Travel
Apr 10, 2026
Flying vs. Ferry: The Ultimate Guide to Getting from Seoul to Jeju Island
A detailed comparison of all travel options from Seoul to Jeju Island: direct flights vs. Busan layovers, ferries vs. planes, plus honest cost breakdowns.
When planning a trip to Jeju Island, the first thing you'll probably wonder is: how do I get there? Do I fly directly from Gimpo Airport, or head down to Busan and catch a ferry? Honestly, each option has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your travel style.
Why a Direct Flight from Gimpo is the Way to Go
The simplest option is, of course, flying directly from Gimpo Airport to Jeju Airport. The flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and you can be from airport to airport in about 3 hours total.
The Perks of a Direct Flight:
- Fast – You can be in front of your Jeju rental car in just 3 hours from Seoul.
- Convenient – No need to transfer luggage or change transportation.
- Lots of flights – Dozens of flights operate daily, giving you a wide range of time options.
- Less affected by weather – Lower probability of cancellation compared to ferries.
However, airfare can be quite expensive during peak season and weekends. It can easily reach ₩100,000 to ₩200,000+ one way. Especially during cherry blossom season in April or the summer peak, prices can skyrocket if you don't book in advance.
Taking a Ferry via Busan
You can also take the KTX from Seoul to Busan and then catch a ferry to Jeju from Busan Port International Passenger Terminal. It definitely gives you more of a travel vibe.
How to Get There by Ferry:
- Seoul → Busan KTX (2 hours 40 minutes, around ₩50,000)
- Busan Station → Busan Port International Passenger Terminal (Subway Line 1, 30 minutes)
- Busan → Jeju Ferry (12 hours, around ₩40,000 - ₩70,000)
The total travel time is about 15 hours, and the cost is generally lower than airfare. The problem is seasickness. The Jeju Strait can have surprisingly rough waves, so if you're prone to seasickness, 12 hours can feel like hell.
April is usually when the sea is calmer, but it still varies from person to person. Taking seasickness medication beforehand doesn't completely eliminate it, and you won't get much sleep, especially on an overnight ferry.
Consider Flying from Busan to Jeju
Another option is to take the KTX to Busan and then fly to Jeju from Gimhae Airport. Busan-Jeju flights are often cheaper than direct flights. You can sometimes snag discount tickets from low-cost carriers for around ₩50,000.
However, when you factor in the cost of the Seoul-Busan KTX, the total cost often ends up being similar to a direct flight. It also takes longer. This option only really makes sense if you enjoy the journey itself or plan to stay overnight in Busan.
When to Book Flights for the Best Deals
Gimpo-Jeju airfare can vary wildly depending on when you book. Here are a few tips:
Best Time to Book:
- Book 2-3 months in advance for the lowest prices – Special fares are usually released during this period.
- Departing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays is ₩20,000-₩30,000 cheaper than on weekends.
- Flights departing first thing in the morning or late at night are usually cheaper.
- Each airline has different special event periods, so be sure to compare multiple airlines.
Even on weekdays, airfare can be quite expensive during peak spring season in April. That’s because it's cherry blossom season, so there are many tourists from Japan, and lots of Koreans travel to Jeju Island as well.
When to Rent a Car in Jeju
Is it best to rent a car as soon as you arrive at Jeju Airport? Honestly, if you need to adjust to the time difference, it might be a good idea to use public transportation or taxis on the first day.
Especially if you're tired from taking an early morning flight, it's safer to rest at your hotel and rent a car from the next day onwards rather than driving right away. Jeju roads are different from Seoul, so it takes some getting used to.
Many rental car companies near Jeju Airport operate 24 hours a day, so you can pick up your car anytime. However, be sure to book in advance during peak season, or you might not get the car model you want.
My Personal Recommendation
If you're planning a short trip of 2-3 days, a direct flight is the way to go. Time is money, after all. If you have a more relaxed itinerary of 3-4 days or longer and enjoy the journey itself, taking a ferry via Busan isn't a bad option.
However, if you're prone to seasickness, I definitely don't recommend the ferry. It's better to pay more for a comfortable flight than to suffer for 12 hours. Travel is supposed to be enjoyable, so there's no reason to suffer from the first day.
If you want to save as much money as possible, aim for direct flight special fares 2-3 months in advance, or consider the KTX to Busan + low-cost carrier from Gimhae Airport to Jeju combination. If you're lucky, you might be able to get there cheaper than a direct flight.
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