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 far 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) — 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 — but for Jeju and the islands, flights and ferries are the way. Here's how to book both.
Domestic flights
The Seoul–Jeju route is astonishingly 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 check the airline's own site, where LCC promo fares often don't appear on aggregators.
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 point of the trip.
- To Jeju: the Incheon–Jeju route is currently suspended — 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 — build in slack.
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 simply 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 do.
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 — 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 — 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 — verify current status.
Last verified: July 2026. Fares, routes and ferry operations change (and weather affects sailings) — confirm with airlines/operators before booking. General information.
Planning a Jeju or island trip?
Ask others for fare tips or ferry routes — post in the community and tag it Transport.