Getting to Jeju Island
Flights, Ferries & Travel Tips
Getting to Jeju is easy with the right info! There are plenty of options, whether you’re after a domestic flight from mainland Korea or want to fly direct from an international destionation.
If you’re up for a slower journey, there’s also a scenic ferry ride from the mainland.
We’ll let you know about all the different ways you can get to Jeju, from flight routes and airlines to ferry ports, travel times, and booking tips.
Flying to Jeju Island
Most visitors arrive to Jeju by air as its the quickest and easiest option.
Jeju International Airport (CJU) is located just outside Jeju City and is the island’s main gateway. It’s also one of the busiest airports in South Korea. Because of its handy location, you can easily get to wherever you’re staying on the island whether you’re collecting a car, grabbing a taxi or jumping on a bus.
Domestic Flights
If you’re already in South Korea, flying is by far the fastest and most convenient option.
- From Seoul (Gimpo Airport)): Flights depart every 15–30 minutes (making it one of the busiest air corridors in the world), with a flight time of about 1 hour.
- From Busan: Roughly 55 minutes, with multiple daily departures.
- Other cities: Daegu, Cheongju, Gwangju, and Ulsan also offer direct flights to Jeju.
Airlines:
Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Jin Air, Air Busan, and T’way Air all operate frequent domestic routes. Budget carriers (Jeju Air, Jin Air, T’way) often have flash sales where one-way tickets can drop below ₩30,000 KRW ($25 USD) if you book early.
Top Tip: Domestic flights to Jeju depart from Gimpo Airport (GMP), not Incheon (ICN). Gimpo is easily accessible from Seoul via Line 5 or 9 of the subway or AREX train. Or you can grab a taxi, which takes about 45 minutes (expect to pay around ₩80,000). Make sure you allow enough time to transfer airports when booking your flights.
International Flights
Jeju International Airport also handles direct flights from several major Asian cities.
Depending on the season, you’ll find direct connections from:
- Tokyo, Osaka & Nagoya (Japan)
- Taipei & Kaohsiung (Taiwan)
- Hong Kong & Macau
- Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen (China)
Flight time: 2 to 3 hours from most of East Asia.
Note: Routes may vary by season – low-cost carriers adjust schedules based on demand.
Top Tip: If you’re booking international flights, do an initial search on a Google Flights or Skyscanner. Then go direct to the local carriers’ sites (like Jeju Air or T’way Air). Korean-language versions often list lower fares but it’s a good way to check for a price comparison. Google Translate or Chrome’s auto-translate feature usually works well for booking pages, but be careful when inputting name details to ensure you’re entering your first name and surname in the correct places.
At Jeju International Airport
Considering how busy it is, Jeju Airport is relatively small compared to other airports, which makes it easy to find your way around.
- Arrivals hall: You’ll find plenty of car rental desks, a taxi stand, and you can catch local buses from out the front.
- Facilities: ATMs, cafés, luggage storage, SIM card kiosks, and currency exchange.
- To the city: A taxi to central Jeju City takes 10–15 minutes. Airport Limousine Bus No.600 connects to Seogwipo and Jungmun in around 1–1.5 hours.
- Car rentals: Highly recommended for exploring the island and maximising your stay. Most agencies offer English websites, but make sure you book in advance if you’re travelling during peak seasons. Check out Best Time to Visit Jeju if you’re unsure.
Tip: Bring your international driver’s permit (IDP) if you plan to drive – you’ll need it to legally drive and hire a car in Korea.
Getting to Jeju by Ferry
If you prefer a slower, more scenic route, ferries are another option of getting to Jeju. And they’re especially worth considering if you’re bringing a car or motorcycle. While it’s definitely not as fast as flying, ferry travel does offer you a unique perspective of Korea’s southern coastline.
Main Ferry Routes
| Departure Port | Arrival Port | Duration | Frequency | Notes |
| Mokpo | Jeju Port | 4–5 hours | 2–3 daily | Most popular route |
| Wando | Jeju Port | 2.5–3 hours | 1–2 daily | Shortest crossing |
| Yeosu | Jeju Port | 5 hours | 1–2 daily | Scenic coastal route |
| Busan | Jeju Port | 10–12 hours | Overnight only | Comfortable sleeper ferries |
Facilities on board: Cabins, lounges, rest areas, outdoor decks, and snack bars. Some overnight ferries offer private rooms or sleeping mats in shared cabins.
Booking Options:
- Tickets can be booked online via sites like AFerry.kr – be sure to translate to English – but navigation is a little clunky.
- You can also book directly at ferry terminals – be sure to bring your passport or ARC ID if you live in Korea.
Weather Warning:
Services can be cancelled in rough seas, especially during summer typhoon season (July – September) and winter storms (January – February). Always check weather conditions before departure.
Top Tip: If you’re bringing a car, reserve well in advance – vehicle spots are limited.
Helpful Advice for Jeju Island Travel
- Airport transfers: From Jeju Airport, taxis and local buses are easy to find, and car rentals are available just outside the terminal.
- Luggage tip: If you’re planning to rent a car, book it ahead of arrival – rental demand spikes during weekends and holidays.
Language note: While airport staff will usually speak English, ferry staff may have only basic English skills. Try to have your booking details (either printed or e-ticket) in Korean which will help. Download the Papago translation app to make life easier. It’s much more reliable for Korean to English translations (and vice versa) than Google. And the voice function works well so you can use it to speak ‘indirectly’ to customer service!
