Sokcho, Gangwon State – Gangwon State, Sokcho City, and the Gangwon Tourism Organization (CEO Choi Sung-hyun) announced that "The World," universally recognized as the world's premier residential luxury cruise ship, will make its inaugural port call at the Sokcho International Cruise Terminal on September 15.

Operating as a floating luxury condominium where passengers own their private staterooms rather than booking temporary cabins, The World will arrive at Sokcho Port at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15, originating from Kanazawa, Japan. A total of approximately 500 people, comprising about 200 ultra-high-net-worth passengers and 300 crew members, will step ashore. They will experience a 2-3 day extended stay in the region before departing for their next destination, Busan, at 8:00 PM on Thursday, September 17.

To celebrate this milestone, local authorities have prepared a comprehensive welcoming program at the terminal. International visitors will be treated to authentic cultural immersion programs, including traditional Hanok and Hanbok experiences, dedicated photo zones, and personalized Korean calligraphy souvenir sessions. Furthermore, specialized pop-up booths will offer a curated selection of Sokcho's signature regional specialties and artisanal souvenirs.

Ensuring a seamless visitor experience, the municipal government and the tourism organization are deploying dedicated multilingual tourist information desks right at the terminal. Shuttle buses will operate continuously between the cruise terminal and major local landmarks, most notably the bustling Sokcho Tourism and Fishery Market, empowering independent travelers to navigate the city safely and efficiently.

"The maiden voyage of the world's most elite residential cruise ship to Sokcho Port marks a monumental turning point, cementing Sokcho's status as a premier global cruise destination," said Choi Sung-hyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Organization. "We are dedicating our full organizational capacity to delivering premium hospitality services, ensuring that every passenger and crew member falls deeply in love with Sokcho's unique charm during their three-day stay, while directly stimulating the local economy and regional merchants."

About The World Cruise

Launched in 2002, The World is the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth, continuously circumnavigating the globe. Its wealthy residents—representing dozens of nationalities—own 165 luxury residences on board, deciding the ship's itinerary collectively through democratic voting. The ship visits hundreds of ports in over 100 countries every year, offering ultra-luxury amenities including fine dining, a full-scale spa, championship golf facilities, and enrichment lectures.

Strategic Significance for Gangwon Tourism

The vessel's decision to dock in Sokcho underscores the port's growing infrastructure capabilities and its rising appeal to luxury maritime tourism. Unlike standard cruise ships that typically make brief 8-to-12-hour stops, a multi-day stay by a high-end demographic aligns directly with Gangwon State's broader strategy to attract high-yield international travelers. By capturing affluent tourists who spend heavily on local crafts, culinary arts, and high-end hospitality, the city expects a substantial ripple effect across small business revenues, boutique hotels, and regional transportation networks. Local stakeholders hope this historic event will serve as a catalyst for securing more long-stay, luxury cruise itineraries throughout the East Sea economic zone in the years ahead.

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