How to Travel from Seoul to Jeju

Traveling to the Hawaii of Korea but feeling utterly confused? Then, you have arrived at the right place. Jeju Island is where you travel to relax, recharge, and revitalize. From its picturesque volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches, dramatic coastlines, and rich culture, Jeju is more than a destination; it is a soul-captivating experience. And here is how you travel from Seoul to Jeju Island.

Also Read:

• Best Fun Things to Do on Jeju Island
• Top 15 Things To Buy in Jeju Island
• Things To Do At Night In Jeju Island

🤔 How Long Does It Take To Travel From Seoul to Jeju?

First things first, Jeju Island is pretty far from Seoul. With the 282 miles of distance between the two locations, the journey alone can take from 1.5 hours to a whole day. So, if you are planning to add the island to your Korea Itinerary, be prepared for an almost whole-day road journey. That said, here’s how long it will take to travel from Seoul to Jeju:

• Flight from Seoul to Jeju: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
• Ferry to Jeju: 6 to 12 hours
• Train + Ferry Combo: 6 to 10 hours
• Bus + Ferry Combo: 8 to 12 hours
• Car + Ferry Combo: Drive from Seoul to Port: 4.5 to 5 hours, Ferry to Jeju: 3 to 6 hours

* Note: This is a rough estimation, which is subject to change based on pace, route, and any other unforeseen circumstances.

💭 How to Travel from Seoul to Jeju?

✈️ Getting to Jeju from Seoul by Flight – Best & Fastest

The best way to get to Jeju from Seoul is by flying. It is also the most convenient and fastest way, which will only take 1 hour and 15 minutes at most. Including airport transfers, you can expect to spend 2 to 3 hours. Catch a direct flight from Gimpo International Airport (GMP) to Jeju International Airport (CJU).

🗨️ Gimpo International Airport vs Incheon International Airport: Which One Should You Choose?

Travelers often get confused between Gimpo and Incheon International Airport (ICN). GMP primarily handles domestic flights, while the ICN specializes in long-haul flights. Top Korean airlines, including Korean Air, Jeju Air, Jin Air, T’way Air, and Asiana Airlines, operate from the Gimpo International Airport. It is also closer to Seoul and easily accessible. On the other hand, the direct Incheon to Jeju flight is set to resume operating after a ten-year hiatus. Only Jeju Air will resume regular operations with two round-trip flights per week from May 12, 2026. Considering all this, you can do the math~

Key Details:

• Flight Duration: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
• Departure Airports: Gimpo International Airport (GMP), Incheon International Airport (ICN)
• Arrival Airport: Jeju International Airport (CJU)
• Frequency: Dozens to hundreds of flights daily
• Seoul to Jeju Island Flight Price: Starting from ₩25,600 ($18) for one-way and ₩93,200 ($64) for a round-trip flight

Upon arrival, how do you get to your hotel? Worry not; we have the ultimate airport transfer guide, detailing every available transport option. Click here 👉 Jeju Airport Transfer Guide: From Public Transportation to Car Rental

🚢 Taking a Ferry from Seoul to Jeju – Scenic Option

If you are all about views, travel to Jeju the classic way via a ferry. This is the most scenic route, where you will be treated to stunning ocean views. It is also budget-friendly, with prices ranging between ₩50,000 ($33.7) and ₩150,000 ($101.25) depending on the route and the type of ferry. That said, ferries are time-consuming, taking anywhere from 6 to 9 hours. This is after including the transfer to the port, as there are no direct ferries from Seoul. You have to first take a train, bus, or private transportation to a Southern port, then transfer to a ferry.

Ferry Routes To Jeju Island

Departure Port	Frequency	Duration	Typical Departure Times
Wando	Daily/3 times per day	2 hours 40 minutes (Fastest)	2:30 AM, 9:20 AM, 3 PM
Mokpo	Weekly/7 times a week	4 hours 15 minutes	First & Third Mondays: 8:30 AM | Tue-Sat: 1 AM
Nokdong (Goheung)	Daily/Once a day	3 hours 30 minutes	9 AM | Closed on the 1st, 3rd, & 5th Sunday of every month
Jindo	Daily/Two times a day	2 hours	8 AM, 1:30 PM
Samcheonpo	Sun-Fri/Once a day	6 hours 30 minutes (Longest)	Sun-Fri: 11:30 PM | Sat: Closed

* Note: The Incheon to Jeju ferry route has been suspended indefinitely since November 2023.

