Summary: Jeju Province in South Korea is developing the Jeju Yatrut, a yacht route designed to let visitors circumnavigate Jeju Island by sea. The pilot course is scheduled to launch in 2028, with plans to expand routes and add docking facilities, themed itineraries, and cultural experiences tied to local communities such as fishing villages and the haenyeo tradition.

The Jeju Yatrut yacht route is being prepared as a new tourism initiative in Jeju Province, South Korea, with a planned launch in 2028. The project is intended to give travelers a way to circle Jeju Island by sea while positioning the destination more strongly in luxury travel and eco-tourism.

Rather than functioning as a standard cruise product, the route is described as a “stay-type” marine tourism experience. The concept emphasizes time on the island and in coastal communities, combining sailing with onshore activities that highlight Jeju’s natural scenery and local heritage.

What the Jeju Yatrut yacht route will offer

Plans for the Jeju Yatrut call for a coastal loop that connects ports, fishing villages, and marina hubs around the island. From the water, travelers are expected to get close-up views of well-known coastal features, including cliffs, oreums (parasitic volcanoes), and columnar joints, as well as smaller nearby islands off Jeju’s coast.

The route is designed to showcase Jeju’s shoreline from a perspective that typical land-based itineraries cannot provide. The experience is framed around scenic sailing, calm time on the water, and stops near distinctive natural formations.

Themed courses and local cultural experiences

A central element of the project is a set of themed courses meant to appeal to different travel styles. The planned options include leisure-focused tours, sunset yacht cruises, and port-of-call programs that reflect the character of specific areas around Jeju.

Cultural integration is also a key part of the concept. The Jeju Yatrut is expected to incorporate experiences connected to the haenyeo—Jeju’s renowned female divers—so visitors can learn about their diving methods and the cultural importance of their work.

Food is positioned as another pillar of the itinerary. The plan includes gourmet tours in fishing villages, where travelers can try fresh seafood and other local specialties as part of a broader effort to connect yacht tourism with Jeju’s coastal communities.

A yacht sailing along Jeju Island’s coastline in South Korea, highlighting luxury maritime tourism
Jeju Province’s planned Jeju Yatrut aims to let visitors explore the island’s coastal landmarks by yacht, with a pilot launch slated for 2028.

Planning status, ports, and new docking facilities

Jeju Yatrut remains in the planning phase. The Jeju Province government is working with tourism experts and local residents to determine the target ports and specific locations that will form the route.

A major implementation issue identified in the plan is infrastructure. The project includes developing docking facilities that can accommodate yachts and make it easier for visitors to move between ports, villages, and other coastal stops.

According to the project outline, the pilot course is scheduled for 2028, followed by phased expansion. Future stages may add more routes covering additional coastal areas and nearby islands, alongside infrastructure upgrades and new services intended to improve the overall visitor experience.

Jeju’s push into luxury and eco-tourism

The Jeju Yatrut is presented as part of Jeju’s broader effort to strengthen its profile as a premium destination. The project aligns with a wider trend in high-end travel, where demand is growing for more exclusive experiences that also feel immersive and place-based.

Sustainability is also emphasized in the concept. By combining yacht-based travel with local culture and community participation, the route is positioned to appeal to travelers who want to experience Jeju’s natural environment in a more eco-friendly way.

Expected economic and community impact

Jeju Province expects the yacht route to support the local economy by creating new tourism activity and reinforcing existing attractions. The article notes potential benefits across multiple sectors, including tour guides, yacht operators, and local vendors selling crafts and food.

  • A circumnavigation-style yacht route connecting ports, fishing villages, and marina hubs
  • Themed options such as leisure tours, sunset cruises, and regional port-of-call programs
  • Cultural components tied to the haenyeo tradition and local fishing communities
  • Gourmet stops featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies
  • Docking facility development to support yacht access and visitor movement
  • Pilot course planned for 2028, with gradual expansion afterward

Why this matters for travelers and the travel industry

For travelers considering South Korea and Jeju, the Jeju Yatrut signals a future shift toward higher-end, experience-led coastal itineraries that blend scenery with community-based cultural stops. For the tourism industry, the project highlights how destinations are packaging maritime routes with local partnerships and infrastructure investment to attract premium and eco-conscious visitors—an approach that could influence how Jeju is marketed internationally as the 2028 pilot launch approaches.