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• How to Plan a 2-Week Itinerary in Japan and South Korea

Japan and South Korea are becoming bucket list destinations for many travelers, especially families with teenagers and couples. They are neighboring countries in East Asia, and it only takes about two hours to fly from Osaka in Japan to Seoul in South Korea. It is possible to spend 2 weeks visiting both countries: 7–10 days in Japan and around 7 days in South Korea.

In Japan you could see spectacular Mount Fuji and breathtaking cherry blossoms, experience traditional ryokan accommodation, have an afternoon tea ceremony in kimonos with a geisha... South Korea is famous for its full-city Seoul views from Namsan, sandy beaches of Haeundae, great sea views from Jeju Island, and tasty Korean BBQ...

• 1. Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan and South Korea?
• 2. Where to Go in Your 2 Weeks?
• 3. The Best 2 Itineraries Lasting 2 Weeks
• 4. How Much Does 2 Weeks Cost?
• 5. Best Times to Travel

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan and South Korea?

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Japan, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Most travelers can stay in Japan without a visa for 90 days.

To encourage tourism in Visit Korea Year (2023–2024), from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) will be temporarily waived for 22 countries including the U.S., the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Where to Go in Your 2 Weeks in Japan and South Korea?

Touring Japan and South Korea is suitable for a family or couple's vacation, due to this combo's plentiful experiences and charming attractions.

Top Destinations in Japan:

• Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are top cities in Japan you shouldn't miss.

1) Appreciate the blend of history and modernity in Tokyo: view the magnificent Mount Fuji, feel the old vibe of Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple, make sushi at a local home, try on samurai armor, shop anime products to satisfy your kid's interest, and have a day tour in Hakone for onsen bathing.

2) Discover the tradition-filled city of Kyoto: watch geishas perform in Gion District, immerse yourself in a classical tea ceremony, stay at a ryokan to enjoy Japan's old-style accommodation, try on kimonos for a memorable family photo, and have a close encounter with friendly deer in Nara.

3) Experience the prosperous trade city of Osaka: sample street food in Dotonbori District, make cup noodles based on your preference at Cup Noodle Museum, and spend a great time in the movie atmosphere of Universal Studios.

Top Destinations in South Korea

• Seoul, Busan and Jeju Island are well-known cities in South Korea.

1) Immerse yourself in the vibrant capital of South Korea: view Seoul's oldest palace — Gyeongbok, admire the sunset from Namsan, visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) to appreciate a cherished and guarded peace, and enjoy the lively nightlife in Hongdae.

2) Revel in the bustling seaside city of Busan: feed seagulls on Haeundae Beach, stroll through Gamcheon Cultural Village with its colorful houses, and sample the freshest seafood.

3) Feel the relaxed pace of Jeju Island: enjoy brilliant sea views, stroll on sandy beaches, and visit the natural landscapes created by volcanic activity.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Contact us for more suggestions based on your interests.

Suggested reading: How to Plan a Trip to South Korea >>>

2-Week Japan and South Korea Itineraries: The Best 2 Options

Here are two itinerary options matching families' and couples' needs and covering the major attractions in Japan and South Korea.

1) A Classical Route (For Families)

This itinerary would be nice for a first family time in Japan and South Korea. It includes experiencing kid-favored animation elements, trying on kimonos, feeding deer in Nara, and, on the last 3 days, relaxing on the sandy beaches of Busan.

Here is a well-organized itinerary for your inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Tokyo, Japan

Days 4–5: Hakone

Days 6–8: Kyoto

• Day 9: Osaka and fly to Seoul in South Korea

Days 10–12: Seoul

Days 13–15: Busan

Days 1–3: Tokyo

Tokyo is the top city for entry into Japan, and international flights offer many options. Visit the historical Meiji Shrine, feel the Edo vibe and take a manpower rickshaw in Asakusa, and make sushi at a local home. For anime lovers, you can buy your favorite anime products in Akihabara and have a happy time in the Pokémon Center or J-World.

Spending a day in Disneyland or Disney Sea would be a good choice as well.

Hakone is the home of onsens (hot spring baths). Stay at a ryokan with an onsen to enjoy an incredibly relaxing time with your family, and visit Lake Ashi on a replica pirate ship.

Kyoto is an impressive medieval capital of Japan where geisha, sake, tea ceremonies, and ryokan stays are the essence of the city.

• Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and orange-red torii gates to understand the history of Japanese shrines.
• Have an afternoon tea with geishas in Gion District, and try on kimonos for memorable photos.
• Sleep on a tatami at a ryokan to experience the best of traditional Japanese accommodation.
• Participate in an authentic tea ceremony in a tea house.
• Spending a day in Nara. Feeding the friendly deer at Nara Park could be a great family moment.

Day 9: Osaka

Sample delicious street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) in Dotonbori. Depart from Kansai International Airport and fly to Seoul, Korea.

Seoul is the energetic capital city of South Korea. Its Korean food and K-Pop are famous around the world.

Visit Seoul's biggest and oldest palace — Gyeongbok Palace, try on Hanbok and meander around the quiet Korean traditional village of Bukchon Hanok, have a full view of the city from Namsan, and sample delicious Korean rice cakes, bibimbap ('mixing rice'), or kimchi (Korean pickles).

Busan is the second-largest city in South Korea and a flourishing port city. Enjoy the comfortable sea breeze and feed seagulls in Haeundae, take a leisurely walk around Gamcheon Cultural Village with its multicolored houses, and visit Haedong Yonggung Temple — a Buddhist temple with stunning sea views.

Suggested reading: 12-Day Trip in Japan and South Korea >>>

Let us help you plan your trip! Contact us and we will create a trip based on your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

2) A Route Full of Natural Beauty (For Couples)

For a couple (or family) who want to discover the deeper rural life in Japan and South Korea, this itinerary allows you to travel at a laid-back pace. Visit traditional villages in both countries, interact with locals, and see the World Natural Heritage on Jeju Island.

Here is a hand-picked itinerary summary with more detail following:

Days 4–6: Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

Days 7–9: Kyoto

• Day 10: Osaka, fly to Seoul in South Korea

Days 11–13: Seoul

Days 14–15: Jeju Island

Tokyo has perfect blend of history and modernization. Try on samurai armor at Samurai Museum for a cool photo, sample freshly-prepared sashimi at Tsukiji Market, and visit a Japanese garden with amazing scenery.

