How to Get to Jeju Island, South Korea: Transportation Options & Entry Requirements

Planning a trip to South Korea and wondering how to get to Jeju Island? This dreamy volcanic island is one of the most beautiful destinations in Asia, known for its beaches, waterfalls, and lush green landscapes.

Whether you’re flying in from abroad, coming from another Korean city, or planning to take a ferry, there are several easy ways to reach Jeju Island.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to get to Jeju Island no matter where you're coming from, along with visa details and other helpful info.

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Before diving into how to get to Jeju Island, let’s talk about where this island is located and why it’s one of South Korea’s top destinations!

 Why Visit Jeju Island?

Jeju Island is often called the “Hawaii of South Korea” thanks to its volcanic peaks, lush greenery, and beautiful beaches. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lava tubes, waterfalls, and unique culture.

Whether you’re visiting for the scenic hiking trails, romantic beach views, or quirky museums, Jeju offers a completely different vibe from the mainland. It’s also known for its tangerine farms, traditional haenyeo (female divers), and delicious local cuisine.

So if you’re wondering how to get to Jeju Island, you’ll be happy to know that it’s one of the most accessible islands in Asia, with plenty of daily flights and ferry routes connecting it to the rest of South Korea and beyond.

 Where is Jeju Island Located?

Jeju Island (Jeju-do) is located in the Korea Strait, about 85 kilometers south of the Korean Peninsula. It sits between Japan and mainland South Korea, surrounded by the East China Sea.

Despite being an island, Jeju is very accessible. The island’s main city, Jeju City, is home to Jeju International Airport, which connects to dozens of destinations across South Korea and Asia.

 How Do I Get to Jeju Island in South Korea?

Because Jeju is an island, you cannot take a train or bus directly there. However, there are plenty of convenient travel options to choose from.

Here are the different ways of getting to Jeju Island:

• Flying to Jeju Island
• Taking a ferry to Jeju Island
• Driving to the port and bringing a car on the ferry
• Booking a guided trip that includes transportation

How to Get to Jeju Island: Transportation Options

Ready to learn how to get to Jeju Island? Here is everything you need to know to reach this beautiful island from abroad and within South Korea.

 How to Get to Jeju Island from Abroad

If you're planning on visiting Jeju island from across the globe, you'll have to make it to Asia first. There are no direct flights to Jeju from the Americas, Europe, Africa, or the Pacific, so the easiest option is to fly to Seoul first, which is the most well-connected city between Jeju and the rest of the world.

Direct flights to Seoul are available from major cities worldwide, and some of the world's longest flights operate to Seoul! I've flown on a few different airlines, and from several different cities to and from Seoul, and each time was very seamless. 

Once you're in Asia, there are plenty of opportunities to fly direct, or even sail to Jeju!

Flying to Jeju Island from Other Asian Cities

If you are traveling within Asia, getting to Jeju is pretty easy! 

Asian cities that fly direct to Jeju include Bangkok, Beijing, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Nanjing, Ningbo, Osaka, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Singapore, Taichung, Taipei, and Tokyo.

Many flights are operated by low-cost carriers, making Jeju a great weekend getaway for travelers across East Asia. Don't see the city you need? You can either connect to one of these, or one of the Korean cities that fly direct to Jeju.

Search for a flight to Jeju Island:

 Visiting Jeju on a Cruise

How to Visit Seoul from Other Korean Cities

Traveling around South Korea and want to include Jeju in your itinerary? You can either fly there from another Korean city, or you can take a ferry there.

Direct Flights to Jeju Island from Other Korean Cities

 How to Visit Jeju from Seoul

Since Jeju is an island, the easiest way to reach there from Seoul is by flight. Dozens of short flights operate daily between Jeju International Airport and both Incheon and Gimpo Airports. The flight takes about 1 hour, and typically costs between ₩30,000 and ₩100,000.

You can also opt to travel to Busan first, and then take the ferry to Jeju, but it takes 13 hours and is not that cheap either. This is really only if you're looking for a very unique adventure.

 How to Get to Jeju Island by Ferry

If you are wondering how to get to Jeju Island without flying, taking a ferry is a great alternative. Ferries to Jeju operate from several mainland ports, and they can be a scenic and relaxed way to arrive on the island.

