Busan is expanding its role as a cruise destination by extending operating hours at its cruise terminal and encouraging ships to remain in port overnight. Since becoming the first cruise terminal in South Korea to operate on a 24-hour basis earlier in 2026, the southern port city has recorded five overnight cruise calls, with two additional calls scheduled before the end of September.
The extended operating schedule is intended to give cruise passengers more time to explore Busan beyond the conventional daytime port visit. City authorities are seeking to use longer stays to increase passenger spending at local restaurants, retail areas and cultural attractions while providing cruise lines with greater flexibility in itinerary planning.
The strategy was highlighted by the arrival of The World, an ultra-luxury residential cruise ship whose residences are owned rather than rented by passengers. The vessel remained in Busan for two nights and three days, providing an example of the potential for extended port stays to generate additional tourism activity.
During the call, the Busan municipal government and the Busan Tourism Organization operated an onboard concierge desk offering assistance with currency exchange, taxi reservations, shopping information and mobile communications. The city also arranged an evening excursion to Gwangalli, a popular beachfront district known for its views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge and its drone light shows.
The introduction of 24-hour terminal operations required coordination between the Busan Port Authority and the government agencies responsible for customs, immigration and quarantine procedures. Previously, these services operated primarily during daytime hours, which contributed to fixed departure schedules for cruise ships visiting the port.
With these restrictions reduced, Busan's tourism authorities are promoting overnight itineraries to international cruise operators. The city is developing customised shore programmes combining private transportation, local dining and cultural performances, with similar arrangements planned for the arrival of Azamara Pursuit on September 24th.
Na Yun-bin, head of Busan's Tourism and MICE Bureau, said the city's cruise tourism strategy was increasingly focused not only on the number of ships calling at the port but also on extending the duration and depth of passengers' experiences in Busan.