Suggested day trips from Tokyo:

• Spend a day at Fuji Five Lakes to see the spectacular Mount Fuji perfectly framed.
• Relax in an onsen with your partner in Hakone.
• Nagano is 200 km (130 miles) from Tokyo. You can see monkeys bathing in hot springs, and ski in winter (December to February).

Explore Japan's picturesque countryside away from the crowded cities.

• Takayama: wander around the well-preserved townhouses and taste delicious Hida beef.
• Shirakawa-go: View traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. If you go in January or February, you can see their beautiful winter lighting.
• Kanazawa: Purchase gold-leaf products and sample Japanese sake at a brewery.

To experience traditional history and culture in depth in Kyoto, the best ways are to see its shrines, meet its geishas, and stay at an authentic ryokan.

Appreciate the ancient atmosphere in Nijo Castle and Kinkaku Temple, meander around the Gion district to see the beautiful geishas in kimonos and enjoy a high-class Kaiseki at a ryokan.

Suggested day tours from Kyoto:

• Arashiyama is definitely a good place to relax: medieval Tenryu Temple, lush bamboo groves, and the sightseeing train will make your trip worth it.
• Nara is popular with travelers because you can feed the lovely deer at Nara Park.

Day 10: Osaka

Visit outstanding Osaka Castle, and leave from Kansai International Airport on a short flight to Seoul, Korea.

As the capital, Seoul contains all the essence of South Korea. Hike in scenic Bukhansan National Park, taste authentic Korean street food at local Gwangjang Market, and take a slow walk at Cheonggyecheon, which is quiet-but-huge recreation space in the downtown area.

Jeju Island, an island formed by volcanic activity, is a good place to relax. Enjoy a wonderful sunrise or sunset on Seongsan Ilchulbong ('Sunrise Peak') — a World Natural Heritage tuff cone, visit the Manjanggul lava cave, and walk on the sandy beaches to appreciate stunning sea views.

The above represents popular choice of attractions, but you can simply tell us your preferences and requirements , and we will customize a tour for you.

How Much Does 2 Weeks in Japan and South Korea Cost?

A 2-week tour of Japan and South Korea costs around US$9,000–10,000 per person based on a group of 2-4 people.

• Private touring in Japan costs about US$350–500 per day per person, and the cost in South Korea is about US$400–500 per day per person, including 4-star hotels, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, private cars, and private guides.
• Direct flights from Osaka to Seoul are about US$100–150.
• Travel costs in peak times can be double, especially airfares and hotels. Thus, we recommend you plan ahead and book flights and hotels at least 6 months in advance.
• It's worthwhile to try a night's stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan. They cost around US$300–450 per night.

We promise you a 100% refund of any payments made to Asia Highlights up to 3 weeks before departure ( details⇒ ).

Best Times to Travel to Japan and South Korea

Japan and South Korea have similar climates with four distinct seasons.

The best times to travel to both countries are in spring (April and May) and in autumn (September to October) , when you would enjoy pleasant temperatures, less rain, and the best scenery. In spring, you could appreciate blooming cherry blossom, and autumn is the time to enjoy red maples and golden gingkoes.

Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and sometimes there are typhoons. But this won't affect a well-prepared and flexible journey too much, and prices are lower and attractions less crowded. Summer is the festival season in Japan, so you can experience a variety of lively festivals and fireworks shows.

November to March is cold and dry in most of Japan and South Korea. It's a good time to ski and soak in hot springs in northern Japan. Christmas and New Year is extremely busy in both countries; flights and hotels are easily booked up. So, we suggest you make reservations at least 6 months in advance for a festive-season stay. The weather is OK in November and March compared to summer and winter months, and prices are relatively cheap.

Suggested reading: 

• Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Japan
• Best (and Worst) Time to Visit South Korea

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Cheap Flights from Seoul to Tokyo (ICN-NRT)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $81 for one-way flights and $147 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Seoul to Tokyo Flights

Whether you’re looking for a grand adventure or just want to get away for a last-minute break, flights from Seoul to Tokyo offer the perfect respite. Not only does exploring Tokyo provide the chance to make some magical memories, dip into delectable dishes, and tour the local landmarks, but the cheap airfare means you won’t bust your budget. So no matter whether your ideal itinerary involves flying one way, non-stop, or round trip, you’re bound to find flights that match your schedule on Expedia, and at prices that won’t shock your wallet.

Bagging a cheap flight from Seoul to Tokyo may mean more dollars to spend on for one-of-a-kind souvenirs when you arrive, but it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your travel experience, as Expedia offers a sizzling selection of cheap airlines that’ll put you in your happy place on their planes, whether that’s getting lost in a hair-raising airport thriller, dreaming on the passing landscape over a glass of bubbly, or jotting down your vacation bucket list at 38,000 feet. There’s also bound to be plenty of opportunities to snap a few photos of the high life that will make your friends green with envy. After all, enjoying the journey is part of the fun.

With so many affordable flights and so many wonderful adventures awaiting you, there’s no reason to put off booking a fantastic flight from ICN to NRT today. So don’t leave it to the last minute to make your dream trip a reality: pack your bags with your go-to travel accessories, put together your list of must-see attractions and can’t-miss activities, and get ready to broaden your horizons – with Expedia, the wonders of Tokyo are only a plane trip away. Book your travel arrangements with us today!

If you would like to book flights to Tokyo more flexibly many prefer to purchase one-way tickets with options to take different airlines. A one way ticket to Tokyo is $81 now!

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$58 Find cheap flights from Incheon to Tokyo

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from incheon intl to tokyo departing on 5/22. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to tokyo.

