A Cruise Experience Worth Every Penny at Eland Cruise

Have you ever imagined yourself in a romantic date while in a cruise ship appreciating the view of the sea or river with a live band serenading you? However, in reality, you are not in a romantic relationship so you drop the idea of a romantic date but still want to have a cruise experience? Then the Eland Cruise in Seoul is a perfect place for you.

About Eland Cruise

Eland Cruise has been in operation since 1986 traversing the Hangang River in the heart of Seoul city. It is aims to promote the Hangang River as a famous world attraction. You can enjoy an hour of relaxing cruise experience with a fascinating sight of the city. There is a live performance too to serenade you while the ship crosses the river. Moreover, if you get hungry, there is an option for a buffet lunch or dinner to pamper yourself a delicious cuisine. Even if you go there with a special someone, family members, friends or just by yourself, you will definitely enjoy it!

Eland Cruise Programs

Eland Cruise runs through Seoul from east to west. It has offers river cruise programs from two ferry terminals in Yeouido and Jamsil. Here are the different cruise programs that you can choose from:

Note: Due to COVID-19, firework cruise, rainbow fountain show and music show stop operating until further notice.

What to Expect from Eland Cruise Experience?

Whenever I hear the word “cruisin’” it immediately reminds me of the hit song “Cruisin’” by Gwnyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis. That song was released two decades ago but its lyrics still echo in my head.

And so, I thought then that it might be good to have a cruise experience with a significant other. But then I realized that I really don’t need a partner to do it and it might take a while if I would wait for that person to come into my life. Hence, I asked my friends in Seoul to celebrate my birthday with me at the Eland Cruise.

Before docking the cruise ship

None of us have ever had a cruise experience before so we didn’t have much expectation. From the subway station, we walked our way to the Eland complex to get our tickets which we booked in advance from Klook. We filled out a Boarding Declaration form with our name, birthday, nationality and contact number.

After filling out the form, we had to wait for few hours before we can dock the cruise ship so we just wander around the area. There are a lot of spots where you can take awesome photos so waiting will not be a problem.

Inside the cruise ship

Be sure to arrive at the docking area or else the ship will leave even without you. There are enough seats inside the ship but you can also go to its upper deck to have a better look of the view outside.

There is a live band too who plays the music that adds color to the whole one-hour ride. Additionally, there is an option to feed the seagulls hovering the cruise ship.

Of course, do not miss the chance of recreating Titanic’s remarkable scene of Rose and Jack. Singles can do that too, right? Feel free to spread your arms facing the river. I swear, it feels liberating.

After the cruise, it’s time to delight yourself in sumptuous buffet! Ashley Buffet, who also has several branches in Korea, manages the buffet restaurant. Its menu offers various cuisine that you can choose from. What a wonderful thing to end your cruise ship experience!

Where to Buy Tickets and How Much?

Here are the ticket prices if you buy directly from Eland Cruise:

But foreigners can get discounted vouchers from Klook.

• Story Cruise: 14,000
• Moonlight Cruise: 19,000
• River Music Cruise: 25,700

Disclaimer: Admission fee may change from time to time so make sure to check Eland Cruise website or Klook app.

Reminders

• You must present either a printed or mobile voucher along with a passport
• You must bring your passport with you. According to Korean law, all passengers are required to present proof of identity (original or photocopy of the passport) when traveling aboard the cruise, otherwise you cannot take the cruise. If you can’t take the ferry because you forgot to take your passport along with you, you will not be refunded.
• Cruise operation dates may vary / be canceled depending on the cruise or weather conditions. In this case, you will receive an email advisory.
• Please go to the E-land Ticket Office and fill out the boarding report first, not the cruise! Please arrive 30 mins early. No refunds or rescheduling will be made for no-shows or late arrivals.
• Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show is operated only from April to October. It can be canceled due to bad weather or Seoul City conditions without prior notice.

Kdramas Filmed at Eland Cruise

If you are a Kdrama fan, you might recall that some Kdrama scenes where filmed at Eland Cruise. For example, the Kdrama “Why Secretary Kim” starring Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young.

• Soul Mechanic (2020)
• In Seoul (2019)
• Angel’s Last Mission: Love (2019)
• Absolute Boyfriend (2019)
• Memories of Alhambra (2018-19)
• Dokgo Rewind (2018)
• Why Secretary Kim (2018)
• Tunnel (2017)
• Drinking Solo (2016)
• She Was Pretty (2015)
• My Lovely Girl (2014)
• My Love From the Stars (2013-14)
• Alone In Love (2006); Beautiful Days (2001)

How To Get There

Address

290 Yeouidong-ro, Yeoeuido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions

1. Ride a subway and get off at Yeouinaru Station (Seoul Subway Line 5). Find your way out to Exit 3.
2. Go towards Yeouido Dock (about 12 minutes by foot), then you will see E-land Cruise ticket office next to the stairs in front of the dock.

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