Best South Korea Cruises 2024 & 2025 | Celebrity Cruises Ireland

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Cruises to South Korea

On South Korea cruises, you’ll find the perfect mix of natural beauty, edgy urban architecture, and cultural experiences to explore, not to mention an exotic and intriguing cuisine. Visit towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, see cities founded over 1,000 years ago, and explore fascinating holy sites.

On an Asia cruise with Celebrity, stroll along the surf beaches of Jeju Island, surrounded by volcanic rock formations and lush green fields. Discover the majesty and deep history of Buddhist temples in Busan. Embrace the pace of dynamic Seoul, where glassy towers sit alongside high-end design, bustling food markets, and deep-rooted tradition. Make your next vacation one to remember on one of our cruises to South Korea.

South Korea Cruise Highlights

Temples and Palaces

South Korea is home to many palaces and temples that represent various eras and layers of religious and cultural history. Visit the Tongdosa Temple in Busan, built in the 7th century and home to several shrines and relics. Tour the Yakcheonsa Temple on Jeju Island, a sacred Buddist landmark famous for its tiered Chinese-styled roofing and the 18,000 tiny Buddha statues housed in its Dharma hall. In Seoul, explore Gyeongbokgung, a sprawling and dazzlingly ornate royal palace.

Mighty Mountains & Volcanic Islands

South Korea is rich in natural scenery, including green mountains, plunging waterfalls, and ancient volcanoes. Step over the thrilling glass-bottomed Oryukdo Skywalk, which is cantilevered over the cliff for breathtaking views of Oryukdo. From Busan, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched on a vast rock that rises from the ocean, and colorful Gamcheon for art and street food. On Jeju Island, hike up volcanic Mount Halla for stupendous views across the countryside.

Beaches & Fishing Villages

South Korea’s coastline is known for its blissful beaches, many lined with buzzing beach bars. The shores of South Korea are also home to sleepy fishing villages and fascinating markets that illustrate how important the sea is to the local economy. Enjoy the beautiful white sand and calm surf at Gwakji Beach on Jeju Island, and learn about the extraordinary local women who free-dive to harvest octopus and abalone. In Busan, meanwhile, soak up the urban vibe of Haeundae Beach.

Featured South Korea Cruise Ports

Seoul

Sprawling Seoul effortlessly blends glassy skyscrapers and gleaming malls with traditional tea houses, ornate temples, and lavish palaces. The culture here is a curious mix of hipster fashion and buzzing nightlife set against the ancient Confucian culture that embraces politeness and respect for elders. Explore the palaces and taste spicy street foods at the excellent markets. Make time for a day trip to the DMZ, the demilitarized zone on the border with North Korea.

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Busan

Bustling Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, fuses cutting-edge architecture with traditional temples, teeming markets, and mountains, forests, and beaches. Visit Jagalchi Fish Market and snack on fresh seafood. Explore Haedong Yonggung temple, suspended over a cliff. Take a trip to the serene Tongdosa Temple, 1,300 years old and housing some of the Buddha’s relics. Brave the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass-floored bridge that juts out high above the foaming sea.

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Jeju Island

South Korea’s largest island is a tropical paradise that blends glorious beaches with towering volcanoes, mysterious caves, and delicious cuisine. Try the grilled abalone, hand-caught by skilled female divers, and the famous barbecued black pork. Visit the ribbon-like cascades of Cheonjeyeon Waterfall and descend into the mysterious lava-tube cave at Manjanggul. Jeju has some enchantingly quirky museums, too, from the Teddy Bear Museum to the O’Sulloc Museum, dedicated entirely to tea drinking.

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South Korea Cruise Itineraries

South Korea cruises sail either round-trip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan, or one-way between Tokyo and Incheon, the port for Seoul. Either route is the perfect chance to explore the scenic coasts and fascinating cities of Japan and South Korea in depth.

Why Cruise to South Korea With Celebrity Cruises

On cruises to South Korea, you will experience the world-class amenities and award-winning service that Celebrity is famous for. Elevate your experience with The Retreat®, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful suite as well as exclusive dining and a tranquil lounge. Enjoy a top selection of regional and international wines at Cellar Masters, and take in dazzling entertainment and live music. Rejuvenate your body and mind at The Spa after a busy day of sightseeing and new experiences.

Dive into the calm and welcoming waters on the beaches that line the shores of Jeju Island. Explore vast and ornate Buddhist temples marked by nearly 2,000 years of history and cultural heritage in Busan. Experience K-Pop, karaoke, high fashion, and gleaming malls in Seoul. Dine on fresh fish, delicious local kimchi, and traditional rice wine as you discover the diverse tastes and cuisines of South Korea.