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Cheap flight deals from Incheon Intl to Tokyo (ICN-TYO)

Flights from incheon intl to tokyo - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends into flights from incheon intl to tokyo to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest incheon intl airport to tokyo flight route, our data shows that the cheapest route for a one-way flight from incheon intl airport to tokyo cost $55 and was between incheon intl airport and tokyo narita airport. on average, the best prices are found if you fly this route. the average price for a return flight for this route is $103., what’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from seoul incheon airport to tokyo, if your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to tokyo on a wednesday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. on the other hand, thursday is the most expensive day to fly from seoul incheon airport to tokyo. for your return ticket, we recommend flying on a monday and avoiding fridays for the best deals., what is the cheapest month to fly from incheon intl airport to tokyo, the cheapest month for flights from incheon intl airport to tokyo is april, where tickets cost $224 on average. on the other hand, the most expensive months are february and september, where the average cost of tickets is $311 and $309 respectively., how far in advance should i book a flight from incheon intl airport to tokyo, to get a below average price on the flight from incheon intl airport to tokyo, you should book around 3 days before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 40 days before departure., which airlines provide the cheapest flights from seoul incheon airport to tokyo, in the last 72 hours, the cheapest one-way ticket from seoul incheon airport to tokyo found on kayak was with air premia for $58. jeju air proposed a round-trip connection from $138 and air seoul from $144., which airlines fly most frequently between seoul incheon airport and tokyo, asiana airlines connects seoul incheon airport to tokyo with up to 5 flights per day and both jeju air and jin air also offer 5 flights per day., which airlines fly non-stop between incheon intl airport and tokyo, there are 13 airlines that fly nonstop from incheon intl airport to tokyo. they are: air premia, air busan, air japan, air seoul, asiana airlines, eastar jet, ethiopian air, jeju air, jin air, korean air, peach, t'way air and zipair. the cheapest price of all airlines flying this route was found with air premia at $73 for a one-way flight. on average, the best prices for this route can be found at eastar jet., how many flights are there between incheon intl airport and tokyo per day, each day, there are between 34 and 37 nonstop flights that take off from incheon intl airport and land in tokyo, with an average flight time of 2h 28m. the most common departure time is 7:00 am and most flights take off in the morning, while the most flights land at tokyo narita airport. each week, there are 245 flights. the most frequent day of departure is saturday, when 15% of all weekly flights depart. the fewest flights depart on a sunday., which cabin class options are there for flights between incheon intl airport and tokyo, there are 3 cabin class options for the route. these are business, economy and prem economy. perform a search on kayak to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines., how long does a flight from seoul incheon airport to tokyo take, direct flights cover the 748 miles separating seoul incheon airport to tokyo in about 2h 15m., what’s the earliest departure time from seoul incheon airport to tokyo, early birds can take the earliest flight from incheon intl airport at 6:45 am and will be landing in tokyo at 9:20 am., what’s the latest departure time from seoul incheon airport to tokyo, if you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from incheon intl airport to tokyo jets off at 10:35 pm and lands at 12:55 am., good to know, when to book flights from incheon intl to tokyo, faqs for booking incheon to tokyo flights, when flying from incheon to tokyo, do airlines accommodate families with children.

For flights from Incheon to Tokyo, families with children can travel with Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, Jeju Air, and Japan Airlines (JAL). These airlines offer children's meals that are tailored to their needs, kid-friendly in-flight entertainment, and priority boarding for families. Additionally, they provide youngsters with reduced fares.

How do I get from Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) to my destination?

There are numerous ways to travel from NRT to your location. You can take a train or an Airport Limousine Bus, both of which offer direct service to Tokyo. At Narita Airport, taxis are also easily accessible and may take you wherever you need to go. If you want to drive, you can rent a car at the airport and use the roads and road network to get where you're going.

Which airline offers environmentally friendly options between Incheon and Tokyo?

Korean Air has launched a number of eco-friendly efforts, including the use of energy-saving technologies and the adoption of fuel-efficient aircraft. Additionally, they emphasize recycling and waste reduction initiatives within their operations.

Are there any hotels near Incheon International Airport (ICN)?

Indeed, there are a number of hotels close to Incheon International Airport (ICN) that provide passengers with comfortable lodging. The Grand Hyatt Incheon, which has a covered walkway connecting it to ICN, is one of the hotels close to ICN. Another is the Best Western Premier Incheon Airport Hotel and Incheon Airport Transit Hotel, which are housed inside the airport terminal, and the Nest Hotel Incheon, which is around 10 minutes away from the airport.

What is the cheapest flight from Incheon Intl Airport to Tokyo?

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Incheon Intl Airport to Tokyo was $58 for a one-way ticket and $138 for a round-trip.

Do I need a passport to fly between Seoul Incheon Airport and Tokyo?

Yes, you’ll need a passport to travel to Tokyo from Seoul Incheon Airport.

Which airports will I be using when flying from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo?

On your way to Tokyo, you’ll fly out from Incheon Intl. You’ll be landing in one of Tokyo’s 2 airports: Tokyo Haneda or Tokyo Narita.

Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo?

Only Asiana Airlines offers inflight Wi-Fi service on the Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo flight route.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo?

The Boeing 737-800 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo flight route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo?

SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and oneworld are the airline alliances operating flights between Seoul Incheon Airport and Tokyo, with SkyTeam being the most commonly used for this route.

On which days can I fly direct from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo?

There are nonstop flights from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo on a daily basis.

Which is the best airline for flights from Incheon to Tokyo, Korean Air or AIR PREMIA?

The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Incheon to Tokyo are Korean Air and AIR PREMIA. With an average price for the route of $340 and an overall rating of 8.5, Korean Air is the most popular choice. AIR PREMIA is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $255 and an overall rating of 8.4.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Tokyo from Seoul Incheon Airport is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Tokyo with an airline and back to Seoul Incheon Airport with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Tokyo from Seoul Incheon Airport up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from Incheon to Tokyo

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $116 or less one-way and $245 or less round-trip.
• There are various benefits to booking your tickets with Asiana Airlines or Jeju Air, which both have hubs at Incheon International Airport (ICN). Due to the frequent daily flights between Incheon and Tokyo, you have a better chance of finding a ticket that fits your travel plans.
• If you are flying from Incheon to Tokyo and have a substantial amount of luggage, you should select an airline with more lenient carry-on baggage regulations. One carry-on bag and one personal item are allowed per passenger on Korean Air flights. A maximum weight of 25 lb and dimensions of 21 x 15 x 7 inches are required for the carry-on bag.
• There are several airlines that allow you to bring your pet along if you're flying from Incheon to Tokyo with them, including Japan Airlines (JAL), Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, and All Nippon Airways (ANA). Larger pets may need to be transported in the cargo hold on these airlines, but small pets may be allowed to travel with you in the cabin.
• Nippon Airways (ANA), Korean Air, Jeju Air, and Asiana Airlines all offer travel for passengers with disabilities, particularly those with limited mobility. They offer a variety of services, such as specialized support during the flight, priority boarding, and wheelchair help.
• There are choices for upgrading your ticket when flying with Korean Air or All Nippon Airways (ANA) from Incheon to Tokyo. Depending on availability, you can upgrade from Economy Class to Premium Economy Class or Business Class for a fee.

