Sokcho sets 2030 target for cruise growth and home-port operation

The Gangwon provincial assembly, Gangwon Province, Sokcho city and private-sector representatives have agreed to pursue 10 international cruise calls a year and secure a home-port cruise operation in Sokcho by 2030. The initiative is intended to rebuild cruise activity following its sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The parties also plan to create tourism products tied to downtown shopping districts and provide dedicated shuttle services, with the goal of increasing local spending by cruise passengers.

Administrative enforcement involving Sokcho Port’s coastal ferry terminal is scheduled for November through December. Gangwon Province plans to demolish the structure after prevailing in a first-instance administrative lawsuit over the cancellation of an earlier enforcement notice. In consultation with Sokcho city, the cleared site is expected to be redeveloped with public amenities, including parking and waterfront facilities.

Authorities also aim to dispose of three vessels that have been moored at the port for extended periods through sale or scrapping by the first half of 2027. Separately, participants discussed restoring normal operations at the international passenger terminal, whose ownership transferred to Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province in December 2024. The facility is considered to require extensive renovation to comply with current safety standards.