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24-Hour Operation of Busan Cruise
The Busan Cruise Terminal is transitioning to a 24-hour operation. This is the first of its kind in the country and is marked by the first arrival of the overnight cruise, the Regatta, this year. Previously, there were restrictions on embarkation and disembarkation around 10 PM, but now it can be used freely.
The city of Busan is optimistic that this change will serve as a significant opportunity to open a new chapter in cruise tourism. The overnight cruise allows tourists to enjoy the charm of the city at night, staying at the port for more than a day, which is a significant advantage.
Regatta Ship Arrival Schedule
The Regatta is a 30,000-ton ship designed to accommodate 650 passengers. It operates a 15-day itinerary between Korea, Japan, and China, departing from Incheon Port on February 21 and arriving at Busan Port at 7 AM on February 23. It is scheduled to depart again for Kanazawa, Japan at 10 AM on the 24th.
With the Busan Cruise Terminal operating 24 hours, passengers can disembark until 10 PM on the same day after arrival and board freely until just before departure. Previously, due to terminal operating hours, passengers had to complete boarding before 10 PM, but this change has significantly increased the actual stay time for passengers.
Economic Effects of Extended Stay Tourism
The city of Busan expects a positive impact on the local economy as cruise tourists stay longer. This is expected to bring various economic effects such as the revitalization of local businesses, increased tourism consumption, and the expansion of the night tourism market.
Tourists are primarily planning to visit popular attractions such as Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Beomeosa Temple, International Market, and Jagalchi Market during the day. Some travelers are also expected to engage in connected tours that include Gyeongju.
From 1 PM to 6 PM, a follow event using social media is held, and in the evening, a night tour program is set up at Hwangryeongsan Observatory, allowing visitors to enjoy Busan's beautiful night views. These programs are establishing themselves as an extended stay tourism strategy that goes beyond simply making a port of call, encouraging tourists to return.
Busan Cruise Outlook for 2026
This year, significant changes are expected in Busan's cruise industry.
This year, there will be 9 overnight cruise operations and 169 cruise operations from China. There are plans for 20 operations from Junmo Port, for a total of 442 operations and approximately 800,000 visitors expected.
The city of Busan is implementing strategies to enhance effective marketing, improve tourist convenience, strengthen the quality of content, and encourage repeat visits. Customized marketing by shipping companies, improvements to mobility convenience, and enhancing the terminal's hospitality image will occur simultaneously.
Additionally, through culinary experiences, traditional market explorations, temple visits, and connections with local festivals, plans are in place to expand everyday-based experiential content to enhance the competitiveness of Busan as a unique port of call.
Leaping Towards a Global Cruise Hub
The 24-hour operation of the Busan Cruise Terminal is not merely an extension of hours. It serves as a crucial stepping stone for Busan to grow into a global cruise city.
The expansion of overnight cruises brings positive changes, injecting vitality into the local economy by providing opportunities for tourists to spend both during the day and at night.
In the future, Busan is expected to strengthen its stay-type tourism model combined with natural scenery, gastronomy, traditional markets, and nighttime content, establishing itself as a “city that tourists want to revisit.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the reason for the Busan Cruise Terminal operating 24 hours?
Busan aims to open a new chapter in cruise tourism as the first city in the country to implement 24-hour terminal operations.
The Busan Cruise Terminal transitioned to a 24-hour operation system following the first arrival of the Regatta overnight cruise last year. Previously, boarding and disembarking were restricted around 10 PM, but now the terminal can be used freely. The city of Busan expects this change to play an important role in revitalizing cruise tourism and spreading the city's appeal.
Q. Tell me about the Regatta cruise.
The Regatta is a 30,000-ton cruise ship that can accommodate 650 passengers, operating between Korea, Japan, and China.
The Regatta is a 30,000-ton vessel accommodating 650 passengers, running a 15-day itinerary between Korea, Japan, and China. It departed from Incheon Port on February 21 last year, reached Busan Port on the morning of the 23rd, and sailed to Kanazawa, Japan on the 24th. Thanks to the 24-hour operation, passengers can freely disembark and board until 10 PM, significantly enhancing convenience.
Q. What effect does the expansion of Busan cruise tourism have on the local economy?
The increase in cruise tourist stay time triggers revitalization of local businesses and expansion of the night tourism market.
The city of Busan expects that the longer stay of cruise tourists will positively influence the local economy. Tourists will enjoy visiting attractions like Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Beomeosa Temple, International Market, and Jagalchi Market, along with connected tours, while social media follow events and night tour programs at night will boost night tourism. This extended stay tourism strategy promotes local spending and repeat visits.
Q. What is the outlook for the Busan cruise industry in 2026?
In 2026, Busan is expected to operate 442 cruises, attracting about 800,000 visitors and implementing customized marketing strategies.
In 2026, there will be 9 overnight cruises and 169 operations from China, along with 20 operations from Junmo Port, leading to a total of 442 ship departures and approximately 800,000 visitors expected. Busan is planning to strengthen competitiveness through tailored marketing for shipping companies, improved mobility convenience, and enhanced hospitality images at the terminal, along with plans to expand differentiated experiential content through culinary experiences, temple visits, and connections with local festivals.
Q. What is the role of the 24-hour operation in Busan's leap to becoming a global cruise hub?
24-hour operations enhance both day and night tourism, strengthening Busan's global cruise competitiveness.
The conversion of the Busan Cruise Terminal to a 24-hour operation is more than just an extension of hours; it is the foundation for becoming a global cruise hub. The expansion of overnight cruises allows tourists to spend and tour even at night, promoting revitalization of the local economy. In the future, Busan will strengthen its stay-style tourism model that combines natural scenery, gastronomy, traditional markets, and nighttime content, positioning itself as a city that tourists want to revisit.