Prefer to fly non-stop from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo?

Find which airlines fly direct from Incheon Intl to Tokyo, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

Incheon Intl to Tokyo

AIR PREMIA, ANA, Aeromexico, +18 more

AIR PREMIA, ANA, +19 more

ANA, Aeromexico, Air Busan, +17 more

ANA, Aeromexico, +18 more

AIR PREMIA, ANA, Aeromexico, +19 more

AIR PREMIA, ANA, +20 more

ANA, Aeromexico, Air Busan, +18 more

ANA, Aeromexico, +19 more

Nonstop returns

Tokyo to Incheon Intl

Top 5 airlines serving from incheon intl to tokyo.

The flight crews were extremely professional helpful and courteous. Departure and arrival times were accurate. No delay. Thanks

Not very comfortable seated in the back plane due to turbulence

Everything about Korean air is great, hands down! Will always prefer this airline from other carriers.

Ford not that great the seat not to big for leg room like other airline

Crew was ok, but some passengers were a bit rude. Again, all outlets were not working, only the really slow charging usb plug on the entertainment system. Entertainment system was also bugged, some features just crash, the touch screen wasn't working and when trying to watch a movie the onscreen display kept flashing off and on making it very difficult to watch.

New plane. Perfect gluten free meal Very flawless procedures from check-in to the landing. Taking off on time and landing even earlier and the luggages are already there after shortest arrival report.

It was ok. Not good and not a bad experience

I like your stewardess, they are nice. However, your food could have been better and wheres your dessert? You do not offer beer or scotch. I do not drink alcohol biut my husband can have one or two, he has to ask if he can have one. during dinner or lunch, it should be offerred. Also, you do not have the most famous drinks ginger ale

Not accommodating ground staff On board slow service Crew members not very friendly

lunch was good; breakfast was kinda meh cabin temprature was way too high new entertainment system but somewhat limited content

One of the flight was delayed. The flight attendant of returning flight to LA was mean.

Staff was excellent. Food could use more variety. -More vegetable options. Menu didn't have juice or soda listed. -The croissants were outstanding!

Asian Vegitarian food was test less No Salt or pepper served Need to improve with Chef who can caters for Peaple from India I am sure Chef knows different varieties of food Indian People like

Flight attendants rude, they disappear for almost 3 hours not doing rounds to see what people needed. The laboratories were full of empty water cups, because they never come back to collect them.

The entertainment screens are dated and needs to be changed to new screens. Then when we got home, I found out 2 of our luggage’s were damaged (huge) and some items stolen.

JetBlue's check-in was great, but there was an in-flight attendant who was very rude and unkind. I didn't realize that the bathrooms were already locked 30 mins prior to landing and needed to use the restroom. Instead of politely asking me to return, she rudely told me, 'NO, bathrooms are locked! Go back to your seat!' The JetBlue flight was more than an hour delay, which made me almost miss my connecting flight with Asiana. I understand the reasoning, but the action they took to get a hold of maintenance was time consuming. It took them more than 30 mins to get a hold of maintenance and for maintenance to get started. The Asiana flight and crew were wonderful, in general. They waited for us who were delayed from the previous flight before they took off and were very kind to take my checked baggage's info. Seats were a little uncomfortable for such long flight, but service and flight attendants were great! However, my 3 checked baggages are missing! They're lost somewhere in the transition. I'm writing this review 3 days after my arrival to the Philippines, and my 3 checked baggages, where my wedding dress is, are all still missing! I and the CEB airport crew have sent multiple emails to both JetBlue and Asiana, and neither has responded to any of our emails. Although, I was able to get in contact with JetBlue's Interline Department who confirmed that the bags were turned over to Asiana without confirmation details.

The full flat bed was not that comfortable, hard and lumpy., too much space wasted with those bulky walls and divisions instead of making the bed 3-4 inches wider. The compartment where you put your feet is like a shoebox, poor design. Toilets of A350 are just too small, sink is too small

Airfare was ok . Food not good , seat ok but not comfortable. Lay over too long , crew was ok Overall just ok

The crew was amazing and really nice. The OS on the entertainment system could use an update, though. It felt old and outdated but had anything you'd need to keep busy. I usually never use it anyways, but that did stand out.

2 things that really tanked our experience with this trip with Asiana Airline (which used to be among my favorite airlines): 1) The "random" security screening at the boarding gate is crazily thorough (which is completely redundant to the security screening before we went through the security checkpoint before getting into the gate area), and the water was acquired inside of the gate area (from a lounge operated by the Inchon airport). We were asked to take out *EVERY* single items from the carry-on luggage and open up every comtainers / bags / packages to inspect. To add to it, there were two inspection workers there (one seemed to be a trainee and the other seemed to be a trainer), and the trainer worker held a very unfriendly / arrogant attitude towards us. As the youngest member (a minor) of my family was being "screened", the rest of my family wanted to make sure that no inappropriate actions would happen to her. That trainer worker yelled at us and attempted to use rude body language (waving her hands) and facial expression to ask us to stay away. 2) The luggage handling at the destination was really *REALLY* bad. Among my 25+ years of travel experiences, I'm going to have to say that this was the worst luggage experience where we didn't lose our luggage. Our flight was scheduled to land 12:45pm, and landed around 1pm. 15mins delay in landing is absolutely normal. Deplane process took a bit longer than usual flight (we waited for around 20mins, after arriving at the gate, before people were able to actually leave the plane). However, the luggage took another *2 HOURS* to arrive at the baggage claim carousel. This is insane. What's worse is, due to the delay in luggage, the flurry of passengers from our flight collided with 3 other incoming flights. The US border / custom line was like the longest Disneyland attraction line winding through the entire arrival hall and around all the baggage claim carousels (like at least a thousand people). I've never seen anything like that at SeaTec airport (US border control), period. The luggage claim experience really tanked our trust and overall impression for Asiana Airline's Seattle airport ground operational effectiveness and efficiency. This has to change in order for them to remain relevant / in-business with increased competitions from Korean Air and other Asia-based airlines.

Staff on board were good - food was fine tasted good - tv was old 1970ts in seat back but hey it was a 2 out flight so no drama

At the boarding gate, Jeju airline accepted "carry on" bags for checking in for free due to the "limited cabin space". This is because most passengers were carrying multiple bags that exceed the size and weight limit for carry on items. Rather than inspecting carry-on bags at the counter and requiring excess bags to be checked in for a fee, they allowed freeloading at the boarding gate to to the detriment of those who paid the fee for checked bags. This is totally unfair.

