South Korea will expand the cruise industry and marina facilities this year in a bid to become a cruise tourism hub in Northeast Asia, the maritime minister said on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to launch at least one local cruise line and attract 1.2 million cruise tourists in 2015, new Minister Yoo Ki-june told reporters at Sejong Government Complex.

“The expansion of the cruise market could help revitalize the local economy given its massive revenue potential,” Yoo said while unveiling the ministry’s goals and action plans for 2015.


According to the ministry’s estimates over a million cruise tourists are expected to spend 1.4 trillion won ($1.2 billion) this year.

“The government has been considering inbound cruises for foreign tourists so far but the ministry will also focus on outbound cruise tourism which can offer cheaper leisure time for Koreans,” he said.

In January, the parliament passed a marina related bill which includes an approval for Korean-owned vessels to have casinos for foreign tourists.

The ministry also plans to lure private investment to operate five major marinas, basin for waterside leisure and recreation activities, and more than 100 related-service firms such as yacht rental and storage shops.

With recent growing demand for marine leisure activities, the marina industry could create some 12,000 jobs, the minister said.

According to ministry data, the number of recreational boats tripled to 12,985 last year, from 3,944 in 2007.

By Park Han-na (hnpark@heraldcorp.com)