Ferry from Japan

Information on Ferry Services between Korea and Japan

Many travelers (particularly those without strict time constraints) choose to travel between Korean and Japan via ferry. The trip takes approximately 24 hours and is a reasonably-priced travel option that also provides a unique experience. Information on ferry travel between Korea and Japan is as follows.

• Arrival procedures
• Departure Procedures
• Ferry Routes
• Ferry Schedule
• Ferry Reservations
• Foreign Language Services

Ferry from Japan to Korea

1. 1) Check-in

   Passengers should be at the International Ferry Terminal at least 1 hour before departure. Tickets may be purchased onsite (if space is available) after passengers fill out the boarding application form. Those who have booked their tickets in advance do not need to fill out the boarding application, but must still make sure they have paid all fees (including terminal use fees of ￥600 and an oil charge of ￥1,600).
   
   After completing ticket purchases, proceed to the vending machine at the back of the terminal to pay terminal use fees. Those who need to check baggage can do so by reporting to the appropriate counter and presenting their boarding ticket. Some ferries have limited space and will allow only carry-ons (no checked baggage).

2.  

   2) Arrival/Departure Cards

   While arrival cards (required for entrance to Korea) are available on the ferry, it is more convenient to fill out your arrival card when you fill out your departure card (prior to boarding in Japan). When filling in your contact number, write the phone number of your first accommodation in Korea if you do not have any other contact number.

3.  

   3) Customs Declaration

   All travelers are required to fill out a declarations form and submit it to customs officials.

4.  

   4) Immigration

   After passing the inspection counter, you will be directed through the departure process. Present your passport, boarding ticket, and immigration form to the official. If you’ve already filled out your arrival form, the official will attach the arrival form to your passport and give it back to you. Your arrival card will be required for immigration procedures upon arrival in Korea, so make sure to hold onto it.

5.  

   5) Departure.

   After completing the departure process take the free shuttle bus to the ferry (about a 5-min ride).

Ferry from Korea to Japan

1. 1) Check-in

   Departure processes start no earlier than 2.5 hours before departure and end 1 hour before departure time. In order to allow ample time for these procedures, travelers are advised to arrive at the check-in counter (1F of the Busan International Ferry Terminal) at least 2 hours before departure. Before going through check-in, each passenger will need to fill out a boarding pass form and departure card. In addition to the cost of the ticket, passengers must pay an additional 2,200 won for terminal use and a 1,000 won departure tax (tourism promotional fund).

2.  

   2) Arrival/Departure Cards

   While arrival cards (required for entrance to Japan) are available on the ferry, it is more convenient to fill out your arrival card along with your departure card (prior to boarding).

3.  

   3) Customs Declaration

   Customs declaration areas are located on either side of the departure inspection counter. All travelers carrying expensive merchandise or valuables (cameras, watches, jewelry, fur products) are required to make a declaration.
   
   When making your declaration, enter the name of the item, quantity, and price on the customs form and present both the item and customs form to officials. After your declaration is approved, hold on to the document for your return trip. If you depart without a customs declaration, your valuables may be subject to taxation upon return, as they will be considered overseas purchases. Travelers with nothing to declare can go straight to the inspection counter.

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   4) Immigration

   Wait in line behind the yellow line at the departure inspection counter. When it is your turn, present your passport, boarding pass, and departure card to the official. As long as your visa/passport is valid, the inspector will simply stamp your passport and wave you through.

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   5) Departure

   Once you pass inspections, you can enter the duty-free area to purchase alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and camera film. Food purchased on the ferry can be expensive, so stock up on snacks before boarding to avoid paying higher prices.

Ferry Routes

The ferry serves the following cities in Korea and Japan:

Ferry Schedule

* Daea Express Shipping runs ferries every day during peak seasons.
* Schedule subject to change without notice.

Ferry Reservations

In general, reservations can be made up to three months before the date of departure. Reservations can be made online or over the phone. When making your reservation, please provide your passport number, date of birth, and English name exactly as it appears on your passport. Reservations will only be considered complete if payment is made by the date specified by each respective ferry company.

Foreign Language Services

Korean and Japanese language service are available in the terminal, but language services (quality of services, language options, etc.) may vary by ferry. For translation assistance, please call the Korea Tourism Organization’s 1330 tt call center in Seoul (02-1330 from mobile phones in Korea, +82-2-1330 from overseas).

Updated on November 2011