Travel Guide: Busan To Jeju Island

Busan and Jeju Island are two of the most popular destinations in South Korea. Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and is known for its relaxed vibe and beautiful beaches. Jeju Island, on the other hand, is the country's largest island and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Travelling between these two destinations is fairly straightforward and can be done in several ways. Here's an overview of the different options for travelling from Busan to Jeju Island.

Travel by plane

Flying is the quickest way to get from Busan to Jeju Island, with flights taking around an hour. This option is ideal for those seeking a swift transition from the bustling city to the serenity of the island. Several airlines offer direct flights between Busan's Gimhae International Airport (PUS) and Jeju International Airport (CJU), including Jeju Air, Air Busan, Korean Air, Jin Air, and Eastar Jet.

When booking your flight, consider that the cheapest days to fly are usually in February, with typical prices ranging from $40 to $120 for a round-trip. The most expensive month to fly is typically April.

To get to Gimhae International Airport from Busan, you can take the Busan Subway Line 2 or the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit. The airport experience is generally streamlined, with minimal waiting times, and hourly flights available to suit your schedule.

As your plane takes off, you'll witness the vastness of Busan, with its intricate road network and dense clusters of buildings, slowly giving way to the blue expanse of the Korea Strait. Before long, Jeju Island's volcanic peaks and shimmering coastlines will come into view, signalling the start of your island adventure.

Travel by bus

Travelling by bus from Busan to Jeju-do is a viable option, although it is not the fastest way to get to the island. Taking the bus and then the ferry will take around 8 hours and 18 minutes in total and costs $65 to $95.

To get from Busan to Jeju-do by bus, you will first need to take a bus from Busan Seobu Bus Terminal to Gwangju Bus Terminal. From there, you will need to take another bus from Gwangju Bus Terminal to Jindo Public Bus Terminal. Finally, take the car ferry from Jindo to Jeju Coastal Ferry Terminal.

There are a few different bus companies that service these routes, including Honam Express and Chunil Express. The buses are typically comfortable and offer a good way to see the country as you travel.

Keep in mind that the bus schedules may vary, so it is always a good idea to check the latest timetables before your trip. You can usually find updated schedules and book tickets online or at the bus terminals.

Additionally, it is worth noting that there is no direct rail or road connection from Busan to Jeju-do due to the island's geographical separation by the Korea Strait. As a result, travellers often combine bus travel with a ferry or flight to reach Jeju-do.

Travel by car ferry

Taking a car ferry from Busan to Jeju Island is a great option if you prefer a slower pace of travel and want to avoid the airport. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of the coastline and is a unique travel experience. The journey takes approximately 12 hours, so you may want to consider an overnight ferry to save on accommodation costs.

Booking Your Tickets

It is recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Several websites offer booking services, but it is important to check the schedule and availability before making any plans.

Departure and Arrival Times

Ferries typically operate daily from Busan Port to Jeju Island. Below is a sample schedule for a ferry trip:

• Departure from Busan at 19:00
• Arrival at Jeju at 07:00 the next day

What to Pack

Be sure to pack essentials that will make your journey more comfortable, such as a travel pillow, snacks, water, and entertainment.

Weather Considerations

Weather conditions can affect ferry schedules, so always check the forecast before your departure and stay informed about potential delays or cancellations.

Boarding Process

Arrive at the ferry terminal at least an hour before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.

Attractions in Jeju

Once you arrive in Jeju, you'll find a plethora of attractions to explore. Jeju Island offers natural wonders like Hallasan Mountain and stunning landscapes such as Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Public transportation, taxis, and rental cars are readily available for getting around the island.

Travel by train

Jeju Island is a beautiful destination that can be visited at any time of the year. While there is no direct rail connection between Busan and Jeju Island, you can still travel between the two by train. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do so:

Firstly, it is important to note that there is no underwater train tunnel or bridge connecting Jeju Island to the Korean Peninsula due to the geographical separation of the Korea Strait. However, you can take a train to Busan, a coastal city, and then opt for a flight or ferry to Jeju Island. This option allows you to enjoy a scenic journey across the Korean landscape before heading to the island.

