Fukuoka–Busan Ferry: How to Travel from Japan to Korea by Boat
By Maxime Boudrias
5 min read
Updated: March 18, 2025
Taking the ferry from Fukuoka to Busan is a budget-friendly and scenic way to travel between Japan and South Korea in just 6 hours.
This guide covers everything you need to know: ticket prices, booking process, boarding procedures, onboard experience, dining options, and more.
Get ready for this unique journey and your visit to Busan!
Camellia Line Ferry Prices (Fukuoka – Busan)
Ticket prices vary based on availability and class. Here's an overview of the fares:
Economy Class
- Adult: 3,000 – 9,000 JPY
- Child (6–11 years): 4,500 JPY
- Young Child (2–5 years): 1,800 JPY
- Infant (0–1 year): Free
Cabins & Premium Classes
- First Class (Special Single): 14,200 JPY (private room with single bed)
- First Class (Special Twin): 12,200 JPY per person (private room with bunk beds)
- Second Class: 9,000 JPY (shared space with futon, blanket, and pillow)
Member Discount
A 10% discount is available for registered members on the official Camellia Line website (free membership).
Vehicle Transport
- Car: 40,000 – 55,000 JPY (depending on weight)
- Motorcycle: 30,000 – 35,000 JPY (depending on engine size)
- Bicycle: 1,500 JPY
How to Book a Ticket for the Camellia Line Ferry?
The best option is to book directly on the official Camellia Line website using a credit card. Avoid third-party sites, as they can take several days to confirm your booking with no guarantee.
Steps to Book Online
- Go to the official Camellia Line website.
- Select your departure port: Hakata (Fukuoka, Japan) → Busan (South Korea).
- Choose your travel dates: Book several weeks in advance, as seats are often limited. Reservations must be made at least 3 days before departure and up to 6 months in advance.
- Enter passenger details: Full name, date of birth, passport number, etc.
- Check South Korea's entry requirements: Camellia Line reserves the right to deny boarding if requirements are not met.
- Complete payment by credit card: Your booking is confirmed instantly.
Cancellation and Change Policy
Once your booking is confirmed, passenger details and departure/destination ports cannot be changed. If you need to make modifications, you must cancel your reservation and book a new one. Cancellation fees apply:
- 8 days or more before departure: 300 JPY
- 7 to 3 days before departure: 10% of the fare
- 2 days before departure until 10:30 AM on the day of departure: 30% of the fare
- After 10:30 AM on the day of departure: 100% of the fare (no refund possible)
Travel Time Between Fukuoka and Busan
The Camellia Line ferry cruises at approximately 40 km/h, covering the sea route between Fukuoka (Hakata Port) and Busan in around 6 hours.
- Hakata → Busan: Departs at 12:30 PM, arrives at 6:30 PM
- Busan → Hakata: Departs at 10:30 PM, arrives at 7:30 AM (next day)
Check-in and Boarding Process
1. Hakata Port: Where and When to Board?
Boarding takes place from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Hakata Port. Upon arrival, head to the Camellia Line check-in counter on the 1st floor of Terminal 1. Show your passport to the staff, who will issue your ferry ticket. After check-in, proceed to the boarding gate on the 2nd floor.
2. Do You Need a K-ETA Visa for South Korea?
To receive your ticket, the staff will ask if you have a valid K-ETA authorization. Check the list of exempt countries and, if required, apply for your K-ETA at least 72 hours before departure. You'll also need to provide a Korean address (a hotel booking is sufficient) to complete the form.
3. Exiting Japan
Before boarding, you must go through Japanese immigration and customs. This process is quick: simply show your passport. An officer will stamp your exit, followed by a standard security check.
4. Boarding the Ferry
After the security check, you can wait in a lounge with seating and a duty-free shop. Once boarding is announced, follow the designated path to the ferry. Staff will verify your ticket and direct you to your assigned area.
What to Do on Board the Ferry from Fukuoka to Busan?
During the crossing, you're free to move around and enjoy the available facilities.
Outdoor Deck
Relax on the benches and take in the panoramic sea views, perfect for photos or a breath of fresh ocean air.
Lounge and Relaxation Areas
Comfortable window-side seating with tables is available, offering a great spot to unwind during the journey.
Game Room & Karaoke
A few claw machines and a racing game provide entertainment. For music lovers, private karaoke rooms feature Japanese and Korean songs.
Panoramic Bath
Enjoy a hot bath while admiring the open sea. It's a unique way to relax during the trip.
Cafeteria, Vending Machines & Restaurant
You'll find vending machines offering instant noodles, coffee, soda, and beer. A small convenience store on the first floor sells snacks and sweets.
For a full meal, bring your own food, as the restaurant only operates on departures from Busan. A dining area is available with tables, microwaves, and hot/cold water.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Network
There is no Wi-Fi on board. You'll have Japanese mobile coverage for about an hour after departure and briefly near Tsushima Island, before reaching Busan.
Smoking Area
Smoking is allowed in the designated area indoors on the second floor or outdoors on each deck.
Arrival in Busan and Disembarking from the Ferry
1. Disembarkation & Baggage Collection
About 20 minutes before arrival, an announcement will instruct you to line up for disembarkation. Staff will guide you to drop off your luggage on the first floor at the end of the queue. Once your bags are placed, you're free to sit or move around while waiting for departure.
Passengers exit in the order of baggage collection, so stay alert for your turn.
2. Immigration & Customs in Korea
After moving forward in line, expect about a 10-minute walk to the Busan International Port immigration checkpoint. Before reaching passport control, fill out your arrival card if you haven't already.
Entry into Korea typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, followed by a security check.
3. Currency Exchange & SIM Card
Right after customs, you'll find a currency exchange counter where you can swap yen, euros, or US dollars with a fee of around 3%.
If you need a local Korean SIM card, you can purchase one at the SK Telecom and KT Roaming desks located near the exit.
4. Getting to the City: Taxi or Subway?
Taxis in Korea are affordable, especially for short distances, while the subway is the cheapest option, costing around 1,800 KRW per ride.
Busan has an excellent public transport network, making it easy to save money while enjoying a local experience.
For more details, check out this page on getting around Busan.
5. First Taste of Korean Cuisine
After your trip, you're bound to be hungry! Once you've dropped off your bags at the hotel, kick off your Busan food adventure with gukbap: a hearty pork soup served with rice, kimchi, and a variety of Korean side dishes.
I highly recommend this spot in the lively Gwangbok-ro district for an authentic first meal!
Where to Stay in Busan? Best Areas & Accommodations
Wondering where to stay in Busan after your arrival? Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly hotel downtown or an ocean-view stay, here are my top recommendations for exploring the city:
Gwangbok-ro
- Stay Mido: Affordable and comfortable, with English-speaking staff.
- Ezstay-Nampo: Highly rated, great location, and excellent value with breakfast included.
Haeundae-gu
- Ocean The Point: Spacious rooms just steps from the beach with stunning sea views.
- Canvas Black: Budget-friendly private rooms and dorms, perfect for a central stay.
Tip: Book your Busan hotel in advance to avoid price hikes, especially during peak season and weekends!
Final Thoughts
Taking the ferry from Japan to Korea is a smooth and enjoyable experience. In just a few hours, you can soak in ocean views, explore the ship, and enjoy a unique journey.
Whether you're heading to Korea for an adventure or just taking a quick trip to Busan, the ferry remains a fun, budget-friendly, and refreshing way to travel between the two countries!
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. We only recommend products and services we trust and believe will add value to your travels.
FAQs
How to get around in Busan
In Busan, you have several ways to get around: taxis, the subway, and buses. For tourists, taxis and the subway are the easiest options, as the bus system can be a bit more complicated.
Taxis
Taxis in Busan are an affordable choice for short trips and can be more convenient than the subway, especially if you're in a hurry or carrying luggage. The base fare starts at 4,000 KRW, with an additional 1,000 KRW per kilometer. A 5 km ride costs around 8,000 KRW, while a 10 km trip is about 14,000 KRW.
To get a taxi, Uber works well in Busan and is widely used in Korea.
Subway
The Busan Metro is a budget-friendly way to travel, with fares starting at 1,800 KRW per adult. The network is extensive, making it easy to reach major districts and attractions. You can buy single tickets or get a rechargeable transit card, available at all stations.
Busan Station is a key transportation hub, offering connections to the KTX train, which links Busan to major cities in Korea, such as for a quick trip from Busan to Seoul by high-speed train.
Walking
Busan is a walkable city, especially in popular areas like Gwangbok-ro and Haeundae-gu, where you'll find plenty of hotels, great restaurants, and things to do.
Plan Your Routes
For navigation and public transport schedules, use Google Maps. However, for walking and driving directions, Google Maps is unreliable in South Korea due to local restrictions. Instead, use NAVER Map, which provides accurate and up-to-date routes.
To use these apps, make sure you have an internet connection at all times with a Korean tourist SIM card.
For a balance of cost and convenience, use the subway for long distances, then take a taxi or walk for short trips!
How to Take the High-Speed Train from Busan to Seoul?
The fastest way to travel from Busan to Seoul is by KTX. This high-speed train takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes via the Gyeongbu Line. Trains run frequently throughout the day, from 5 AM to 10 PM, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes.
Taking the KTX is far more convenient than flying. While the flight itself is only 1 hour, you also have to factor in check-in, security, boarding, and travel time from the airport, which is often far from the city center.
How to Book a KTX Ticket from Busan to Seoul?
- Visit this site to book your ticket online.
- Enter Busan as the departure city and Seoul as the destination.
- Select your travel date and search for available trains.
- Choose your seat class (Economy or First Class).
- Enter passenger details and complete the payment online.
It's best to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. You can also buy a ticket directly at Busan Station, but if trains are full, you will have to wait for the next one with available seats.
Where Does the KTX Depart from in Busan and Arrive in Seoul?
- Departure: Busan Station (부산역) – Located in the city center and easily accessible via Metro Line 1.
- Arrival: Seoul Station (서울역) – Right in the heart of the city, with direct connections to Seoul Metro (Lines 1 & 4) and major bus routes.
KTX Ticket Prices from Busan to Seoul
- Economy Class: 59,800 KRW
- First Class: 83,700 KRW
Budget Option: Standing Tickets
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, standing tickets are available at around half the price. However, these do not include a reserved seat, so you'll have to stand and store your luggage in the spaces between train cars. If you're lucky, you might find small foldable seats in these areas, but they are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
This option isn't the most comfortable, but it's useful if all seats are booked and you still need to travel.
Where to Buy a SIM Card or eSIM in South Korea for Tourists?
The best way to stay connected in South Korea is by purchasing a SIM card or eSIM upon arrival. You can find them at major international airports, including Incheon (Seoul), Gimhae (Busan), and Jeju, or at Busan International Port if you're traveling by ferry from Japan to Korea.
The main mobile operators offering prepaid tourist SIM cards are SK Telecom and KT Roaming.
How Much Does a Prepaid SIM Card Cost in South Korea?
Prices vary based on duration, but most providers offer similar plans:
- 1 day: 6,000 KRW
- 3 days: 18,000 KRW
- 5 days: 27,500 KRW
- 7 days: 35,000 KRW
- 10 days: 38,500 KRW
- 15 days: 55,000 KRW
- 20 days: 60,500 KRW
- 30 days: 71,500 KRW
- 60 days: 107,200 KRW
- 90 days: 143,000 KRW
All prepaid SIM cards include unlimited data. If you prefer an eSIM, you can purchase one online before your trip and activate it as soon as you arrive.
