Pyeongtaek Port serves as your cruise gateway to Seoul, sitting roughly two hours by car from South Korea’s bustling capital.
For other South Korea Cruise destinations check out our South Korea Cruise Ports Guide page.
The Marine Center handles all the boring stuff – customs, immigration, and quarantine – but don’t miss the 14th-floor observatory with killer views.
Getting to Seoul? Options abound: hop on the subway for a 70-minute ride, grab the speedier ITX train (under an hour), catch a bus, or splurge on a taxi.
While waiting, check out the waterfront walkway, browse the local goods at Tongbok Market, or stretch your legs at Jinwi Stream Park.
This western coast port definitely offers more than just a place to pass through on your way to the big city.
Map of Pyeongtaek (Seoul) Cruise Ship Port
Port Location and Access to Seoul
Located on the western coast of South Korea in Gyeonggi Province, Pyeongtaek Port is becoming a popular gateway for cruise ships heading to the Seoul area.
The port is nestled in Asan Bay, which acts as a natural breakwater with water that’s 14 meters deep – plenty for bigger ships to navigate. You’ll be about two hours by car from Seoul, with lots of ways to get around. The area has five highways, eight national roads, and five railways that create a solid transportation network to get you to Korea’s bustling capital and all its cultural hotspots.
Cruise Terminal Facilities and Services
Pulling up to Pyeongtaek Port, you’ll discover plenty of facilities that make your cruise experience hassle-free. The Marine Center handles all the boring stuff – customs, quarantine, and immigration – in one convenient spot.
While you’re hanging around, check out these cool spots:
- Head up to the 14th-floor observatory for some jaw-dropping views of the port and West Sea Bridge
- Take a stroll along the 1.5 km waterfront walkway – it looks especially awesome when lit up at night
- Pop into the visitor info center to grab maps and tips for exploring the area like you’ve been there forever
Don’t sweat parking – it’s free in the tourist areas right next door.
Transportation Options From the Port
Transportation Options From the Port
Just disembarked at Pyeongtaek? No worries, you’ve got plenty of ways to get around. Hop on the Suin-Bundang subway line for a 70-minute ride to Seoul, or speed things up with the ITX-Maum trains that’ll get you there in under an hour (expect to pay between â‚©8,000-12,000).
If buses are more your style, grab intercity routes 6600, 4401, or M5438 to reach Seoul, Incheon, or even Busan without breaking the bank. Need to get to the nearest subway station? Local buses 16-1 and 13 have got you covered.
Taxis start ticking at â‚©4,800, but if you’re heading all the way to Seoul, booking through Kakao T or Uber will run you about â‚©80,000-120,000. Traveling with a crowd? Charter vans can fit 6-12 people – perfect for groups wanting to stick together.
Nearby Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing
Nearby Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing
Looking to kill some time or planning a longer stay? Pyeongtaek’s got plenty to check out beyond the cruise terminal. Head up to the 14th-floor observatory at the Marine Center for some jaw-dropping views of the West Sea Bridge and killer sunsets.
- Pyeongtaek Lake offers a chill 1.5km waterfront walk where you can rent paddleboats in summer or go ice-skating when it’s cold.
- Jinwi Stream Park boasts 2km of gorgeous cherry blossom-lined paths perfect for walks or bike rides.
- Tongbok Market is packed with over 200 stalls selling international stuff and some seriously good Korean street food.
And if you’re into shopping, don’t skip Starfield Anseong – it’s the biggest mall in Gyeonggi and even has indoor skiing!
See what’s on offer from the Port of Yeosu for a different South Korea Cruise destination.
Practical Travel Information for Cruise Passengers
Heading to Pyeongtaek Port on your cruise? Here’s what you need to know. The International Passenger Terminal sits in Gyeonggi-do, roughly a two-hour drive from Seoul.
The terminal’s got you covered with basics like currency exchange and tourist info booths. Need to handle paperwork? The Marine Center offers all-in-one customs, immigration, and quarantine processing. Just a heads-up – some services might not be running, so double-check before you arrive.
No worries about timing – the port runs around the clock and welcomes various ships, including the Pacific Venus and other cruise vessels.
Shopping and Dining Opportunities in Pyeongtaek
While sorting out your terminal stuff matters, you’ll definitely want to eat well and grab some goodies during your Pyeongtaek stay. The city’s got this cool mix of old-school markets and modern shopping spots that’ll have you blending in with locals in no time.
Don’t skip these gems:
- Pyeongtaek International Central Market – Wander through 200+ shops hunting for Korean crafts and munch on street food like tteokbokki (those spicy rice cakes everyone’s crazy about)
- Seafood at the Port – Crazy-fresh catches during the yearly Pyeongtaek Port Festival, and you can hop on a boat tour if you’re feeling adventurous
- Songtan Shopping District – Locals call it “Song-francisco” because it’s so international – you can chow down at Brazilian, Turkish, and Vietnamese spots all in one area
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Cruise Ship Size Accommodated at Pyeongtaek?
Pyeongtaek handles cruise ships up to 346 meters long with a max draught of 19.6 meters. The port can take on big boys weighing up to 251,059 tonnes DWT – pretty massive ships by any standard.
Are EV Charging Stations Available for Passengers With Electric Vehicles?
EV charging at the port? Yep, but not many options. The Pyeongtaek International Roro Terminal has a handful of stations, and you can find more public chargers scattered around the city if you’re running low on juice for your electric ride.
How Does Pyeongtaek’s LNG Cargo Handling Affect Cruise Operations?
LNG cargo operations can sometimes throw a wrench in your cruise plans thanks to port traffic jams and safety rules. You might run into blocked dock areas during LNG transfers now and then, but there’s a silver lining – these operations actually help keep the air around the terminal fresher and cleaner.
What Percentage of Ships Arrive on Time at Pyeongtaek?
You might expect ships to be better with schedules in this industry, right? Well, at Pyeongtaek, only 61.90% of vessels actually show up when they’re supposed to as of February 2025. That’s actually a decent improvement considering just last month the on-time rate was sitting at a pretty dismal 38.89%.
Is Pilotage Mandatory for All Vessels Entering the Port?
Not all ships need a pilot. You don’t need one if you’re sailing a South Korean vessel under 500 GRT for international trips or under 2,000 GRT for domestic routes. Also, if you’ve come into the port several times before, you can skip the pilot requirement.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Mokpo Cruise Ship Port.
