Island trips and ferries

Korea has more than 3,000 islands; an official government count in 2025 put the number at about 3,390. Around 480 of them are inhabited, and most lie off the west and south coasts. Some are connected to the mainland by bridges, but many can only be reached by ferry.

Domestic coastal ferries can be booked through the KSA ferry booking app and website run by the Korea Shipping Association, through individual ferry companies, or at terminal ticket counters. The app was formerly called Gabogo Sipeun Seom. Tickets sell out quickly in peak season and on weekends, so book ahead.

Yes. Coastal ferries check photo ID when you buy a ticket and again when you board. Mobile IDs are accepted for Korean nationals, but foreign travelers should bring their original passport to be safe. Confirm the ID requirements with the ferry company in advance.

Ferry departures can be halted when high-wave or typhoon warnings are issued at sea or when fog severely limits visibility. When warnings are in effect, the local coast guard makes the final call on departures. Leave about a day of slack in any island itinerary.

The most reliable way is to check with the ferry company, the terminal or the regional shipping association on the morning of departure. Booking apps also send cancellation notices. Check the return ferry from the island in the same way, and be ready to extend your stay if it is canceled.

Some routes are served by car ferries, but not every ship carries vehicles. Vehicle space is limited, so book ahead and arrive well before departure. If you are driving a rental car, check whether the rental terms allow it to go on a ferry.

Sit in the middle or on a lower deck where the motion is gentler, and look at the distant horizon. Avoid a heavy meal before departure, and if needed, ask a pharmacist about motion sickness medicine beforehand. On rough days, even large ships can roll quite a bit.

Ulleungdo is an island in the East Sea reached by ferry from several ports on the east coast. Because the crossing is long and in open sea, weather cancellations are relatively frequent, so build slack into your schedule. Departure ports and timetables change by season, so check the ferry companies' official information.

Ferries from Incheon's Coastal Passenger Terminal serve West Sea islands such as Baengnyeongdo, Yeonpyeongdo and Deokjeokdo. The far northwestern islands involve long trips and lie in a border area, so ID checks can be stricter. High waves sometimes stop ferries on the West Sea, so always check service status.

On the south coast, many ferries leave from port cities such as Tongyeong, Yeosu, Wando and Mokpo to nearby islands. Some islands are linked by bridges and can be reached by car or bus. The number of sailings varies greatly by island, so check the return ferry times first.

Yes. Ferries to Jeju run from southern ports such as Wando, Mokpo and Jindo. The trip takes much longer than flying, but some routes let you bring a car. When high-wave warnings are issued, every ferry between Jeju and the mainland may be canceled, so check service status.

Yes. Small islands have few places to stay, so finding a room on arrival in peak season can be hard. Since a canceled ferry may force an extra night, choose bookings with flexible change terms. Some guesthouses also offer meals, so ask when you book.

Cards work in most places, but small shops, guesthouses and village buses may sometimes take cash only. Some islands have few or no ATMs, so bring some cash before you leave. Mobile signal can also be weak in places, so do not rely only on payment apps.

Larger islands have village buses or taxis, though services are infrequent, while small islands are usually explored on foot. Some islands offer bicycle or small electric vehicle rentals, so check local information. Buses are often timed to ferry arrivals, so it helps to know the schedule in advance.

The tide on mudflats can come in faster than you expect and leave you stranded, so check tide times in advance and head back early. Do not wander far alone; it is safer to use designated experience areas or go with a guide. Digging for clams and shellfish must follow local rules and permitted areas.

It is safest to swim at designated beaches with lifeguards, during their official season and hours. Island shorelines can have strong currents or sudden drop-offs, so do not go into unfamiliar water alone. Always obey no-swimming signs and flags, even if other people are already in the water.

When you buy through the booking app, a mobile ticket is issued to your phone, and you show it with your ID at boarding. Some terminals may still ask you to exchange it for a paper ticket, so follow local guidance. Keep your phone charged so the ticket does not become unavailable.

Islands are where people live and work, so do not walk into fields, fish farms or private piers. Waste disposal is harder than on the mainland, so take your trash back with you. On narrow village roads, keep noise down and do not block residents' vehicles.

Late spring and early autumn, when seas tend to be calmer, are often considered good times for island trips. In the summer peak, ferries and lodgings are crowded, and in winter, high waves can lead to more cancellations. During typhoon season, check the forecast daily and keep plans flexible.

Call 119 right away for accidents at sea or on an island, or for any medical emergency. Small islands may have no hospital or only limited clinic hours, so bring basic medicines. If you need interpretation, the 1330 tourist hotline can help, and it is wise to tell your accommodation where you plan to go.