South Korea
East Asia: an emerging coast, the south-coast islands from Busan to Mokpo
Overview
South Korea is among the world's fastest-growing advanced economies and a world leader in innovation, from electronics and automobiles to shipbuilding and robotics. For cruising yachts it is an emerging destination: less developed than its neighbours, but with genuinely beautiful waters.
The south coast, from Busan to Mokpo, offers the best cruising, threading among thousands of islands, though there are still only a few marinas. The west coast has 10-metre tidal ranges and endless mudflats, while the east coast is mostly small commercial fishing ports.
The marina built in Busan for the 1988 Olympics can now be used by cruising yachts, and picturesque Jeju Island is a major domestic holiday destination. Marine infrastructure is limited but improving, supported by a strong domestic marine industry.
Marinas & Map
Map Key - Marinas & Anchorages
- Seoul Marina (Han River)
- Busan Marina (south coast)
- Mokpo Marina
- Jeju Island
- Pohang (east coast)
✈ Gimhae International Airport (Busan)
Note: sailing in South Korean waters at night is not permitted.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by the Korea Immigration Service and the Korea Customs Service. Ports of entry are the Port of Busan, Incheon Port (for Seoul) and Mokpo Port. Note that yachts are not permitted to sail in South Korean waters at night.
Government Contacts
Immigration: immigration.go.kr
Customs: customs.go.kr
International Airports
Incheon (Seoul) · Gimpo (Seoul) · Gimhae (Busan) · Jeju · Muan.
Anchorages
Pohang · Jeju Island · the south-coast islands between Busan and Mokpo.
Local Services
Agents
Ben Line Agencies
Shipyards
Tsuneishi (haul-out, any size) · Hyundai Yachts
Engines & Repair
Hyundai Marine · Chiba Marine Korea
Electronics
Intellian Technologies (satellite) · Samyung ENC (navigation)
Associations
Korea Marine Industry Association
Registration
Maritime Cook Islands
APSA Members in South Korea
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts cruise in South Korea?
The south coast between Busan and Mokpo is the best cruising, threading among thousands of islands. Jeju Island is a popular destination, while the west coast has huge tidal ranges and the east coast is mostly fishing ports.
When is the best time to cruise South Korea?
April to October is the best window. Summers are hot and rainy, and typhoon risk is highest from July through September.
Can you sail at night in South Korea?
No. Sailing in South Korean waters at night is not permitted, so passages must be planned for daylight hours.
Where can superyachts berth in South Korea?
Marina facilities are limited. The main options are the Busan marina (built for the 1988 Olympics) and the Seoul Marina on the Han River, with Mokpo Marina on the south-west coast. Ports of entry are Busan, Incheon and Mokpo.
Which APSA members are based in South Korea?
South Korea's APSA members are the Korea Marine Industry Association and the Leisure Marine Association MENA.