To travel by train from Busan to Jeju Island, follow these steps:

• Take the train from Busan Station to Osong Station.
• From Osong Station, take another train to Mokpo Station.
• Once you arrive at Mokpo Station, you will need to head to the Mokpo Port Passenger Terminal. You can reach the terminal in approximately 15 minutes by taking a city bus from Mokpo Station.
• At the Mokpo Port Passenger Terminal, you will board a ferry to Jeju Island. Remember to bring your passport or personal ID when boarding the ship, as it is required for travel.
• The ferry ride will offer you beautiful views of the ocean and, depending on the time of your travel, you may even get to see the sunrise or sunset over the horizon. The journey usually takes around 4.5 to 5 hours.

Alternatively, you can take a slightly different train route to reach Jeju Island:

• Take the train from Busan Station to Suncheon Station.
• From Suncheon, you will need to travel to the Yeosu EXPO Passenger Ferry Terminal. This terminal is located in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do.
• At the Yeosu EXPO Passenger Ferry Terminal, you will board a ferry to Jeju International Ferry Terminal. Remember to arrive on time, as passenger check-in closes 10 minutes before departure.

Please note that the train and ferry combination is not the fastest way to travel from Busan to Jeju Island. The entire journey, including transfers, will take approximately 10 hours. However, it can be a more cost-effective option, with prices ranging from $40 to $80 for the entire trip.

Travel by car

As Jeju Island is separated from the Korean Peninsula by the Korea Strait, there are no bridges or tunnels for vehicles to directly access the island from the mainland. However, you can take a car ferry from the mainland to Jeju Island. This option is ideal for those who want to explore Jeju at their own pace without relying on local transportation rentals.

Driving Directions from Busan to Ferry Ports

To get to Jeju Island by car, you will first need to drive to one of the ferry ports on the mainland. Here are the directions to some of the commonly used ferry ports:

• Busan International Ferry Terminal: Located in the heart of Busan, the ferry terminal is easily accessible via the Busan Metro Line 1. Get off at Choryang Station and walk for about 10 minutes from Exit 4.
• Wando Yeonan Ferry Terminal: This terminal is in Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do. It takes about five minutes by taxi from the Wando Public Bus Terminal.
• Yeosu EXPO Passenger Ferry Terminal: The terminal is in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, and can be reached in about seven minutes on foot from Yeosu EXPO Station.
• Mokpo Port Passenger Terminal: This terminal is in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, and is a 15-minute ride by city bus from Mokpo Station.

Car Ferry Options

Once you reach the ferry port, you can take a car ferry to Jeju Island. Here are some of the car ferry options:

• Wando to Jeju: This route is served by the Hanil Express ferry. It operates daily with two departures from Wando at 2:30 AM and 3:00 PM, and two returns from Jeju at 7:20 AM and 7:30 PM. The journey takes about 5 hours.
• Yeosu to Jeju: Ferries on this route are operated by Hanil Express. They depart from Yeosu daily at 12:20 AM and 1:20 AM, and return from Jeju Monday to Saturday at 4:20 PM and on Sundays at 3:30 PM. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours.
• Mokpo to Jeju: Ferries depart from Mokpo daily at 8:45 AM and 1:00 AM, and return from Jeju daily at 4:45 PM, with additional returns on Tuesdays to Saturdays and Sundays at 1:40 PM. This route is served by the Seaworld Express Ferry, and the journey takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Tips for Ferry Travel with Vehicles

When travelling with a vehicle, keep these tips in mind:

• Book in Advance: It is advisable to book a spot for your vehicle on the ferry in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Safety Protocols: Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and complies with the safety protocols stipulated by the ferry operators.
• Duration: Keep in mind that the loading and unloading of vehicles can extend the duration of your journey.

Frequently asked questions