SOKCHO, South Korea — Gangwon Special Self-Governing State announced on Monday a major expansion of its popular "Sokcho Homeport Citizen Cruise Experience Program." To revitalize East Sea maritime routes and lower the barrier to entry for luxury travel, the province will recruit 300 participants this year—a 50% increase from the previous year’s cohort.

Meeting "Explosive" Demand
The decision to expand follows the overwhelming success of the 2024 program. Last year, nearly 1,900 residents applied for just 200 available spots, resulting in a competitive ratio of 9.4 to 1.

To ensure more equitable access, the 2026 recruitment will be split evenly: 150 spots are reserved for general Gangwon residents, while the remaining 150 spots are designated specifically for citizens of Sokcho, the cruise’s homeport.

Journey Aboard the "Temple of the Sea"
Selected participants will board the Costa Serena, a world-renowned vessel often referred to as a "floating resort." Operated by Costa Cruises, the 114,000-ton Italian-style ship offers a massive scale of amenities:

Entertainment: Broadway-style theaters, a grand casino, and high-end shopping galleries.
Wellness: Large-scale spas, multiple swimming pools, and fitness centers.
Dining: A variety of themed restaurants and lounges catering to international tastes.
The 5-night, 6-day itinerary is scheduled to depart from Sokcho Port on May 12. The vessel will head north to Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture, docking at the historic port city of Otaru and the scenic harbor of Hakodate. The journey will conclude on May 17 as passengers disembark at the Port of Busan.

Half-Price Luxury: Making Travel Accessible
One of the program's most significant draws is the heavy subsidy provided by the provincial government. While the standard market price for this luxury package (including shore excursions) is valued at 2.84 million KRW, program participants will only be required to pay 1.42 million KRW—exactly 50% of the cost.

Application and Selection Details:

Application Period: February 13 to February 27, 2026.
How to Apply: Online via the Lotte Tour Development website (accessible through banners on the Gangwon State and 18 local municipal websites).
Result Announcement: March 3, 2026.

Strategic Vision for the East Sea
Beyond providing a vacation for residents, Gangwon State views the Experience Program as a critical marketing tool. The province plans to conduct comprehensive satisfaction surveys and gather feedback from participants to refine future cruise products and establish long-term marketing strategies.

"In response to the explosive interest shown by our residents last year, we have increased the scale and strengthened the discount benefits for 2026," said Yeo Jung-hyeop, Administrative Vice Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing State. "We hope this program serves as a catalyst to promote Sokcho Port as a major cruise hub in Northeast Asia and inject new vitality into the regional tourism economy."

As the cruise industry recovers globally, Gangwon's proactive approach signals a strategic push to position the East Sea as a premier corridor for international maritime tourism, bridging the gap between South Korea and Japan's northern coastlines.