🚆 Train+ Ferry Combo to Reach Jeju Island – Second Fastest

If you are thinking about traveling from Seoul to Jeju Island by train, it’s feasible but not entirely. As Jeju is an island, you can’t take a direct train. So, the only option is to combine a train ride and a ferry to access the island. However, the KTX train is only ideal for those choosing to take a ferry from the Mokpo Port. The train journey will take around 2.5 to 2 hours and 50 minutes, followed by a quick taxi ride to the port. Then, transfer to the ferry for an additional 4 hours+ journey.

🚄 Here’s how KTX Train + Ferry Combo Looks Like:

• KTX from Seoul Station to Mokpo Station (2.5 hours)→taxi to Mokpo Port Passenger Terminal (10-15 minutes)→Ferry to Jeju Island (4 hours 15 minutes)
• Total Time: 6-8 hours

✨ For more information about the high-speed train, click here 👉 All About Korean Trains (KORAIL) & KTX & KORAIL Pass

🚌 Bus + Ferry Combo – Budget-Friendly Option

Aside from the Mokpo Station, there is no direct KTX train to any of the southern ports mentioned above. So, if you are thinking about taking a ferry from other ports, taking a bus is your only option. It’s also the cheapest, with fares generally falling between $20 and $40, and even less. The only downfall is that buses are less convenient than trains or flights. Expect a long and tiring journey where you will spend at least 5 to 6 hours on a bus.

🚍 Here’s How Bus + Ferry Combo Looks Like:

• Take an overnight intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Mokpo or Wando Port (5 to 7 hours).
• Then, transfer to a ferry departing for Jeju the next day.

After getting off the ferry, you can continue your bus journey. Take the Jeju Express Bus 101 (Eastern Coast Route), Bus 102 (Western Coast Route), or Bus 121 (Southern Route). More details here 👉 The Ultimate Jeju Bus Guide for First-Timers

🚗 How to travel from Seoul to Jeju by Car?

Thinking about traveling from Seoul to Jeju Island by car? It’s possible, but only with a little tweak here and there. Similar to trains and buses, you can’t directly drive to the island. First, you need to drive to a southern port city, then transfer to a ferry to reach Jeju. The good thing is you can take your private car on the ferry to the island, then continue exploring the island’s geological wonders. The only downfall is that rental companies often don’t allow taking their vehicles on ferries. In such cases, you will have to rent another car upon arrival. The Drive + Ferry combo is ideal for road trip enthusiasts and anyone who prefers driving.

🚘 Know Before You Go:

• The Mokpo to Jeju route doesn’t allow cars on board.
• The Hanil Express allows cars on board. Seaworld Express Ferry also provides car ferries, but not on the Mokpo to Jeju route.
• Arrive at least 1.5 hours before ferry departure to check in and get your vehicle pass.
• If you are renting a car, check if the rental company allows taking the vehicle on a ferry.

✨ Also Read: How To Rent A Car In Seoul, Incheon, and Jeju, Korea

⚔️ Ferry vs Flight: Which One Should You Choose?

Factors	Flight	Ferry
Duration	1 hour 10-15 minutes	6 to 12 hours
Cost	₩30,000 – ₩80,000 ($20.25 – $54) on average	₩50,000 – ₩150,000 ($33.7 – $101.25)
Frequency	Frequent departures	Less frequent than flights
Pros	Fastest, Most Convenient	Scenic, Cultural Experience
Cons	Expensive compared to other options	Time-consuming compared to taking a flight
Ideal For	Luxury travelers, time-pressed visitors	Leisure travelers, families

✨ IVK’s Take:

🛩️ Seoul to Jeju Flights For Convenience:

Save time spent on the road to exploring Jeju’s attractions by taking a direct flight. It is the most convenient, especially if you prefer a hassle-free trip like me. Surprisingly, flights are often more affordable than taking a ferry. 💡 Tip: Compare flight rates on Skyscanner to discover cheaper rates before booking.

