Busan, South Korea’s bustling coastal metropolis, has taken a major step forward in the evolution of its marine tourism industry with the introduction of Grace, the nation’s largest coastal cruise vessel. Announced by PanStar Group, a leading operator in regional cruises, the Grace officially began commercial operations this month. Its arrival marks a milestone not only for Busan’s tourism sector but also for South Korea’s broader ambitions to compete in the global cruise market.
As marine tourism continues to grow across Asia, the Grace offers travelers a new level of comfort, performance, and immersive coastal exploration, positioning Busan as one of the region’s most exciting maritime destinations.
A State-of-the-Art Vessel Built for Modern Travelers
Spanning 83.5 meters in length and 20.2 meters in width, with a total weight of 2,582 tons, the Grace outclasses South Korea’s typical coastal cruise vessels, which usually fall between 200 and 800 tons. Its impressive size and engineering expertise allow it to welcome more passengers while offering enhanced stability and comfort, making it ideal for both leisure travelers and premium experience seekers.
Constructed in 2020 by the renowned Austal shipyard in Australia—a leader in fast, stable vessel design—the Grace incorporates advanced naval architecture that ensures smoother and faster cruising. With its sleek exterior, spacious decks, and modern interiors, the ship stands as a symbol of South Korea’s growing prowess in maritime tourism development.
Advanced Technology Ensuring a Comfortable Journey
One of the standout features that differentiates the Grace from traditional vessels is its ride-control system and specially engineered underwater foils. These technologies work together to reduce motion caused by waves, offering passengers a significantly more comfortable journey. This stability allows guests to move freely throughout the vessel without needing seatbelts or restrictions, delivering a seamless onboard experience even during high-speed travel.
Accessibility has been thoughtfully integrated into the ship’s design. The Grace supports wheelchair and stroller access throughout its main areas, ensuring that passengers of all mobility levels can enjoy the cruise without barriers.
Additionally, its night-vision navigation technology enhances safety and enables smooth nighttime operations—an essential component for evening cruises such as sunset voyages and fireworks tours.
Themed Cruises Bringing Busan’s Coastline to Life
PanStar Group plans to elevate marine tourism with a variety of themed experiences departing from Busan Port’s coastal passenger terminal. Each themed route highlights a different facet of the region’s culture, natural beauty, or dining traditions.
1. Busan–East Coast Cruise: Scenic Exploration
This signature route offers passengers a breathtaking journey along the coastline. Highlights include views of iconic sites such as Oryukdo, a group of dramatic rocky islets. Guests can enjoy narrated storytelling about coastal history, maritime lore, and the cultural significance of Busan’s seaways.
2. Sunset Dinner Cruise: Romance on the Water
Perfect for couples, families, or food lovers, the Sunset Dinner Cruise blends panoramic evening views with a refined dining experience. As the sun dips into the horizon, passengers can savor a tranquil journey set against the warm hues of the twilight sky.
3. Fireworks Cruise: A Nighttime Spectacle
For travelers seeking entertainment and celebration, the Fireworks Cruise offers a vibrant experience featuring spectacular fireworks over the ocean. This festive option is expected to become a favorite for holidays, special occasions, and group outings.
These themed voyages allow visitors to experience Busan’s coastal beauty from a unique vantage point while enjoying curated entertainment and dining.
A Celebration of Busan’s Culinary Heritage
Food plays a central role in the Grace experience, especially on the Busan–East Coast Cruise. PanStar Group has introduced a “Busan Gourmet Set” for first-class and business-class passengers—an exclusive pre-order menu showcasing beloved regional dishes.
This gourmet collection includes pork rice soup, grilled eel, tteokbokki, fish cake, and seed hotteok, offering guests an authentic taste of Busan’s culinary traditions. Each dish reflects the city’s vibrant street food culture and storied gastronomic identity.
On the dinner and fireworks cruises, all passengers can enjoy a semi-buffet dining experience, featuring an assortment of fresh, locally inspired dishes. The dining atmosphere—paired with ocean views—creates a memorable fusion of scenery and flavor.
Boosting Busan’s Position as a Marine Tourism Powerhouse
The launch of the Grace represents an important investment in Busan’s long-term tourism strategy. As South Korea’s largest port city, Busan is uniquely positioned to expand its role in international tourism, and the addition of a high-capacity, luxury coastal cruise vessel significantly enhances its offerings.
The vessel is expected to attract both domestic and international guests eager to explore Korea’s coastlines through curated, high-end experiences. With demand rising for scenic and experiential travel, the Grace meets modern traveler expectations by offering comfort, speed, themed tours, and cultural immersion.
A Bright Future for Coastal Tourism in South Korea
With the Grace now officially part of Busan’s tourism landscape, the city is poised to become a leading destination for coastal cruises in Asia. Its combination of advanced technology, accessible design, themed experiences, and gourmet dining places it at the forefront of Korean marine tourism innovation.
As travelers continue to seek meaningful, immersive experiences, the Grace offers a gateway to South Korea’s natural beauty and cultural richness—ushering in an exciting new chapter for Busan’s coastal tourism industry.
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