BEFORE lunch, The Argo finally docked at Jeju's main cruise terminal. The massive ship pulled alongside the modern pier, its white hull towering over the dock's concrete walkways. Rows of sturdy bollards and thick ropes secured it in place.
The sea here was calm, its blue surface broken only by small waves rocking the occasional passing ferry. Further out, the water stretched smooth under the midday sun. The port itself stood clean and orderly, with staff in bright vests directing operations. In the distance, industrial cranes and cargo ships marked the commercial port area, fishing boats were docked even farther down the coast, well out of view.
The air smelled faintly of salt, with none of the fishy scents or diesel fumes that hung around working harbors.
