform for sharing the latest trends in the global cruise industry and conducting practical business consultations.

During the expo, the foundation held one-on-one business meetings with major global cruise lines, resulting in tangible outcomes such as securing Azamara Cruise's port call at Sokcho Port in 2028 and reaching an agreement with Holland America Line to maintain port calls through 2029.

Additionally, a representative from Windstar Cruises, who expressed high satisfaction during last year’s familiarization tour, commented, "Sokcho’s outstanding natural environment, including Seoraksan National Park, as well as attractions like the DMZ and refugee culture, make it an ideal destination for expedition cruises such as Windstar. Given the high anticipated passenger satisfaction, we are positively considering future calls at Sokcho Port."

At this expo, the foundation participated in the Korea Promotion Pavilion run by the Korea Tourism Organization, focusing on promoting the competitiveness of Sokcho Port and Gangwon’s tourism resources to global cruise lines. In addition to established attractions like Seoraksan National Park, the foundation introduced newly developed themed tourism content such as Seorak Scented Walking (trekking), local craft brewery experiences, and Abai Village cultural experiences. The foundation also proposed extended stay tourism courses linked to marine tourism resources along the East Coast, highlighting the appeal of Sokcho as a cruise port of call.

Furthermore, the foundation provided information on the conditions of Sokcho Port, including berth size, ship accommodation capacity, and port facilities, as well as hospitality programs and support systems available for visiting cruise lines, helping position Sokcho Port as a promising destination in the minds of cruise industry representatives.

Gangwon Tourism Organization (CEO Sung Hyun Choi) participated in 'Seatrade Cruise Global 2026' held in Miami, USA, from the 13th to the 16th, actively promoting cruise destination marketing centered on Sokcho Port. Provided by Gangwon Tourism Organization

Building on the networks established at this expo, Gangwon Tourism Foundation plans to continue developing Sokcho Port into a major Northeast Asian cruise port by attracting familiarization tours for global cruise lines, enhancing port call tourism products, and expanding collaborative partnerships with nearby ports such as Sakaiminato Port in Japan.

Choi Sunghyun, CEO of Gangwon Tourism Foundation, stated, "Participating in the world’s largest cruise expo has raised Sokcho Port’s global profile and strengthened our foundation for collaboration with leading cruise lines. We will continue to enhance the competitiveness of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province’s cruise tourism through the development of differentiated port call content and strategic attraction marketing."

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