The most common departure ports are Mokpo, Wando, Yeosu, and Busan, with some routes also running from Incheon during peak travel seasons. Travel times range from about 2.5 hours from Wando to 11–12 hours from Busan, depending on the route and vessel.

Most ferries are large and comfortable, offering indoor seating, sleeper cabins, and even restaurants or lounges. Tickets can be booked online in advance through official ferry companies such as Hanil Express, Seaworld Express, and Mokpo Coastal Ferry.

Taking a Car to Jeju Island

Having a car in Jeju is highly recommended, as it's the most convenient way to enjoy all of the amazing places that the island has to offer.

While you can certainly rent a car upon arrival, you can also opt to bring your car on the ferry if you are choosing to do a bigger road trip around South Korea.

One thing you should keep in mind while driving in Jeju is that Google Maps doesn't work, so when you're driving you'll need to download Naver Map for having GPS.

How to Get to Jeju Island from Neighboring Countries

There are limited ferry routes from abroad, but Jeju Island does receive some international cruise ships from both Japan and China.

• Japan: Seasonal ferries and cruise ships from Fukuoka and Osaka

• China: Cruise ships and limited charter ferries from Shanghai and Tianjin

Jeju is a popular port of call for cruises around East Asia, and visiting this way can be a great addition to your itinerary.

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How to Get to Seoul, South Korea: Entry Requirements

Now that you know how to get to Jeju island in terms of transportation options, let's look at the documents you'll need to legally enter the country.

South Korea Visa Requirements

The first time I visited South Korea I was just on a layover in Seoul, but was determined to step outside and see a bit of the city. At the time, I had to get the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). It's basically the same as getting an E-visa, and gives short term visits to tourists.

Back then, the K-ETA was a major pain to fill out! It also costed around $70, no matter how short of a visit. Now, Americans do not need the K-ETA, and even Fede who needed one as an Argentinian only had to pay ₩10,000 (~$7 USD) to get one.

• Visa-free entry: Many nationalities, including the US, Canada, the UK, and most of Europe, can visit South Korea visa-free for 30–90 days. Canadians can actually stay for a total of 6 months!
• K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): Some nationalities have to apply for a K-ETA online before arriving, and this process takes around 72 hours. It is valid for 3 years, for a period of 30-90 days, depending on the nationality.
• Tourist visas: If you’re not eligible to visit visa-free or with a K-ETA, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa in advance. Please see your nearest embassy for all of the details.

💉 Vaccine Requirements for South Korea

South Korea does not currently require any particular vaccinations for entry.

How to Get to Jeju Island, South Korea: FAQ

Still have questions about how to get to Jeju Island or South Korea in general? Here are some frequently asked questions we've rounded up, with answers - so that you can get all of your doubts and concerns taken care of!

How to Get to Jeju, South Korea: Final Thoughts & What's Next

There are various ways to visit Jeju - it's an island that can be reached in a number of ways from the mainland, with a few other options if you want to get there directly from abroad (most easily by flight).

Now that you know how to get to Jeju island, here are a few other pieces of information that will make your stay easier to adjust to:

 Getting Around: Walking is the most ideal way to explore within the neighborhoods, and you can easily use the metro, buses, or taxis/rideshares to move from one area to the next.

 Where to Stay: We recommend staying in the historic center of Seoul, as most of the highlights of the city are there, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars around the area.

 Language: Korean is the official language of Jeju, South Korea.

 Currency: South Korea uses the Korean Won. $1 USD = 1,400 Won.

 Safety: Jeju is a very safe island, and the locals are really friendly.

 Weather: Jeju experiences 4 seasons, with extremely hot and humid summers, and cold winters, with snow in certain areas.

What's Next?

Now that you know how to get to Jeju island in South Korea, we're sure you're ready to explore more of what this great island has to offer. We have a lot of them coming up, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, here are some other South Korea guides that we have for you:

• The Best Things to Do in Seoul
• How to Get to Seoul
• How to Get Around Seoul
• Korean Scalp Treatment Review
• Complete Guide to Visiting Seoul

...and more coming each week!

So now that you know how to get to Jeju island, South Korea, we're sure you're ready to plan more of your trip! There are so many great things to see and do in Jeju, and we're excited to share more of it with you.

Want to learn more about exploring Jeju and other destinations in South Korea? We have several other Korean travel guides for you to check out, as well as more coming up each week. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly article updates, and to get exclusive discounts on the Scratch Your Mapa shop.

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