Ancient palaces surrounded by skyscrapers; giant shopping malls selling the latest designer goods and electronics; unspoilt countryside with breathtaking mountain scenery; bustling street markets selling everything from ginseng to antiques; the high tech existing in harmony with the ancient and traditional; 5,000 years of history sitting comfortably side by side with cutting edge technological advancement; a modern, vibrant nation proudly maintaining its traditional culture; friendly and welcoming local people.

This is the Korea of the 21st century, a country where tradition and peaceful values remain a cornerstone of everyday life to one of the world’s power house economies; a country that has given the world such products as the cutting edge electronics of Samsung and LG and the reliability and quality of cars such as Daewoo, Hyundai and Kia.

Korea is breathtaking and a visit by cruise ship is an ideal way to get a taste of the country that will leave one wanting to come back for more.

With sea on three sides and a number of major ports, Korea is fast emerging as Asia’s must visit destination for cruise travellers. Korea has an ideal natural environment for cruising and its 11 ports offer visitors the opportunity to visit 11 different areas.

The main ports used by international cruise lines are Incheon (near Seoul), Busan and Jeju Island.

Yeosu, venue of the 2012 World Expo, is a new development and is destined to become one of the major cruise ports in Asia.

Read on for information about the must-see Korean cruise destinations…

Incheon Port Guide & Seoul

Incheon is just an hour outside Seoul and originally opened as a port in 1883. Its position on the West Sea helped it to flourish due to its trade with China and sea links to the rest of the world.

Click here to read the Incheon Port Guide

Busan Port Guide

Busan is Korea’s second largest city and due to its beaches, spas, restaurants, nightlife (including the 7 Luck Casino) and markets is Korea’s most popular holiday destination.

Click here to read the Busan Port Guide

Jeju Port Guide

The island of Jeju sits off the southern most tip of the Korean Peninsula and was created through five massive volcanic eruptions one million years ago. These eruptions left a stunning landscape and natural formations that has led to 10% of Jeju being listed as a UNESCO Natural Heritage site.

Click here to read the Jeju Port Guide

Yeosu Port Guide

The city of Yeosu is located within the boundaries of Dadohae National Marine Park and is one of the prettiest cities in Korea, famous for its temples, mountains, beaches, seafood and flowers.

Click here to read the Yeosu Port Guide