By Lee
Ferry To Jeju Island From Seoul: Routes, Prices and Step By Step Booking Guide
Want to take the ferry to Jeju Island from Seoul? Every route, current prices, ferry types and a step-by-step booking guide so you know exactly what to expect.
When traveling in Korea, most people start with Seoul and then head to the famous Jeju Island. Sometimes my foreign friends ask how to take a ferry to Jeju, where to board, and how to book it, so I've put together all the relevant information today!
To take a ferry to Jeju from Seoul, you need to first travel to Mokpo, Wando, or Yeosu by KTX or bus, and then board the ferry. The fastest sailing is Wando→Jeju (2 hours 40 minutes), and the most accessible combination is KTX + Mokpo→Jeju (ferry about 4 hours 30 minutes). You can bring your car and book a cabin.
Ferry vs Plane
Honestly, if you're just looking at time, the plane is overwhelmingly faster. It takes just 1 hour from Gimpo Airport to Jeju Airport. Even with travel to the airport and security checks, it totals 3-4 hours. So when should you choose the ferry?
The reasons I choose the ferry are clear. First, when I want to drive around Jeju with my own car. You can't take a car on a plane, but you can on a ferry, allowing much more freedom on Jeju. Check out the full comparison of plane vs ferry. Second, when I want to save on accommodation by traveling overnight. You can book a cabin and sleep during the journey, saving a night's stay. Third — honestly — the experience of having a meal and watching the sunset over the sea was the goal itself.
| Item | Plane | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Total travel time (from Seoul) | 3-4 hours | 7-11 hours |
| Price range (including transport) | ₩80,000~₩180,000 | ₩60,000~₩120,000 |
| Car transport | Not possible | Possible (extra charge) |
| Overnight travel | Some routes | Possible (cabin) |
| Baggage rules | Weight/number limits | More lenient |
| Seasickness potential | Low | Possible depending on weather |
| Recommended for | Fast travel priority | Car travel / Overnight savings / Slow travel |
Route Comparison
There are three ferry routes from Seoul to Jeju: Mokpo, Wando, and Yeosu. You first need to travel to each departure point by KTX or bus. Compare them at a glance in the table below.
| Departure Point | Transport from Seoul | Seoul→Departure Point | Ferry Duration | Ferry Price (Economy) | Total Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mokpo | KTX (Yongsan Station) | About 2 hours 30 minutes | About 4 hours 30 minutes | ₩33,500~ | About 7-8 hours |
| Wando | Bus (Central City) | About 5 hours | About 2 hours 40 minutes | ₩31,900~ | About 9-10 hours |
| Yeosu | KTX (Yongsan Station) | About 3 hours 15 minutes | About 6 hours 40 minutes | ₩35,000~ | About 10-11 hours |
Mokpo → Jeju Ferry
The Mokpo route is the most popular among travelers from Seoul. It takes just 2 hours 30 minutes from Yongsan Station to Mokpo Station by KTX, and the Mokpo Passenger Terminal is a 10-minute taxi ride from the station. Considering accessibility and ferry quality, it's the most straightforward choice for foreign travelers.
Seoul → Mokpo Travel
Take the KTX from Yongsan Station or Gwangmyeong Station. There are dozens of daily services. You can book through the Korail app or Railplus, and it's safe to book Mokpo-bound KTX 2-3 weeks in advance. During peak seasons (summer, Chuseok, Seollal), booking a month ahead is recommended.
Mokpo Passenger Terminal Location and Access
It's about a 10-minute taxi ride from Mokpo Station to Mokpo Passenger Terminal (Port Terminal), costing around ₩5,000~₩7,000. If taking the bus, board local bus 1 or 2 heading towards the port. The terminal has restaurants, convenience stores, and luggage lockers.
Mokpo Ferry Information
The Mokpo→Jeju route is operated by Seaworld Express Ferry and Hanil Express. Departure times vary by route and day, with typically 1-2 sailings in the morning and afternoon. Economy class costs ₩33,500~₩45,000, and cabins range from ₩60,000~₩80,000.※ Check the official website before visiting. There are also night sailings in the summer.
TIP: If you have a lot of luggage, take a taxi from Mokpo Station to the ferry terminal. Buses are inconvenient for large bags, and a taxi is much better if you have a bicycle or large suitcase. There's a paid luggage storage service on the terminal's first floor, so you can explore Mokpo city first if you wish.
Wando → Jeju Ferry
The Wando route has the shortest ferry sailing time among the three (2 hours 40 minutes). However, the travel time from Seoul to Wando is long, making the total journey similar. On the plus side, it's the cheapest of the three routes, and you can enjoy the quaint harbor town atmosphere of Wando.
Seoul → Wando Travel
Take the express bus to Wando from Seoul Central City Terminal (Gangnam Express Bus Terminal). It takes about 5 hours and costs around ₩30,000. There's no direct KTX to Wando, so you'd need to transfer at Naju Station, making the bus more convenient.
Wando Passenger Terminal
It's a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from Wando Bus Terminal to Wando Passenger Terminal. The terminal is small, so there's not much waiting space; it's recommended to arrive at least an hour before departure.
Wando Ferry Information
The Wando→Jeju route is operated by Hanil Express and Namhae Express Ferry. There are 2-3 sailings daily, with economy class starting at ₩31,900 and cabins at ₩55,000. Since the sailing time is short, prepare simple snacks and activities in advance.
Yeosu → Jeju Ferry
The Yeosu route has the longest sailing time (6 hours 40 minutes). However, Yeosu itself is famous for seafood and night views, making it popular to stay overnight in Yeosu and take the morning ferry. I have fond memories of this route — especially the combination of eating Yeosu's marinated crab and taking the night ferry.
