Korea- potential powerhouse of boating

by Jeni Bone on 22 Feb 2010 Korea is perhaps the most vital and vibrant, certainly the most highly funded boating industry in Asia. Korea’s waterways are the focus of a central government intent on growing the recreational boating sector and 9 provincial governments on the same page, but competing among each other for the title of the boating epicentre.

As a result of this rivalry, marinas and marine infrastructure are popping up in strategic coastal regions, three of which boast the main boating potential.

According to Tim Coventry, a marine analyst who has worked with the Korean province of Gyeonggi for the past four years on establishing and growing the profile of the Korea International Boat Show, which started in 2008, Korea is investing heavily in the research and development required to grow its position as a boating hub and cruising destination.

'The Koreans have a five and 10 year plan to become serious players in the recreational boating industry. Korean people are very open to boat ownership and boating and there are already sailing schools, watersport facilities and other infrastructure springing up in the south of the country.'

More importantly, there has just been approval and planning underway for 43 marinas which will allow the kind of growth the central government is aiming for.

'When Koreans have plan, they follow it and when governments decide, it happens,' explains Coventry. 'Korea, which is already strong in the ship building and electronics manufacturing industries, has its sights set on positioning the country as the centre of major recreational marine industry and the ideal destination for Asian and European boat owners to visit and cruise the beautiful coastline the country offers.'

Central to the development of the infrastructure in the Seoul region is an US$18 billion waterways project, declared a 'must do' by President Lee Myung-Bak, which will also prepare the city for the introduction of cruise ships to its major river, the Han. This ambitious scheme will mean those keen on owning a boat can take their vessel out to the Yellow Sea Coast directly from the capital, where once the river’s only route was through neighbouring North Korea.

The Four Major Rivers Restoration Project is on track to be completed by 2012, according to the ministry of land, transport and maritime affairs. Work has begin on building dams, banks and water treatment facilities aimed at reducing flooding and drought, as well as creating tens of thousands of jobs. Without the scheme, the country is likely to suffer a water shortage of about one billion cubic meters a year by 2016.

River banks will be strengthened and floodgates will be built on the estuaries of the Nakdong and Yeongsan rivers. The other rivers to be improved are the Han and the Geum. Along the rivers there are plans to create 1,728 kilometres (1,080 miles) of cycle paths and eco-friendly farm villages, paving the way for the development of business, cultural and sightseeing infrastructure.

In mid 2010, the Han River will welcome a new cruise ship, designed to carry 250 passengers between the river and the Yellow Sea, as part of an effort to develop Seoul into a port city. The 1,500 to 2,000-ton cruise ship will cruise past riverside parks and will sail as far as the Yellow Sea when the construction of the Gyeongin Canal (Seoul to Incheon) is completed at the end of 2011.

The ship will be designed for sailing not only on the river but the sea. It will also have a room which can be used as a concert hall, wedding venue and a meeting room.

The city plans to run more ships starting 2013 for international operations to Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao and Weihai. A 5,000-ton ship carrying 500 passengers is under consideration. For the international operation, Seoul is designing a cruise terminal and will undertake dredging to accommodate the large vessels.

'Seoul is one of the three clusters in the country,' says Coventry, adding that with 22.5 million people in the region, this is also the region of most potential when it comes to growing the boating segment. 'There is a lot of industry based, a lot of money, the Korea International Boat Show is located there and boating looks like a very attractive proposition. The downside is that the water is very tidal and can be reduced to mud flats in some places. Another obstacle, which is in the process of being sorted out, is the country’s towing laws. Once they are fixed, there will be tremendous growth – an explosion – in the trailer-sailor segment, boats under 30ft.'

Further south, in the areas around Mokpo and Busan, marina development is underway and there is exquisite coastline to explore.

Near Busan, Gyeongsangnam is already home to a superyacht builder and a modern marina that was built for the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988. It is also host of the Korea Yacht and Boat Show. The province is the fourth largest in the country, with 1019 shipbuilding firms employing more than 91,400 workers. Government policies are in place for the creation of 10 marina projects while 23 newly-designated shipbuilding sites are located within the province. The coastline of more than 2000km encompasses a national marine park and is already a magnet for tourists thanks to its natural wonders and prehistoric relics, including dinosaurs, unique to the region.

Provincial governor Taeho Kim is an enthusiastic supporter of Korea Yacht and Boat Show to further the tourism and marine industry growth in the region, and as such, the event has entered into a co-operative agreement with Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in Australia to assist with its exposure to international markets.

'There is a focus on developing the area as a destination for marine tourism,' says Coventry. 'Three marinas are currently under construction near Busan. It is the ideal cruise liner destination as well, boasting clean waters, plenty to see and do and is easily accessible to Japan.'

Further south, long known as a haven for adventure sports, hiking, diving and other outdoor pursuits, is Jeju Island. Known as the 'Island of the Gods', Jeju is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and many Japanese and is in fact, the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds. The island's mixture of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and temperate climate, make it very similar to the Hawaiian Islands, complete with picturesque waterfalls, sandy beaches and breath-taking sunsets.

'Jeju is absolutely ripe for marina development. There are seven harbours that were established to cater to the squid fishing industry. Squid fishing is much reduced these days and confined to just three harbours and there is plenty of room still in those harbours. The rest of the harbours are mostly empty, of modern top quality concrete construction and could easily be turned into marinas. There is also a current generation of fishermen looking to diversify, creating a pool of experienced boating people who could support marine tourism developments and a service industry for a new leisure boating community.'

For those keen to explore the coastline of South Korea, Coventry offers some advice. 'It is not a mature market yet. Ensure your paperwork is in order. Police control the waterways, in the place of customs. It can be quite bureaucratic. But like everything in Korea, they are making inroads to bringing boating to world-class standards.'