By Lee Hyo-sik
Many travelers dream of being aboard a luxury yacht while drinking a glass of champagne with their partner or family. They might think it is only possible in the Mediterranean and Caribbean waters, not here in Korea.
Think again. Travelers can now enjoy high-quality yachting at affordable prices in the southern waters of Jeju Island, thanks to Grande Bleu.
The company, which opened on Oct. 15, is a newcomer to the island’s booming marine-based leisure industry, but in less than a month since the beginning of the operation, Grande Bleu has already emerged as a key player in Jeju’s tourism industry.
The company currently operates one mid-sized yacht, which is 17-meters-long and 9.5-meters-wide. The vessel, priced at 2 billion won ($1.8 million), is equipped with two bedrooms, a wine bar, a shower, a singing machine and other facilities that cater to passengers’ every need.
The yacht operates out of Daepo Port in Seogwipo, which can accommodate up to 50 passengers. Its one-hour voyage allows passengers to view the southern coastal line of Jeju Island.
``We run a one-hour ride for up to eight times a day from 9 a.m. through 8 p.m. Our business started slowly in the beginning. But we are receiving more inquiry calls these days and the number of yacht guests is gradually growing,’’ Kang Ki-nam, CEO of Grande Bleu, said.
Passengers are offered a glass of local wine, along with simple snacks and seasonal fruits. They can fish onboard and will be served with fresh raw fish, regardless of whether they catch any or not.
``Customers can take advantage of all the facilities onboard the yacht during the one-hour voyage. If they are lucky, they might get to see a pod of dolphins swim alongside the yacht,’’ Kang said.
The CEO stressed sightseeing the coastal line of the island is a must for Jeju tourists. ``Daepo Port happens to be a point linking ‘olle’ trails. So, many of our customers are those who come to Jeju to mainly walk on the trails. They have shown great interests in viewing the island from the sea by boarding our yacht.’’
Grande Bleu plans to launch a second yacht by next June.
A ticket for adults is priced at 60,000 won, while children’s tickets are 40,000 won. Those who want to hold a party onboard can rent the yacht for one hour for 2 million won.
For more information on Grande Bleu, call 064-739-7776 or visit its website (www.grandeblueyacht.co.kr)