Impounded Chinese cruise ship awaits release in South Korea with bond payment

SEOUL/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - A Chinese cruise boat impounded in South Korea over a commercial dispute with another Chinese firm was awaiting release and clearance for departure on Monday, an official on the South Korean island of Jeju said.

The vessel, the Henna, had been due to leave mid-afternoon after its owner put up a 3 billion won (1.73 million pounds) bond and it was unclear what was delaying the departure. But the South Korean judge overseeing the case in Jeju had yet to give the go-ahead, an official in the island province said.