Japan (JP) ↔ South Korea (KR) Transportation Guide

## What's in This Guide? * Air Travel * Sea Travel * City Transportation Tips * Ticket Strategies * Quick Decision Guide --- ## Air Travel **Direct Flight Routes:** * HND/NRT/KIX/FUK ↔ ICN/GMP/PUS/CJU * ICN/GMP/PUS/CJU ↔ HND/NRT/KIX/FUK **Connecting Flight Routes:** * Examples of connecting cities: Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing (Subject to change) **Transfer Times:** * Short: 60–90 minutes (Risky, high chance of delays) * Ideal: 2–3 hours (Recommended, comfortable transfer) * Long: 4–6+ hours (Safer, suitable for airport and city transfers) **Decision Guide:** * **Tokyo:** HND (Haneda) is closer to the city center, often faster and more practical. NRT (Narita) is further away, but sometimes more affordable. Your preference depends on your accommodation and budget. * **Seoul:** ICN (Incheon) is a larger and more international airport. GMP (Gimpo) may be closer to the city center. * **Reaching Jeju:** Connecting via Busan is generally more common and easier. However, flights are also available via Seoul. Your preference may depend on ticket prices and the city you will be staying in. **Baggage and Connection Notes:** * If you are traveling with the same ticket, your luggage is automatically transferred at the connecting point. With separate tickets, you will need to collect your luggage and re-check it. * Cabin baggage speeds up the transfer processes. * Night flights can save on accommodation costs but can be tiring. Day flights may be more comfortable. --- ## Sea Travel **Realistic Routes (Ferry/Cruise):** * Fukuoka → Busan → Jeju (Domestic flight or ferry) * Osaka/Tokyo → Busan (Ferry or Cruise) * Hakata (Fukuoka) → Busan **Intermediate Port / Transfer:** * Example: Departure from Fukuoka, arrival in Busan by ferry, and then a domestic flight to Jeju. **Pros and Cons of Sea Travel:** * **Pros:** Baggage convenience (usually more baggage allowance), sometimes more affordable, scenic views. * **Cons:** Travel time is longer, dependent on weather conditions, access to the port may be far from the city center, services may vary seasonally. * **Important Note:** Services may change periodically; check operator and port announcements before planning. --- ## City Transportation **Transportation to Airport/Port/Terminal/Station:** * **Tokyo:** * Shinjuku/Asakusa → HND/NRT: Subway, train, bus, or taxi * Tokyo Station → HND/NRT: Train (Narita Express, Limousine Bus) * Port of Tokyo: Taxi, bus * Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal: Subway, train, bus, taxi * **Osaka:** * Namba/Umeda → KIX: Train (Nankai, JR), bus * Shin-Osaka Station → KIX: Train (Haruka) * Port of Osaka: Taxi, bus * Osaka Station City Bus Terminal: Subway, train, bus, taxi * **Fukuoka:** * FUK → Hakata Station: Subway * FUK → City Center: Subway, bus, taxi * Port of Hakata: Taxi, bus * **Seoul:** * Myeongdong/Hongdae → ICN/GMP: Subway (AREX, other lines), bus, taxi * Seoul Station → ICN/GMP: AREX, bus * Seoul Express Bus Terminal → ICN/GMP: Subway, bus, taxi * Port of Incheon (If necessary): Taxi, bus * **Busan:** * Haeundae/Seomyeon → PUS: Subway, bus, taxi * Busan Station → PUS: Subway, bus, taxi * Busan Central Bus Terminal → PUS: Subway, bus, taxi * Port of Busan: Taxi, bus * **Jeju:** * CJU → City Center: Bus, taxi * Port of Jeju → City Center: Bus, taxi **Comparison (Example):** | City | Cheapest | Fastest | Most Comfortable | Most Convenient with Luggage | | :----------- | :---------- | :------------ | :------------- | :--------------------- | | Tokyo | Bus | Train/Taxi | Taxi/Train | Train/Bus | | Osaka | Bus | Train/Taxi | Taxi/Train | Train/Bus | | Fukuoka | Bus | Subway/Taxi | Taxi | Subway/Taxi | | Seoul | Bus | AREX/Taxi | Taxi/AREX | AREX/Bus | | Busan | Bus | Subway/Taxi | Taxi/Subway | Subway/Bus | | Jeju | Bus | Taxi | Taxi | Taxi | --- ## Ticket Strategies * **Early Booking:** Increases the likelihood of finding better prices for flights and ferries. * **Flexible Dates:** Weekday travel may be cheaper than weekends. Flexibility in travel dates can provide a price advantage. * **Low-Cost Airlines:** There may be fees for extra luggage and seat selection. Classic airlines may be more comfortable. * **Airport Express/Trains:** Airport express trains (e.g., AREX, Narita Express) provide fast and comfortable transportation. Purchasing tickets in advance or using public transportation cards (e.g., Suica, Pasmo, T-money) saves time. **Good to Know in Advance:** Public transportation cards, especially, make it easier to get around the city and can provide discounts.