As posred earlier the crew was very accommodating & professional. Thank You Allen

All though you can not help it the kids was loud and unruly, The crew was very accommodating and professional. Thank You Allen.

No priority counter check in for families with young children.

The flight was delayed from GUM to ICN, there was no notification on how delayed the flight would be. Although we received notice, there was no specified time given. The flight was also very uncomfortable.

Nice service. I wish it could provide hot water on the flight.

internet didn't work. No offer of drinks or snacks.

Flight was seamless. Free wifi helped pass the time. Food was okay, just make sure you pre order or pick something up from the airport

Internet connection very poor, means you can not even order items through their own shop.

Paid for business class lay flat seat. Significantly less comfortable than other carriers. No built in entertainment or WiFi. I barely saw flight attendants at all and they wanted to charge me for a bottle of water if i wanted more than what came with the meal (that i also paid extra for). Essentially you’re just paying for a slightly more comfortable seat than the rest of the plane and nothing else

Een prijsvechter, dus dat moet je ook verwachten. Voor alles moet je betalen. We hebben vooraf een maaltijd en een amenitiesset besteld. Die kregen we netjes uitgereikt aan boord. Het is BYOD voor het amusement tijdens de vlucht en dit werkte uitstekend. Geen trage wifi, helemaal niet. Alles kost geld, zelfs een flesje water. Misschien op langere vluchten wel gratis water, thee, koffie. Maar daarentegen mag je na de security je lege drinkflessen gewoon vullen en mee aan boord nemen

Wifi could have been better. Arrived 55 mins earlier than scheduled :)

Best part are two crying babies throughout the whole 11 hour trip

Clean and comfortable cabin. Friendly on board service. No vegetarian food options and movie options were very limited. Internet was very slow

I didn’t eat the food but there wasn’t an option. Seat was a little too small for me but everything else was great

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3 Weeks In South Korea and Japan Itinerary

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

For various reasons, Japan and South Korea are on almost everyone’s bucket list. These two countries are right next to each other and 20 days is a bit too much time to spend in just one country – so, why not visit both?

Aside from the beautiful scenery and a variety of healthy foods, people are also fascinated with Japan and South Korea’s culture, anime, manga, K-dramas, K-pop, and of course, their history.

These days, some people would even travel all the way to South Korea to visit some skincare clinics – that’s one of the things South Korea is known for .

South Korea also has the fastest internet speed in the world. They have over 200 kimchi varieties, and their capital, Seoul, is where The Simpsons and South Park were processed. If it’s your first time in South Korea, these apps for Korea will help you get around and plan your upcoming trip.

Japan, on the other hand , is famous for its Kobe beef, polite people, and reliable public transportation. You can also see the world’s shortest escalator here, only five steps, and the tallest mountain. 

I compiled the most famous places to visit and things to do during your 3 weeks in South Korea and Japan and how to spend 10 days in each country in one trip .

RECOMMENDED TRIPS: 3 weeks in the Philippines or 3 weeks in Cambodia and Vietnam

TIPS BEFORE GOING TO SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN

First, there are some essential things that you need to know and be prepared first before you book anything. These tips will help you plan your itinerary , know when to go, how to get around, and how to be respectful of the locals and their culture.

When is the best time to go to South Korea and Japan

If you are fond of skiing and seeing the snow, the perfect time to go to these countries is during their winter season, which is from December to February in Japan and late December to mid-March in South Korea .

For those who want to witness the famous cherry blossoms personally, go during the spring season , which is from March to May, in both countries. Japan’s summer season is from June to mid-September and July to August in South Korea. 

If you don’t want to go during the peak seasons, the best time to visit South Korea is from April to May and September to October because those are the months when the tourist numbers are low.

While in Japan’s off-peak season would be from late autumn through March . For those who are planning to avoid typhoon season, try not to book a flight to Japan from July to October and mid-June through September in South Korea.

Are 3 weeks enough for South Korea and Japan

If it’s your first time visiting these great countries, planning to spend 10 days on each will give you plenty of time to see all the top sites. Since both countries are small with reliable public transportation and short flights between them, you can really make the most of your time.

Remember to book your flight arriving in the first country you wish to visit first, then the flight home from the other country. This way, you don’t need to waste time flying back to the previous country.

Average cost of 20 days in South Korea and Japan

The great thing about visiting these two countries is that it balances everything when it comes to cost . Japan is more expensive than South Korea, so if you feel like the 10 days in Japan is costing too much, you know that you will save a bit more once you’re in South Korea.

On average, $1,800, you can explore Japan and South Korea in 20 days. With this budget, you can stay in a mid-range hotel, eat out at decent restaurants, and book group tours.

If you want to save a bit more, you can stay in a dorm room instead of a private one. On that low budget, you can expect to spend around $1,200 , especially if you also eat street food rather than dining at restaurants.

Both South Korea and Japan have amazing convenience stores where you can get quick bites at such affordable prices.

If you want to splurge, $3,000 will allow you to stay in luxury hotels, try fancier restaurants and enjoy premium tours.

These costs are per person if you’re travelling with another person, you can bring the accommodation cost down if you don’t mind sharing a room.

You must also remember that the check-in time in Japan and South Korea can be so inconvenient. It’s normal to find hotels where checking into your room doesn’t start until late in the afternoon, and even in the evening.

Getting around

There are tons of ways to get around South Korea. There are trains, buses, cabs, cars, subways, and aeroplanes . If you’re planning to ride the bus, the most convenient way to do so is to buy a T-money transit card beforehand to avoid any hassle.

If the place you’re planning to visit is really far from where you currently are, then the fastest option would be to ride a plane, but it would be more expensive compared to the other modes of transportation.

Railways are the most common means to get around in Japan . They have two train types: the bullet train and the night train. Aside from that, they have taxis, buses, ferries, and offer car and bicycle rentals.

You can rent a car, but it’s not really worth the time since most road signs are in the local language. Plus, the train system in both countries are very reliable anyway.

South Korea and Japan have quite different visa policies.

For Japan : Travellers with passports from North America (including Mexico), Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Suriname, French Guinea, most of Europe, some of Southeast Asia, most of Oceania, and its neighbour South Korea, can enjoy visa-free travel to Japan for 15-180 days depending on the passport you have.