Seoul → Yeosu Travel
It takes about 3 hours 15 minutes by KTX from Yongsan Station to Yeosu Expo Station. From Yeosu Expo Station, it's a 10-15 minute taxi ride to Yeosu Passenger Terminal (Old Port). There are many seafood restaurants and cafes around Yeosu Old Port Terminal, making it a great place to have a leisurely meal before an early morning departure.
Yeosu Ferry Information
The Yeosu→Jeju route is operated by Hanil Express. There are mainly night departures, allowing you to arrive in Jeju while you sleep. Economy class starts at ₩35,000, and cabins start at ₩65,000.
TIP: If you're taking the Yeosu night ferry, book at least a second-class cabin. Spending 6 hours 40 minutes on the floor of the economy room is tough. Cabins sell out quickly, so booking 2 weeks in advance is safe.
Ferry Seat Types
Korean Jeju ferries have classes like airplanes. First-timers often book without knowing the seat types and end up disappointed, so here's a breakdown. Seat choice is especially important for night sailings.
| Seat Type | Description | Price Range | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Space to sit or lie on carpeted floor. No assigned seats. | ₩30,000~₩40,000 | Short sailings, young backpackers |
| Second-Class Cabin | Bunk beds with curtains for privacy. Power outlets provided. | ₩50,000~₩65,000 | Night sailings, solo travelers |
| First-Class Cabin | Wider beds in quieter areas. | ₩70,000~₩90,000 | Travelers seeking comfort |
| Special Room / Family Room | Private room. Suitable for families or couples. | ₩120,000~₩200,000 | Family trips, couples |
How to Book
Booking a Korean ferry for the first time can be unfamiliar for foreigners. Official sites are mostly in Korean, and English interfaces are limited. Here's a step-by-step guide based on my experience.
- Choose a Booking Site: Choose between Ctrip (Trip.com), Klook, or the official sites of each operator (Seaworld Express Ferry, Hanil Express). For foreigners, Ctrip or Klook is convenient due to their English interfaces.
- Enter Date and Route: Input departure point (Mokpo/Wando/Yeosu), destination (Jeju), and date. You can choose one-way or round-trip.
- Select Seat Type: Refer to the seat guide above to choose. For night sailings, cabins are highly recommended.
- Enter Passenger Information: You'll need your name (in English), passport number, and date of birth. Have your passport information ready.
- Payment: Pay with a credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or PayPal. No Korean account needed.
- Save Booking Confirmation: Save the booking confirmation email as a screenshot or PDF. It includes a QR code.
- Arrive at Terminal: Arrive at the terminal at least 1 hour before departure. Present your booking confirmation and passport at the check-in counter.
TIP: If you're bringing a vehicle on the ferry, you need a separate vehicle transport reservation. Book directly on the operator's official site, and during peak seasons, reserve 2-4 weeks in advance. For small cars, the one-way fee is about ₩100,000~₩180,000, depending on vehicle size.※ Check the official website before visiting
What to Expect on the Ferry
When I first took the Jeju ferry, I was surprised by how big the ship was. I imagined a small vessel, but it's actually multi-level with restaurants, convenience stores, and even an arcade.
Onboard Facilities: Restaurants (ramen, seafood, lunchboxes), convenience stores (ramen, drinks, snacks), arcade (old-school games), designated smoking areas (deck), and TV lounges are standard. Power outlets are mostly in cabins, so bring a power bank if you're in economy.
Seasickness Prevention: The Jeju Strait can be choppy depending on the weather. There are frequent waves, especially during spring and fall. Take seasickness medication (Kimmite, Bonaring) 30 minutes before boarding, or use a seasickness patch behind your ear. Even if you're used to sea travel, I always bring them when the weather is bad.
Boarding and Disembarking: Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure. Carry your luggage on board. Listen to announcements for disembarking — they start 30 minutes before arrival. If you're using your car, follow the separate instructions to the vehicle area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Seoul to Jeju by ferry?
The total travel time from Seoul is 7-11 hours. Via Mokpo, it's about 7-8 hours; via Wando, about 8-9 hours; via Yeosu, about 10-11 hours. The ferry sailing times alone are Mokpo 4 hours 30 minutes, Wando 2 hours 40 minutes, Yeosu 6 hours 40 minutes.
Can I bring my car on the Jeju ferry?
Yes, you can. All routes allow vehicle transport, but you need a separate vehicle reservation. For small cars, the one-way fee is about ₩100,000~₩180,000, and booking 2-4 weeks in advance during peak seasons is recommended.※ Check the official website before visiting
Which is cheaper, the ferry or the plane?
It depends on flight prices. If you catch a low-cost airline promotion, the plane might be cheaper. On average, ferry economy + KTX/bus combined costs ₩60,000~₩100,000, while flights range from ₩80,000~₩180,000. During peak seasons when flight prices soar, ferries are definitely more economical.
Is seasickness a big issue on the Jeju ferry?
It varies greatly with the weather. On clear days, there's little motion, but on windy days, it can be quite rough. If you're sensitive to seasickness, take medication before boarding. Staying in the lower central part of the ship can reduce motion.
Can foreigners book the Jeju ferry?
Yes, they can. You can book in English on Ctrip (Trip.com) or Klook with just your passport information. The official sites (Seaworld Express Ferry, Hanil Express) are mostly in Korean but do support foreign card payments.
Can you sleep on the night ferry?
If you book at least a second-class cabin, you can sleep comfortably. The economy room involves lying on a carpeted floor, which can be uncomfortable. The Yeosu route often has night departures, so booking a cabin is highly recommended. Bringing a personal blanket in addition to the thin one provided in the cabin can make it more comfortable. Traveling from Seoul to Jeju by ferry might seem complicated at first, but once you've done it, you'll think, "Next time, I'll bring my car."