Cruise operations by Chinese-flag and China-based vessels to the South Korean port of Busan are set to increase markedly in 2026, according to figures released by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, reflecting the impact of Korea’s temporary visa exemption for Chinese tourists.
Government data indicate that 173 cruise calls from China are scheduled at the Port of Busan during the year, compared with eight such calls recorded in the previous year. Passenger volumes associated with these voyages are projected to exceed 800,000 arrivals, positioning Busan for one of its strongest cruise seasons on record.
The increase follows a policy decision announced by the South Korean government in September, under which visa requirements were lifted for organized groups of Chinese nationals for nine months. Under the scheme, groups of three or more travelers are permitted to enter the country without visas for stays of up to 15 days, a move intended to stimulate inbound tourism.
In preparation for the increased cruise traffic, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries convened a coordination meeting with relevant agencies to address operational and infrastructure requirements. Discussions focused on measures to streamline immigration procedures and improve passenger processing capacity to manage higher arrival volumes efficiently at the port.