For people who wish to visit South Korea , passport holders of most of America (excluding Bolivia and Cuba), almost all of Europe, some of Central Asia, some of North and South Africa, some of Southeast Asia and East Asia, and most of Oceania can enter the country as a tourist and stay for 30-180 days.

Still, you must get the K-ETA which is only about $9.

Basic travel tips

Here is a list of sites and travel services I use when travelling anywhere in the world. Many of these sites offer flexible cancellations and various choices depending on your budget and travel style. If planning to visit during peak season, make sure to book at least 6 months in advance, especially for accommodations.

HOW TO TRAVEL BETWEEN JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA

The most common and fastest way from Japan to South Korea (and vice versa) is to take a non-stop 2.5-hour flight . If you take on a connection, the travel time extends up to 6 hours.

There used to be a ferry service between these countries which was relatively uncommon. The travel time takes about 21 hours, and the ports are between Busan, South Korea to Hakata/Fukuoka, Japan.

You can choose from two companies: Kampu Ferries and Camellia Line Ferries. However, in 2019, Kampu Ferries limited their services to Japanese nationals. You can read more information here .

Package Tours

If you prefer to sit back and relax, you can book a package tour where the tour operator will arrange everything for you, including transportation, hotels, food, tours, porters, and guides.

Right now, I haven’t found a package tour that will cover both. But, you can book two separate package tours and achieve pretty much the same – except you have to book the flight between Japan and South Korea.

MUST-SEE PLACES IN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN (pinned map)

Click the icon on the top-right to enlarge the map. Credit: Map Data: Google

3 WEEKS IN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN

Due to the size of both countries and the distance from each other, you can easily cover Japan and South Korea in one go . You can spend about 10 days in each place or move things around if you want to spend more or less time in the other.

Although this doesn’t mean you can’t pay for the entire 3 weeks in a single country, you can very well, which will let you see many more places and travel more slowly.

Day-to-day overview:

• Day 1 : Arrive in Seoul, South Korea – get transferred from the airport or take the train/bus, get a local sim card if needed and train/bus passes
• Day 2 to 4 : Go sightseeing around Seoul and the surrounding areas
• Day 4: Get to Busan from Seoul by car or train or bus
• Day 4 to 6 : Explore Busan
• Day 7 : Travel from Busan to Jeju Island by plane
• Day 7 to 9 : Explore Jeju Island with East bus tour
• Day 10 : Fly to Tokyo from Jeju Island, get pocket wifi for Japan or local sim card with unlimited data , book an airport transfer to your hotel
• Day 10 to 14 : Go sightseeing around Tokyo , nearby areas such as Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka
• Day 15 : Get to Hokkaido by plane or train
• Day 15 to 17 : Discover Hokkaido
• Day 18 : Travel to Hiroshima from Hokkaido
• Day 18 to 20 : Discover Hiroshima
• Day 21 : Get to Tokyo to catch your flight home

10 days in South Korea

Various K-pop acts are now well-known worldwide, starting when Psy’s song Gangnam Style propelled to stardom. Very recently, the movie Parasite gained numerous prestigious awards, and the web series, most recently, Squid Games, paved the way for gaining worldwide recognition.

Not only that, even some of their variety shows, including Running Man , have been famous outside of South Korea for years. Their entertainment industry drew people to be interested in their culture as well. So much so that more people started learning Hangul.

South Korea was only established in 1948 , meaning it’s such a young country. It’s amazing how much culture and ancient architecture South Korea managed to maintain despite going to war over 50 years ago.

For those who love history, South Korea is such as gateway in East Asia featuring the culture, heritage, and history.

Of course, their tourism industry skyrocketed along with these positive changes. That’s why we created a South Korea itinerary for 10 days where you’ll get to stay in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju.

Seoul for 5 days

Your trip starts in Seoul, South Korea. You should be able to find flights directly landing here from Europe, North America, Asia, and even some parts from Latin America.

Eight mountains and the Han River border Seoul, so it’s perfect for those who are fond of hiking, going for a stroll, or picnicking by the river. There are also lots of day trips you can do from Seoul if you prefer to keep it as a base than moving all the time.

From Seoul, you can get anywhere in South Korea by land or by air. Here are some other places to visit and things to do in South Korea’s capital:

• Namsan Tower
• Seoul city tour
• Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village
• Lotte World Tower – get your e-ticket to avoid any hassle
• Nanta – enjoy a day trip to Nanta or Korean Folk Village
• Demilitarized Zone – you can book a half or full-day trip
• Seoul Museum of Art
• Join a cooking class and market tour
• Attend Yeouido Spring Flower Festival – join a cherry blossom tour
• Experience South Korean nightlife – book a pub crawl
• Experience Ultra Korea, a huge music festival that happens during the summer
• Ghost stories walking tour

Accommodations in Seoul:

• Affordable: 24 Guesthouse or Good Stay
• Mid-range: Standford Hotel or Hotel Skypark
• Luxury: Lotte Hotel or Four Seasons

Busan for 3 days

One of the reasons why Busan is well-known is because they have the largest traditional market and seafood market in South Korea.

There is also a great variety of street foods which are perfect for foodies, their speciality being eomuk or fish cakes or tasty Korean instant noodles , which are available in grocery stores and even food stalls. With that being said, here are the places to visit/ things to do in Busan:

The easiest way to reach Busan from Seoul is by KTX high-speed train , which takes under three hours. You can also take the slow train, which is more affordable than the KTX. It would take you anywhere between 2.5 hours to 5.5 hours, depending on the train type that you will ride.

Taking a bus would take you four hours to reach your destination. You can also ride the plane, which is the fastest and most expensive option.

• Attend the Lantern Festival, which they celebrate during the spring season (May)
• Book a full-day city tour
• Haeundae beach
• Gwangbokdong food street or join a traditional food cooking class
• Samjin Eomuk main storer and museum
• Enjoy an afternoon cruise
• Busan Tower & Yongdusan Park
• Day trip to Oedo Island or Tongyeong
• Visit the cool Jusangjeollidae

Accommodations in Busan :

• Affordable: No.25 Hotel or Seri Inn Guesthouse
• Mid-range: Residence Mumum Hotel or Toyoko Inn
• Luxury: The Westin Josun or Arban Hotel

If this list is not enough for you or you don’t find suitable accommodation, check this detailed article about where to stay in Busan .

