Sun Cruise Resort: The Quirky Cruise Ship Hotel in South Korea

August 28, 2026, 8:34 am | Read time: 3 minutes

In the South Korean city of Jeongdongjin, there’s a very special hotel that’s been around for more than 20 years. The “Sun Cruise Resort and Yacht” looks like a massive cruise ship ready to set sail at any moment. The amenities “on board” also make guests feel like they’re on one of the modern ocean giants. TRAVELBOOK introduces the quirky cruise ship hotel.

Visitors to the South Korean city of Jeongdongjin, popular with tourists, might not believe their eyes when they first see its largest attraction. Yet, there it is—perhaps the most unusual hotel in the world, which opened here in 2002. Perched on a cliff above the city with a view of the sea, the “Sun Cruise Resort and Yacht” truly takes the shape of a cruise ship.

First, let’s talk about the astonishing dimensions of the Sun Cruise Resort and Yacht. According to the official tourism website of South Korea, the cruise ship hotel is 165 meters long, 45 meters high, and weighs an incredible 30,000 tons. Guests can choose from 211 rooms for their stay, as well as various restaurants offering both Korean and Western cuisine. For business travelers, the hotel offers six conference rooms equipped with all comforts.

Saltwater Pool and the Sound of the Sea

Since its opening in 2002, the Sun Cruise Resort and Yacht has become one of the biggest attractions in South Korea

Those seeking relaxation will enjoy a rotating sky bar, a nightclub, a fitness studio, and a swimming pool. To bring the sea even closer, the pool at the Sun Cruise Resort and Yacht is filled with saltwater. In the hallways, speakers play the sound of waves, making it almost feel like you’re not on land but out at sea. Surrounding the cruise ship hotel is a park, a private beach for guests, and a restaurant by the sea built in the shape of a sailboat.

On the official website of the “Sun Cruise Resort and Yacht”, you can also see spacious, modern rooms with sea views, some even with balconies. The “passenger” can choose from five different categories. Included with all are the often spectacular sunsets that have made Jeongdongjin one of the most popular travel destinations in South Korea. The operator promises on its website: “This place is so wonderful that you won’t be able to capture all the impressive moments with your camera.”

There Are Even Two Ships

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Since May 2017, the “Sun Cruise Resort and Yacht” has had a “sister ship,” connected to the original by a fully glazed bridge. Here, there are individual, extremely luxurious apartments for the more affluent customers of the “shipping company.” A video on the official website, accompanied by atmospheric music, shows a modern interior with floor-to-ceiling windows. A sight that might make you want to set sail on perhaps the most unusual hotel in the world.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TRAVELBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@travelbook.de.