Daesan (Korea)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Daesan Port (locode KRTSN) serves Seosan City, in South Korea's South Chungcheong Province. This is a major industrial and logistics hub that also has a passenger terminal serving domestic and international cruise ships.
Daesan Port ranks 6th among Korea's 31 seaports in terms of annual goods handled.
The sea distance from Port Daesan to Incheon is approximately 30 NM (~55 km/35 mi) southwest, located along the west coast of South Korea. This Yellow Sea route connects Daesan Port's liquid bulk terminal with Incheon's heavily trafficked industrial port. Most of the cargo handled at Port Daesan is liquid bulk and petrochemical products (Hyundai Oilbank).
The driving distance between Daesan and Incheon (via the Seohaean Expressway) is 100-120 km (~60-75 miles), or around 1,5-2 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions.
As a cruise port, Daesan was included in the 2026 schedule of Costa Cruises Asia, with the ship Costa Serena.
The next table shows the 7-day itinerary leaving roundtrip from Korea and visiting destinations in Japan and Taiwan.
| Date / Time | Port |
|---|---|
| 12 Jun 14:00 | Departing from Incheon/Seoul, Korea |
| 13 Jun 07:00 - 14:00 | Daesan, Korea |
| 15 Jun 09:00 - 16 Jun 13:00 | Naha, Okinawa Island Japan |
| 17 Jun 08:30 - 17:00 | Keelung/Taipei City, Taiwan China |
| 19 Jun 13:00 | Arriving in Busan, Korea |
The voyage (2026 June) was also available for booking in smaller segments, including 1-day (from Incheon to Daesan) and 4-day (from Incheon to Naha).
Daesan is a gateway to Seosan’s fishing harbors, temples and historic sites rather than a walk-off sightseeing city. Independent sightseeing is practical with arranged transport; an organized excursion is recommended for a multi-stop inland trip. For a short call, nearby Samgilpo offers the simplest outing.
Getting from the Cruise Port
Cruise ships normally dock at Seosan Daesan Port International Passenger Terminal in the industrial port area. Passengers leave through the arrival hall and any required immigration and customs checks before reaching the transport pickup area.
Do not plan a walking tour from the berth. Confirm the permitted passenger exit and transport arrangements with the ship. Shuttle or city-tour services require coordination for the particular call and should not be assumed. For independent travel, arrange a taxi or driver in advance, including the return pickup; do not rely on finding one waiting at the terminal.
- Samgilpo fishing harbor: approximately 3.2 km (2.0 mi), around 5–10 minutes by car.
- Seosan Dongbu Traditional Market: approximately 30 km (18.6 mi), around 35–45 minutes by car.
- Haemieupseong Fortress: approximately 47 km (29.2 mi), around 50–60 minutes by car.
- Gaesimsa Temple: approximately 46 km (28.6 mi), around 50–60 minutes by car.
These are approximate road transfers from the passenger terminal. Local buses are a less straightforward choice for a short call: check the terminal connection and both outbound and return services before relying on them.
Best Ways to Spend Your Time
Samgilpo Harbor: Waterfront and Seafood
Independent with a short arranged transfer. Watch the fishing boats, browse the seafood-selling area and stop at a waterfront restaurant. Raw fish is a local specialty; ask about cooked dishes if preferred. Allow 1.5–3 hours ashore, depending on whether you include lunch. Samgilpo is a separate fishing harbor, not the cruise terminal.
Haemieupseong Fortress: An Easy Cultural Visit
Independent with a driver, or suitable for an organized excursion. Explore the gates, broad grounds, reconstructed traditional buildings and Catholic martyr memorial features. Allow 1.5–2 hours at the fortress, or longer with lunch in Haemi. Most of the interior is relatively level, making this a better choice than a mountain temple for passengers who prefer gentler walking. Including road travel, plan roughly 4–5 hours.
Gaesimsa Temple: Woodland and Traditional Architecture
Arranged transport required. A wooded approach leads to temple courtyards and buildings with distinctive curved wooden pillars. Allow 1–1.5 hours for the visit. The uphill approach and stone steps make this a moderate walking option; wear shoes with good grip. Combining it with Haemieupseong can suit a longer call, but requires a planned route and sufficient return time.
Seosan Dongbu Traditional Market: Food and Everyday Life
Independent with arranged transport. Browse produce, seafood and food stalls, then stop for a meal or snack. Allow 1.5–2 hours in the market area, plus transfers. This is a practical alternative for passengers interested in local food rather than monuments. A translation app helps with menus and ordering.
Self-Guided Walking Route
Easy: Haemieupseong Fortress Loop
Start: the main south gate, Jinnammun, after your road transfer. Allow approximately 1.5–2 km (0.9–1.2 mi), 30–45 minutes of walking and 1.5–2 hours including stops. The route is mostly level; the optional pavilion approach adds a short climb.
- Enter through Jinnammun and examine the gate and adjoining walls.
- Continue to the old pagoda tree and martyr memorial area.
- Visit the reconstructed prison and nearby interpretive displays.
- Explore the restored government buildings and traditional houses.
- Follow the interior paths toward Cheongheojeong Pavilion if comfortable with the climb.
- Return through the grounds to Jinnammun and your agreed pickup point.
The walking route begins at the attraction, not at the cruise port. Keep your driver’s contact details and confirm the pickup time before starting.
Nature and Return Planning
Hwanggeumsan offers wooded trails, a pebble shoreline and Elephant Rock. Choose it only with a confirmed transfer and enough time for a hike. Uneven paths and rocky coastal sections make it more demanding than a harbor stroll; avoid approaching coastal rocks in rough weather or unfavorable tides.
For a call of around 7–8 hours, choose a relaxed harbor visit or a planned inland outing rather than attempting every highlight. Allow for disembarkation formalities, meals and road delays. Aim to reach the terminal at least an hour before the ship’s all-aboard time, with additional contingency for longer excursions. Carry the terminal name and your destination in Korean for the return journey.