Reaching Jeju by air or sea
You can fly to Jeju from several Asian cities or connect through Seoul, and you can cross by ferry from the south-west coast of the mainland. Entry rules matter more here than on most islands, because Jeju has its own visa-free scheme that depends on how you arrive. Read that section before you book a route through Seoul.
Once you land, getting around Jeju by bus or rental car is the next decision, and Jeju day tours from Jeju City cover the east and southwest without a car. Check airline and ferry timetables before you commit. Routes change with the season.
Flights to Jeju
International and domestic routes.
Direct international flights
In 2026, direct routes include Shanghai/Pudong, Osaka/Kansai, Taipei/Taoyuan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Airlines and the airport change schedules, and winter timetables can differ, so confirm the route for your travel month.
Connections through Seoul
Many travellers fly into Seoul and continue on a domestic flight between Gimpo and Jeju. Check fares and the current timetable with the airline. If you want to use the Jeju visa-free scheme, a stop in Seoul changes your options, see the entry section below.
From the airport
Bus 181 runs to the Hallasan Seongpanak trail in about 35 minutes. Bus 600 serves the Jungmun area. Bus 101 is the first leg of a route to Manjanggul Cave, via Gimnyeong Transfer.
Buses and car rental →Our pick: from the airport
Our take: this south-west tour can start at Jeju Airport.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Jeju tours from the day you land
East and southwest day trips from Jeju City, with live prices and availability.
Ferries to Jeju
Routes compared for 2026.
| Route | Time | Fare or status |
|---|---|---|
| Mokpo to Jeju | – | Economy, weekdays KRW 32,300 (online KRW 30,800); weekends and holidays KRW 35,400 (online KRW 33,800) |
| Wando to Jeju | About 2 hours 40 minutes | Up to 3 trips a day; check the timetable |
| Busan to Jeju | – | No overnight ferry to plan around |
Mokpo fares exclude fuel surcharges. Cabins and vehicles cost extra and are priced separately, so do not treat the economy fare as a total trip cost. For most visitors, a flight is the simplest way to reach Jeju. The Mokpo ferry suits travellers who are already on the south-west mainland and want to bring a vehicle.
Entry rules: K-ETA and the Jeju scheme
Two separate things. Check the current rules for your nationality.
K-ETA exemption
The temporary K-ETA exemption runs from 1 January to 31 December 2026, Korean time. The list includes Germany, Austria, the United States and the United Kingdom. The exemption covers the travel authorisation only, not every other entry requirement. If you travel after 2026, check whether it was extended.
Voluntary K-ETA
Exempt travellers can still apply for a K-ETA. That application carries a fee, and an approved, paid authorisation is not refunded.
The Jeju visa-free scheme
For eligible people from countries that normally need a visa, entry is possible if you arrive directly from abroad, without a stop on the Korean mainland. A transit stop abroad does not automatically rule you out. A route via Seoul or Busan does not qualify for this scheme.
Length of stay
Stay limits under the scheme depend on nationality and have changed over time. Do not assume that every nationality gets 30 days. Confirm the current limit with a Korean embassy before you book.
Planning your arrival
Three checks before you book.
Match the route to your entry rules
Decide first whether you rely on the K-ETA exemption or on the Jeju scheme. The second one limits your route, because a stop on the mainland ends your eligibility.
Count the full ferry cost
A ferry fare is only one part. Add fuel surcharges, a cabin if you want one and any vehicle, and compare the total with a flight.
Leave a buffer on the last day
Sea crossings depend on weather and operator schedules. Do not build a tight chain of ferry and international flight on your departure day.
Jeju itinerary →Plan the rest of your trip
After you land.
Getting to Jeju: frequently asked questions
Do I need a K-ETA to visit Jeju in 2026?
Travellers from Germany, Austria, the United States and the United Kingdom, among others, are exempt from 1 January to 31 December 2026. The exemption covers the travel authorisation, not other entry requirements, and you can still apply voluntarily for a fee.
Can I enter Jeju visa-free if I fly through Seoul?
Not under the Jeju scheme. It applies to people who arrive directly from abroad without a stop on the Korean mainland. Nationalities that do not need a visa follow their own rules.
How much does the Mokpo ferry cost?
In 2026 an economy ticket costs KRW 32,300 on weekdays (online KRW 30,800) and KRW 35,400 on weekends and holidays (online KRW 33,800). Fuel surcharges are not included, and cabins and vehicles are extra.
How long is the ferry from Wando?
The crossing takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. Up to 3 trips a day run, but check the timetable for your date.
Is there a ferry from Busan to Jeju?
Do not plan around an overnight ferry from Busan. Fly or use the Mokpo or Wando routes.
Is Jeju-Island.org an official site?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no connection to the provincial government, Visit Jeju, the Korea Tourism Organization, airlines, ferry operators or tour companies.