Jeju for 2 days

There are six ways to reach Jeju from Busan , one of which is by ferry. The travel time would last for 11 hours. You can also ride the train or bus and then ride a plane for about a little over 3 hours. Car rentals are also an option, then riding the ferry, which would take more than 6 hours.

The most recommended option would be to take the subway and ride the plane afterwards, which would take around 2 hours and 40 minutes. This is going to be your last destination in South Korea , from here, you will fly to Japan.

Aside from otherworldly natural scenery, Jeju is also famous because of its unusual theme parks and commercial attractions. Here are some of the places to visit in Jeju :

• Osulloc Tea Museum
• Attend the Jeongwol Daeborum Fire Festival, which usually happens during the winter season (February or March)
• Mount Hallasan – go for a hike with local lunch
• Take a Submarine tour
• Manjangul Cave – you can book a transportation to and from
• Yeomiji Botanical Garden
• Book an organised full-day tour for Jeju Island
• Explore the famous Museum of Sex and Health

Accommodations in Jeju City :

• Affordable: You&I Guest House or Bricks Stay
• Mid-range: Ganderak Guesthouse or Ventimo Hotel & Residences
• Luxury: LOTTE Hotel or Grand Hyatt Hotel

10 days in Japan

Aside from anime and mangas, Japan is well-known for the plethora of snacks and beverages that can be found in its convenience stores and vending machines. They have a wide variety of fresh foods and snacks that you seriously won’t run out of options.

Japan also have a vast expanse of beautiful natural scenery , as well as places and trinkets with a kawaii aesthetic. Japan has such visual diversity that you’ll indeed find your trip to this country unforgettable.

But most importantly, tourists love Japanese cultural etiquette. Remember though, tattoos are kind of frowned upon in Japan . It’s better to cover them up while you’re there to show respect to the locals.

Japan is also home to historical sites; new and modern. Mount Fuji is easily one of the most iconic spots in the country and definitely worth a visit.

The places are clean, the trains are always punctual , and most people are courteous and polite. If you are a history buff, there’s also something waiting for you. Hopefully, we’ve piqued your interest in having a vacation in this country and for that, here’s the Japan itinerary for 10 days.

Tokyo for 5 days

Tokyo is a bustling yet organised city. Public transport is often on time, so you don’t have to worry about being late. You can get around the city pretty easily or get a hop on-hop off bus ticket or a Tokyo metro pass .

To get from Jeju, South Korea to Tokyo, Japan, you can book a flight . There are two airports in Tokyo (Narita and Haneda), and almost all flights have a connection, but flying into Narita is more affordable (I think because it’s farther from Tokyo downtown).

There are also a lot of day trips from Tokyo such as the stunning Hitachi Seaside Park (Flower Fields), Nikko National Park, and of course, Mount Fuji. From Tokyo, you can get anywhere in Japan by train, metro, and even bus.

There are many things to do and places to see in Tokyo, but some are only seasonal. Let’s first talk about places you can visit and things you can do in Tokyo all year round:

• Tokyo Skytree observation deck – get your ticket
• Visit Kawaguchi Lake with a Mount Fuji view – book a tour with lunch
• Digital Arts Museum – great for all ages, but for people with autism (especially with light sensitivity, this might be overwhelming) – buy your entrance ticket in advance
• Imperial Palace – join a walking tour with a local guide
• Visit Tsukiji Market (fish market) and learn how to roll a sushi – book a tour
• Enjoy a traditional Yakatube dinner on a cruise
• Learn about rame through this ramen tasting tour
• Join a half-day cycling and cruise tour

Accommodations in Tokyo :

• Affordable: Hotel Owl or bnb Hostel
• Mid-range: Hotel GrandBach or Shiomi Prince Hotel
• Luxury: The Capitol Hotel or The Gate Hotel

Here are some of the places you could visit during the winter :

• Skating rink at Toshimaen amusement park
• Tokyo German Village

Some of the things you could do during summer :

• Attend a fireworks summer event
• Try out kakigori , one of their summer foods

Things to do or places to visit in spring :

• Attend a Japanese Spring Festival
• Try out sakura-flavoured foods and delicacies
• Walk in parks to see cherry blossoms up close

Kyoto or Osaka for 3 days

You can choose between these two as your main place to stay, but they are right next to each other. This means that you can explore both cities easily in under 3 days.

Osaka is where the stunning and historical Osaka Castle (from 1597), Sumiyoshi Taisha, and Shitenno-ji. For modern attractions, this is where you will find Universal Studios, Umeda Sky Building, and the high street of Dotonbori.

While in Kyoto , it features Kiyomizu-dera, Nijō Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha and Bishamondō Temple – a very beautiful place during fall foliage.

The distance between Osaka and Kyoto is just an hour (60 km), and there are lots of day trips that you can book.

To get to Osaka from Tokyo , the train takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. From Tokyo to Kyoto , it’s 3 hours.

Attractions in Osaka:

• Explore Osaka via a walking tour or an ebike tour or a night tour or a private tour
• Osaka Castle
• Sumiyoshi Taisha
• Shitenno-ji
• Universal Studios – get your entry ticket (1 or 2 days)
• Umeda Sky Building
• Kuromon Market
• Go Kart – unique Go Kart with costumes on
• Abeno Harukas
• Tempozan Ferris Wheel
• Explore Osaka’s cuisine through a food tour or a cooking class or this food tour

Attractions in Kyoto :

• Discover Kyoto through a 1-day bus tour or a private tour or an ebike tour or this tour that highlights the top Kyoto attractions or a UNESCO Sites bus tour
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Nijō Castle
• Sign up for a Samurai Experience – read this reviews
• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Bishamondō Temple
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Join a cuisine tour via a ramen cooking class or night food tour or a brunch food tour at Nishiki Market or a Kyoto Tea Ceremony
• Arashiyama Monkey Park
• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• There’s a day tour from Kyoto or Osaka to Hiroshima if you want to save time

Hiroshima for 2 days

Hiroshima is known to be the first city hit with an atomic bomb, but that’s not what the city is only known for. Hiroshima is famous among museum lovers because of the abundance of museums there. They also have tons of parks, historical wonders, and festivities all year round.

To reach Hiroshima from Hokkaido , the fastest and most recommended mode of transportation would be to ride a bus, then a plane, which would last for four hours.

