2026 Seoul to Jeju Travel Guide: Flights, Ferries, and Local Tips

So, you’ve explored the palaces of Seoul and experienced the bustling city life, and now you’re ready for the “Hawaii of Korea.” Jeju Island is the crown jewel of domestic travel here, but for many international visitors, figuring out exactly how to bridge the gap between the capital and the island can be a bit confusing. Is it better to fly? Can you take a boat? Do you need your passport?

As a local living in Korea, I’ve made this trip countless times. While it is technically a domestic trip, the logistics for a foreigner are slightly different than for a Korean local. In this guide, I will walk you through the most efficient ways to get from Seoul to Jeju, important updates on ferry services, and how to navigate the island once you land. Let’s get you to the beach.

1. The Best Option: Flying from Gimpo Airport
2. The Scenic Route: Taking the Ferry (Updated)
3. Arrival: Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel
4. Driving in Jeju: Rental Car Essentials
5. Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Option: Flying from Gimpo Airport

Let’s be honest: especially with the current suspension of the direct ferry from Incheon, flying is the correct answer for 99% of travelers. The route from Seoul (Gimpo) to Jeju (CJU) is famously the busiest air route in the world. Flights are frequent, fast, and often very affordable.

Gimpo (GMP) vs. Incheon (ICN)

This is the most common mistake I see foreigners make. DO NOT go to Incheon International Airport for a domestic flight to Jeju unless you have a specific connecting flight ticketed that way. Most domestic flights to Jeju depart from Gimpo International Airport (GMP), which is much closer to downtown Seoul.

• Location: Gimpo Airport is accessible via AREX (All Stop Train), Subway Line 5, and Line 9.
• Flight Time: Approximately 60 to 70 minutes.
• Airlines: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Jin Air, T’way Air, and Air Seoul.

Booking Tips for Foreigners

While you can use global aggregators like Skyscanner or Kayak, I highly recommend checking the airline’s official website directly. Sometimes, budget carriers (LCCs) have promo fares that don’t show up on global travel sites.

⚠️ Important: ID Requirements

Even though this is a domestic flight, you must bring your Passport. Korean nationals use their resident ID, but as a foreigner, your passport is the only form of ID that is universally accepted at the check-in counter and security gate. Without it, you will be denied boarding.

The Scenic Route: Taking the Ferry (Updated)

If you have extra time, want to bring a vehicle, or simply love the ocean, taking a ferry is an adventure. However, there is a major update regarding the route from the Seoul area that you must know.

❌ Status Update: Incheon to Jeju Route Suspended

Many older guidebooks or websites may tell you to take a ferry from Incheon Port (near Seoul). Please note: The Incheon-Jeju ferry route is currently suspended indefinitely. Do not plan your trip around departing from Incheon Port, as there are no passenger ships operating this route at the moment. (*Status Update: Busan to Jeju route also suspended)

✅ The Alternative: KTX + Ferry (The Southern Route)

If you are determined to take a boat (perhaps to bring your own bicycle or car, or just for the experience), you must travel to a southern port city first. The most popular ports are Mokpo, Yeosu, or Wando. There are two ways to book a ferry to Jeju. You can either book directly through the ferry company or use a reservation website.

• Step 1: Take the KTX (high-speed train) from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Mokpo Station (approx. 2.5 hours).
• Step 2: Take a taxi from Mokpo Station to the Mokpo Ferry Terminal (182 Haean-ro Mokpo-si Jeollanam-do / approx. 10–15 minutes).
• Step 3: Take the ferry from Mokpo to Jeju. The “Queen Jenuvia” or “Queen Jenuvia2” are large vessels that take about 4 to 5 hours.

💡 Local Insight: This method is time-consuming (nearly a full day of travel) compared to a 1-hour flight. I only recommend this if you want to explore the southern Jeolla province before heading to the island.

Arrival: Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel

Once you land at Jeju International Airport (or arrive at the port), you have entered a distinct part of Korea. Unlike Seoul, the subway system does not exist here. You will rely on roads.

1. Bus (The Budget Friendly Way)

Jeju’s bus system has improved significantly.

• Express Buses (Red): Numbered 101, 102, etc. These stop only at major tourist hubs and hotels. They are fast and efficient.
• Intercity/Blue Buses: These stop more frequently.
• Payment: You can use the same T-Money card you used in Seoul. Make sure to top it up before leaving the airport!

2. Taxi (Convenient but Costly)

Taxis are lined up outside the arrival hall.

• Short distance (Jeju City): Roughly 10,000 KRW.
• Long distance (Seogwipo): Can cost upwards of 40,000–50,000 KRW.
• App Usage: The Kakao T app works perfectly in Jeju and is recommended so you don’t have to explain your destination in Korean.

Driving in Jeju: Rental Car Essentials

Jeju is best experienced by car. It gives you the freedom to explore hidden beaches and cafes that buses don’t reach. However, the rental process is strict. For a detailed guide on driving in Korea, please refer to ‘Korea Road Trip Guide: How to Drive Safely & Rent a Car‘

The “Rental Car House” System

At Jeju Airport, you cannot pick up your car at the terminal curb. You must go to the “Rent-a-car House” (Gate 5 area) and take a shuttle bus to your specific rental company’s lot. The shuttles run every 10–15 minutes.

Scenario A: You Pre-booked (Highly Recommended)

Major companies like Lotte Rent-a-Car or SK Rent-a-Car have English websites. If you booked online:

1. Go to the shuttle zone designated in your confirmation email.
2. Take the shuttle to the lot.
3. Show your Passport and IDP at the counter (or kiosk) to get your keys.

Scenario B: You Didn’t Book (Walk-in)

If you decide last minute to rent a car:

• Go to the “Rent-a-car House” building near the parking lot. There are counters for various local companies.
• Warning: During peak season (July-August) or holidays, cars may be completely sold out. Also, smaller local companies often do not have English-speaking staff.

⚠️ CRITICAL: The International Driving Permit (IDP)

This is where most foreigners fail. To rent a car in Korea, you must present a physical International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country.

• Your domestic driver’s license from home is NOT enough.
• A photo of your IDP on your phone is NOT enough.
• The IDP must be from a country under the Geneva Convention.

If you forget this hard copy document, no reputable company will hand over the keys. There are no exceptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why can’t I find ferry tickets from Incheon?
A: As mentioned in the article, the Incheon-Jeju ferry route is currently suspended due to operational issues. You must fly from Gimpo or travel south to Mokpo to catch a ferry.

Q: Do I need a visa for Jeju?
A: Jeju has a special visa-free policy for many nationalities that allows a stay of up to 30 days, even if you need a visa for mainland Korea. However, if you are traveling from Seoul, you have already entered Korea, so your current visa status applies.

Q: Can I use Uber in Jeju?
A: The Uber app (often branded as UT in Korea) works to call taxis, but Kakao T has a much larger fleet availability on the island.

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Gi, Oh

Founder of Kculture.com and MA in Political Science. He shares deep academic and local insights to provide an authentic perspective on Korean history and society.