⛴️ Ferry to Jeju For A Scenic Journey:

Traveling is not about rushing; it’s about taking your time and exploring at your own pace. The ferry allows you to immerse yourself in Korea’s coastal beauty and get a closer look than flights. It is also especially ideal if you are traveling with a car, as you can save money. Enjoy the beautiful seascape, see the sun rising or dipping over the horizon, and take tons of pictures & videos of the journey.

🫶 Travel Tips For First-Time Seoul to Jeju Travelers

1. Book Flights Early:

Although Gimpo International Airport has frequent departures, flights to Jeju are sold out quickly, especially during peak seasons. If your travel coincides with summer or the holiday season, book your plane tickets in advance.

2. Arrive Early:

Whether you are traveling via a plane or a ferry, it’s essential to arrive early. For those taking flights, arrive at least 3 hours early from the flight time to check in, security, and bag drop. Similarly, be at the port at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Also, don’t forget to bring your passport.

3. Check Weather Conditions:

Always check the weather forecast before taking a ferry. The journey may be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, such as typhoons, high winds, and rough seas.

4. Travel Light:

Only pack travel essentials like clothing, footwear, sunscreen, a universal power adapter, and necessary documents. Bring a seasickness medication if you are traveling on a ferry.

5. Download Essential Apps:

• Naver Maps or Kakako Map, since Google Maps doesn’t work in Korea.
• Papago for Korean translation.
• Kakao Taxi to get around Jeju Island.
• Coupang Eats for food deliveries.
• T-Money Card to pay fares for public transportation.

✨ Learn more about the apps here 👉 18 Best Apps for Korea Travel: Easy & Convenient

🍊 Things To Do In Jeju Island

Dramatic volcanic craters, pristine beaches, lush green tea fields, mysterious lava tubes, serene waterfalls, and so many more activities await visitors in Jeju.

• 🏖️ Kick off your Jeju Itinerary at Hyeopjae Beach.
• 😋 Eat your way through the Dongmun Traditional Market.
• 🧗 Hike up the UNESCO-listed Hallasan Mountain.
• 🖼️ Stop by the island’s must-visit museums, including the Teddy Bear Museum, Osulloc Tea Museum, and Alive Museum.
• 🐈 Discover the pink world of Hello Kitty Island.
• 🌄 Catch the brilliant sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong.
• 🧪 Dive deep into the mysterious lava tubes of Manjanggul Cave.
• 💧 Visit the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Falls.
• 🌼 Take a walk through Camellia Hill‘s photo-ready gardens.
• 🟠 Stop by farms for tangerine and orange picking if you visit during November to February.

✨ Learn about all the attractions of Jeju Island here 👇

• Must-Visit Attractions in East Jeju Island
• Must-Visit Attractions in West Jeju Island
• Must-Visit Attractions in North Jeju Island
• Must-Visit Attractions in South Jeju Island

✨ Korea Trip Planner – The Ultimate Jeju Itinerary Creating Tool

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Now, you may be wondering how to adjust the recommended activities to your Jeju Itinerary. That’s where our Korea Trip Planner (KTP) comes! This is a free itinerary-building tool that will create a personalized itinerary based on your travel interests, budget, times, and pace. Say goodbye to dozens of tabs, endless research, and messy notes; KTP offers personalized activity recommendations tailored to your travel style. Unlike one-size-fits-all itineraries, KTP is designed to address your travel intent. We focus on high quality data to create realistic itineraries with each activity having enough rest times, well-laid-out transition times, and recommended visiting hours.

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To help you understand how KTP works better, we have already created several Jeju Island Itineraries to start you off with. You will find itineraries for foodies, leisure travelers, couples, K-pop lovers, and K-drama fans. We even have an orange picking guide. You can also edit, save, and share your itineraries. Give Korea Trip Planner a try 😉

🤩 FAQs: