🚢 Seaports and Arriving by Sea

Most visitors fly in, but you can also reach Korea by ferry or cruise ship. The entry rules depend on your passport, not on how you travel.

Main seaports

Select a port on the map to see its details.

Busan International Passenger Terminal

Busan · 부산항 국제여객터미널

The main gateway for ferries from Japan. Routes connect Busan with Fukuoka (Hakata), Shimonoseki and Osaka. Crossing times and the days of sailing depend on the route and the season.

Ferry passengers arrive at the terminal in central Busan and go through immigration and customs there. Busan Station (KTX and subway) is close, so a map app will show the walking or taxi route.

Operators change. Camellia Line (Fukuoka) and Panstar Cruise (Osaka) are examples of companies that have run Busan routes; check the current timetable with the operator.

Ferry routes

Fukuoka (Hakata)
Shimonoseki
Osaka

Getting to the city

Busan Station is about a 10-minute walk from the terminal, according to a university access guide. With luggage, a short taxi ride is easier.
From Busan Station you can take the subway (Line 1) or the KTX to Seoul and other cities.

Tips for this port

Ferries often arrive early in the morning. Check the first subway and train times before you rely on them.

Open in Google Maps

Arrival steps at a seaport

1Before you board. Check your visa, K-ETA and e-Arrival Card (within 3 days before arrival). Have a passport that is valid for your whole stay.
2On the ship. You may be given or asked for entry paperwork. Keep your passport, your accommodation address and your customs declaration, if you need one, with you.
3Disembark. Follow the signs or the crew to the arrival hall. Quarantine staff may direct you first if you have symptoms or came from a monitored area.
4Immigration. Join the foreign passport line. Hand over your passport and answer questions about your visit. Foreign visitors aged 17 and over give fingerprints and a photo unless exempt.
5Baggage and customs. Collect your bags and declare anything you must declare. Use the “Nothing to Declare” exit if you have nothing to declare.
6Leave the terminal. Use official taxi stands, a bus or the nearest subway or train station. Have your accommodation address in Korean ready.

Arriving by sea (ferry or cruise)

Same rules as flying: your visa, K-ETA and e-Arrival Card requirements follow your nationality. The e-Arrival Card form asks for your ship or flight details, so it also covers sea arrivals.
K-ETA: if you need one, get it before you board. Ferry and cruise operators check travel documents before boarding, so confirm with your operator.
Immigration, customs and quarantine take place at the seaport terminal. Expect a passport check, and for foreign visitors aged 17 or older a photo and fingerprints as at airports, unless exempt.
On a cruise, the cruise line explains the landing procedure for the port you reach. Follow its instructions and keep your passport with you.
Jeju: most nationalities can stay in Jeju Province for up to 30 days without a visa when they arrive directly by flight or ship. This does not cover the rest of Korea.
Customs rules are the same as at airports: the general duty-free allowance, alcohol, tobacco and cash limits, and the ban on bringing fresh fruit, meat and similar items apply.
Check the schedule: international ferry routes to Korea start, stop and change with the season and demand. Confirm the route, check-in time and luggage rules with the operator before you book.

From the port to your destination

Taxis, buses and trains from the seaport are covered in Getting Around.

Getting around from a seaport

Official sources & further reading

Sailing schedules, operators and terminal details change. This page explains the process and the rules; it is not a timetable, so confirm the details with your operator and the port authority.

Information last verified 2026-10-07.