Jeonbuk Province Sets Saemangeum New Port in Motion as a Global Marine Tourism Hub

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province has concretized its strategy for revitalizing cruise tourism centered around Saemangeum New Port and has entered the implementation stage.

On April 21, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province held the final briefing session for the "Research Project on the Activation of the Saemangeum New Port Cruise in Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province" at the Social Campus On Jeonbuk Event Hall, sharing the research findings and future directions. Around 50 participants, including members of the Jeonbuk Provincial Council, representatives from 14 cities and counties, the Saemangeum Development and Investment Agency, and related experts, attended the event to review strategies for policy adoption.

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province held the final presentation of the 'Research Project for the Revitalization of Saemangeum New Port Cruise' at the Social Campus On Jeonbuk Event Hall on the 21st. Photo by Jeonbuk Province

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The research covered an analysis of the cruise tourism market trends and demand, the development of an incentive system to attract cruise lines, and proposals for institutional improvements. It also included recommendations for simplifying customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) procedures, developing programs that link tourism resources, reviewing the establishment of a temporary cruise terminal, and designing interlinked tourism courses between cities and counties.

The locational competitiveness of Saemangeum, with its advantageous geographic proximity to the Northeast Asian market, was also emphasized. Based on its close proximity to major markets, including China, the research suggests a high potential for attracting cruise lines, leading to the establishment of targeted attraction strategies and a phased implementation roadmap.

The report also proposed establishing a reception system in preparation for cruise arrivals, securing the feasibility of constructing a temporary terminal, and securing initial investment resources. Other key tasks highlighted included nurturing specialized personnel, providing education for local small business owners, and strengthening tourism marketing for Jeonbuk. Given the cruise tourism characteristic of concentrated spending during short stays, the importance of designing efficient travel routes and developing locally specialized content was also raised.

This research project produced its final proposal after initial and interim briefings and by reflecting the opinions of cities, counties, and relevant agencies through the operation of the Cruise Industry Development Committee and a dedicated task force. Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province has set a goal to attract semi-cruise ships in the second half of 2027 and is accelerating preparations to enable full-scale cruise operations by 2028.

Kim Mijeong, Director of the Saemangeum Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Bureau of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "Through this research project, we have established a concrete action strategy for the cruise industry centered around Saemangeum New Port. We will do our utmost to ensure that Saemangeum becomes not only an attractive cruise destination but also a global marine tourism hub."

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