East Asia's New Frontier - South Korea

Magnificent beaches; superb scenery – including eye-catching waterfalls and breathtaking mountains; film festivals; palaces, temples and museums; ten UNESCO World Heritage sites; fabulous food; beautiful gardens; cutting-edge technology; and more than 600 years of history and culture – welcome to the country that most of the world knows as South Korea but which calls itself the Republic of Korea.

Just a few years ago, you wouldn’t have found this on the cruise map, save for a couple of visits on world voyages but, in 2012, some 11 lines will all make this a port of call, including two – Costa and Royal Caribbean – now with ships in the region year-round.

It is an astonishing proliferation, even by the ever-expanding horizons of the cruise business, but it is easy to see why Korea has captivated the people behind the itineraries of Royal Caribbean and Co, as well as growing numbers of passengers.

Just to start with, it has undergone a radical transformation in the past 50 years, surviving the bitter conflict of the early 1950s to become a modern and dynamic country that is still in touch with its historical roots and traditions.

Marked geologically by a wide peninsula some 600 miles long and 105 miles wide, it features a massive mountain range along its eastern coast, while much of the interior is equally hilly.

The weather varies from hot, monsoon summers to cold but dry winters, with the ideal time to visit usually in the autumn (Sep-Nov), with lots of warm sunshine, brilliant blue skies and extensive golden-red foliage. Spring is also notable for the stunning cherry blossoms, although this is often the busiest time of the year.

But it is the principal cities – and ports of call – that have attracted the cruise lines and, with four major destinations, there is a wealth of unique excursions and other experiences on offer. Here’s how the main ports line up.

JEJU

The most popular port of call, Jeju (or Cheju as some cruise lines refer to it) is a stunning volcanic island off the southern tip of the peninsula full of amazing scenery and some of the friendliest people you will meet.

Referred to as ‘Korea’s Jewel,’ it features beautiful views in almost every direction as well as the unique Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival, celebrating the first full moon of the Lunar New Year. Not only can visitors take part in ceremonies dating back hundreds of years, but the festival also features entertainment from all over the world, including kite-flying, martial arts and daring horse-riding. 

The scenery and beaches make it a natural draw for much of the region, hence it is busy year-round, but the natural wonders are ideal for visiting by a ship-organised excursion, including Cheonjeyeon andCheonjiyeon waterfalls, Mount Halla, Hyeobje cave and Hyeongje island.

Hallim Park is another major draw, on the east of the island, while Manjanggul is one of the longest (and most visited) lava tubes in the world, along with ManjangCave.

Depending on the season, Jeju hosts many festivals especially for tourists, including a penguin swimming contest in winter, cherry blossom festival in spring, the midsummer night beach festival and Jeju horse festival in autumn. A place for all seasons? You bet.

BUSAN

The country’s second city and principal port, it is located in the south-east on the KoreanStrait facing across to Japan, hence it features on many itineraries that also include Japan.

Set atop and amid a series of fairly steep hills, Busan (formerly Pusan) affords some wonderful ocean-backed cityscapes, not dissimilar to Hong Kong, and is famous for its seafood, antique shops and beaches.

Be sure to check out the likes of HaeundaeBeach district with its carnival boardwalk, and GwangalliBeach with its renowned cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as Hallyosudo Waterway and its picturesque islands.

Other must-sees include scenic and historic TaejongdaePark with its own Lookout and great sea views, and Jagalchi Market, an amazing mix of fresh fish stalls and restaurants selling the local delicacy, Hoe, a raw fish dish.

The Pusan Aquarium and Museum should also feature on your ‘To do’ list, along with historic temples like Beomeosa, one of Korea’s leading urban temples, and Chungnyeolsa Shrine. The National Maritime Museum of Korea is also due to open here in May 2012, the first of its kind in the country and another good reason to visit.

In fact, there is an amazing variety on offer here in the fifth largest port in the world.

INCHEON

Korea’s other major port and gateway to vibrant capital Seoul, Incheon is a major city in its own right and home to IncheonInternationalAirport, one of the largest in the world and the country’s key entry point.

It is also dotted with numerous islands and islets that make the sea-going approach a must-see on your Korean sojourn. It lies in a strategically important position for trade and cultural exchange with sea routes connecting to the rest of the world, especially nearby Chinese cities, hence it is often linked on many China itineraries.

The Airport, stunning 15-mile Incheon Bridge and skyscrapers of the Free Economic Zone of Songdo have changed the city landscape in recent years and one of the best ways to tour is by using the Incheon City Tour, which covers the three major areas of the downtown, the airport area, and Ganghwa island – full of 19th century fortress history and Buddhist monasteries.

More must-see attractions include Wolmido Island, with its coffee shops, restaurants and parks; the Korean Traditional Garden in Wolmi Park; and the modern history of the Memorial Hall for Incheon Landing Operation (Municipal Museum), built to commemorate the UN Forces landing led by General MacArthur during the Korean War, with its three-dimensional diorama.

YEOSU

The country’s newest port, this south-west hub features some magnificent terrain and attractions old and new, notably Dolsandodaegyo Bridge, a 500-yard suspension bridge linking the mainland and DolsandoIsland.

Dolsan Park, next to the end of the bridge, has excellent views of the harbour and a replica of one of Admiral Yi’s revolutionary iron-clad turtle ships – a 17th century maritime phenomenon.

But perhaps the most obvious draw here is Boseong Green Tea Plantation, the oldest and most unique tea garden in Korea, with impeccable teas produced on 100,000-acre farm that afford fabulous views of the South Sea.

MORE INFO: UK visitors should see the special website at www.gokorea.co.uk or the full Korea Tourism site atwww.english.visitkorea.or.kr. In the UK, call 020 7321 2535 or email London@GoKorea.co.uk.