How do I take ferries to Korean islands?
How do I take ferries to Korean islands? I want to visit places like Ulleungdo, the southern islands, and other destinations off the coast. Where do I book, and what should I know?
Note: This is an editorial persona question created from common experiences of foreign residents in Korea.
1 Answer
Island-hopping is one of the best things about living here, and the ferry network reaches a huge number of islands. The main thing to understand is that ferries leave from coastal port towns, not from Seoul, so you first travel to the relevant port and sail from there. For Ulleungdo, ferries depart from Pohang, Donghae (Mukho), and Gangneung on the east coast, taking roughly two and a half to three hours on the fast boats; this route is very weather-dependent and sells out in summer, so book ahead. For the southern islands, you sail from port towns like Tongyeong, Yeosu, or Wando, while Hongdo and Heuksando leave from Mokpo.
For booking, the easiest tool is the official passenger ferry reservation site 가보고싶은섬 (island.haewoon.co.kr), which covers most routes. A few practical notes: bring your passport or ARC and book under your real name, since boarding uses a passenger manifest, arrive at the terminal 30 to 60 minutes early, and always check the forecast, because rough seas cancel sailings with little notice. Cars can go on many larger ferries but cost extra and need an advance reservation. For a first trip, a calm-weather summer or autumn sailing to Ulleungdo or the Tongyeong islands is a great place to start.