Flights & ferries

Cheap flights to Jeju from Gimpo, island ferries, and the passport rule for foreigners.

In short

Domestic flights are cheap and fast. Seoul→Jeju is ~60–70 min and the world's busiest air route. One-way fares often ₩30,000–60,000 on budget carriers.
Fly from Gimpo (GMP), not Incheon, for domestic trips. It's much closer to central Seoul. Bring your passport (the only ID that works for foreigners, even domestically).
Book direct on airline sites for promo fares, ~1 month ahead for the best price. Compare on Skyscanner/Naver.
Ferries reach Jeju and hundreds of islands from southern ports (Mokpo, Yeosu, Wando). They're slower, but they carry cars/bikes. The Incheon–Jeju ferry is currently suspended.

Korea is compact, so you can reach most of it by KTX. For Jeju and the islands, though, you'll fly or take a ferry. Here's how to book both.

Domestic flights

The Seoul–Jeju route is very frequent (100+ flights a day) and cheap. Other domestic routes (Gimpo↔Busan/Gimhae, Gwangju, Yeosu, Ulsan) exist but often lose to the KTX on city pairs the train serves well.

Airlines: full-service Korean Air, Asiana; budget (LCC) Jeju Air, Jin Air, T'way, Air Busan, Air Seoul, Eastar. LCCs are cheapest; check bag allowances.
Price: Jeju one-way frequently ₩30,000–60,000 (as low as ~₩20,000 on deals; more at peak like October/holidays). Fly mid-week, early or late, and book ~1 month out to save.
Where to book: compare on Skyscanner, Naver 항공, Trip.com, but also check the airline's own site, where LCC promo fares often don't appear on aggregators.

Two things to remember: (1) Use Gimpo (GMP), not Incheon, for domestic flights. Gimpo is on Subway Lines 5 & 9 and AREX, minutes from the city. (2) Always carry your passport. Koreans use their ID card, but for foreigners the passport is the only universally accepted ID at check-in/security, even domestically. If you don't have it, you can be denied boarding.

Ferries to Jeju & the islands

Korea has hundreds of inhabited islands, and ferries are how you reach most (and the only way to bring a car or bicycle). They're slower and weather-dependent, but scenic, and often the ferry ride is part of the fun.

To Jeju: the Incheon–Jeju route is currently suspended, so don't rely on old guides. Instead travel to a southern port: Mokpo (KTX from Seoul ~2.5h → ferry ~4–5h), Yeosu, or Wando. Only worth it if you want to bring a vehicle or explore Jeolla en route; otherwise fly.
Island hopping: Busan, Tongyeong, Yeosu, Mokpo, Incheon and Pohang are hubs for ferries to islands like Ulleungdo, Geoje, Namhae, and the Yellow Sea isles.
Booking: use the ferry operator's site or a reservation platform; ID/passport required, and sailings can be cancelled in bad weather, so leave some extra time.

Jeju note for residents

Jeju has a visa-free entry policy for many nationalities (up to 30 days). But if you already live in Korea, you've entered the country, so your existing visa status just applies. A domestic Seoul→Jeju trip has no separate immigration. To rent a car on Jeju you'll need a physical International Driving Permit or Korean license (see driving). A phone photo won't work.

Quick comparison

	Flight	Ferry
Seoul→Jeju time	~60–70 min	Half-day+ (via Mokpo)
Cost	~₩30–60k one-way	Varies; carries vehicles
Best for	Almost everyone	Cars/bikes, island trips, the journey itself
Weather risk	Low (some delays)	Higher (cancellations)

Common questions

Which Seoul airport for domestic flights?

Gimpo (GMP), not Incheon. It's closer and served by subway/AREX. Only use Incheon if you have a ticketed international connection.

Do I need my passport for a domestic flight?

Yes. As a foreigner, it's the ID that's universally accepted at check-in and security, even within Korea.

Can I still take a ferry from Incheon to Jeju?

No, that route is currently suspended. Go via Mokpo, Yeosu or Wando in the south, or just fly.

How far ahead should I book?

Around a month for the best fares; mid-week and early/late flights are cheaper. Holidays sell out, so book early.

Sources: Airline and fare aggregators (Skyscanner, KAYAK, Expedia, Trip.com), 2026 Seoul–Jeju travel guides, and VisitKorea. Fares approximate and volatile. Incheon–Jeju ferry suspension per 2026 reporting; check the current status.

Last verified: July 2026. Fares, routes and ferry operations change (and weather affects sailings), so confirm with airlines/operators before booking. General information.

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