Some other options include taking a train, driving a car, taking a car ferry, or taking the bus. The travel times for these could last between 13 hours to 32 hours. 

Here are some of the things to do and places to visit in Hiroshima once you’ve reached your destination:

• The Island Shrine of Itsukushima
• Hiroshima Castle – explore Hiroshima on a bicycle
• Shukkei-en Garden
• Have fun shooting arrows traditionally
• Hiroshima Museum of Art
• Learn about Japanese culture – book this cultural tour in a Kimono
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
• Explore the city through this cycling tour
• Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome
• Explore Hiroshima and Miyajima in a day – book a guided tour

Accommodations in Hiroshima :

• Affordable: Capsule Hotel Cube or Santiago Guesthouse
• Mid-range: Daiwa Roynet Hotel or Candeo Hotels
• Luxury: Hilton Hotel or Sheraton Grand Hotel

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN

Combining all the days spent in these places, you’ll get to stay for 3 weeks in South Korea and Japan. With that being said, here are some other additional know-how during your travels: 

When in Seoul, you could get an integrated palace ticket which will grant you entry to all five palaces and costs way less than buying separate tickets for each. You could also look on different sites for discount passes, and if you’re planning on doing physical activities, you might want to consider getting travel insurance.

You can also study some of the most common phrases used in your destination countries, purchase a travel dictionary, or download an app to make conversations more seamless.

That’s about it, we hope that you’ll have a great time visiting these countries that have so much to offer and that you found this itinerary of 3 weeks in South Korea and Japan helpful in creating your own itinerary .

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Cheap flights from Tokyo to Seoul

Good to know, when is the cheapest time to fly, popular airports near tokyo.

• Haneda Airport (HND) Tokyo 32 min 18 km
• Narita International Airport (NRT) Tokyo 1 hr 11 min 67 km
• Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) Shizuoka 2 hr 43 min 164 km
• Fukushima Airport (FKS) Fukushima 2 hr 58 min 185 km

Popular airports near Seoul

• Incheon International Airport (ICN) Seoul 0 sec 49 km
• Gimpo International Airport (GMP) Seoul 0 sec 17 km
• Cheongju International Airport (CJJ) Cheongju-si 0 sec 103 km
• Daegu International Airport (TAE) (TAE) Daegu 0 sec 236 km

Frequently asked questions about flying from Tokyo to Seoul

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• Seoul May 30 — Jun 3
• London RUB 66,412 Jun 13 — Jun 16 1 stop 23 hr Air China
• Osaka RUB 5,611 Jun 20 — Jun 24 Nonstop 1 hr 35 min Jetstar
• Los Angeles RUB 59,102 Sep 19 — Sep 23 1 stop 10 hr 40 min Delta

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4corners7seas

Overland travel blog

How to Take the Ferry from Korea to Japan

Note: all ferries were suspended due to the pandemic. Ferries are now running again on reduced schedules, the number of sailings is slowly increasing but note that the frequency is still much lower than before

Also note that port taxes, fuel surcharges, fares and schedules change frequently. I keep the information here as up-to-date as I can, but make sure to double check and be prepared for the possibility of things being slightly different

The main Korea – Japan ferry route (for those without vehicles) is the JR Beetle hydrofoil between Fukuoka (Hakata Port) and Busan, with several sailings per day in each direction (note: 1 per day at present in 2023). These boats are fast and get across in just a few hours; if you have a vehicle to transport you can take one of the slower car ferries. If you have a bicycle, see this reader comment for rates.

Korea – Japan ferry route summary

1. Busan – Fukuoka (Hakata Port) hydrofoil (3 hours, JR Beetle , 1 per day)

2. Busan – Tsushima island hydrofoil (1 per day on Miraejet’s Kobee hydrofoil, 90 minutes)

3. Busan – Fukuoka (Hakata Port) ferry (6 hours or 9 hours overnight, Camellia Line , daily)

4. Busan – Shimonoseki ferry (12 hours overnight, Kampu Ferry, daily)

5. Busan – Osaka ferry (18 hours overnight, Panstar Cruise, 3 per week each way) (There also used to be Busan – Tsushima Island sailings with JR Beetle  and Daea Express Ocean Flower but these haven’t resumed yet following the pandemic)

(Note that the ferry from Sakaiminato to Vladivostok via Korea no longer operates)

JR Beetle: Busan – Fukuoka (hydrofoil)

I’ve taken the Beetle many times; for my most recent update on this route (including port access info & charges, fuel surcharges, how to book, etc), see here . If you’re wondering about the possibility of doing Seoul – Osaka or Tokyo in one day by bullet train & Beetle, yes it does work but is a pretty long slog – see here for details.

Camellia Line: Busan – Fukuoka (car ferry)

Korea Ferry operates the Camellia Line car ferry making one round trip per day between Japan and Korea, sailing from Fukuoka to Busan by day (6 hours), and from Busan to Fukuoka overnight (9 hours). They have an English website here  where you can make online reservations, or you can book on Direct Ferries here .

The cheapest economy class fares are the ‘premium’ (カメリアプレミアム価格) and ‘special’ (カメリアスペシャル価格) options on the Camellia website, at 2500 and 4500 JPY respectively. If they’re sold out, the ‘standard’ (カメリアスタンダード価格) option is 7200 JPY – in which case it’ll probably be cheaper to book on Direct Ferries , which usually has it for around 57 USD. If you buy in person at the terminal you get the standard fare of 7200 yen in Japan or 72000 won in Korea. You can also go for first class options (starting from approx. 100 USD) in 2-berth or 4-berth cabins rather than the dormitory-style economy class.

(Also don’t forget about the port tax & fuel charges, see port info below )

Kampu Ferry: Busan – Shimonoseki (car ferry)

Kampu Ferry has a decent English website here ; you can make a reservation by phone or email as per the instructions on their site, book online via Direct Ferries here , or just turn up and buy a ticket.

Online with Direct Ferries is the easiest option, and also marginally cheaper. However that wasn’t yet an option when I went from Shimonoseki to Busan on Kampu Ferry, so I went to the tour desk at Kokura Station (the main station in neighbouring Kita-Kyushu city) to ask where the Shimonoseki ferry terminal was located, and ended up paying them a small service fee to call Kampu and book the ferry for me (it was cheap and she’d printed a map out for me and generally been very helpful, so I figured why not. But it isn’t remotely necessary to use a travel agent).

Kita-Kyushu and Shimonoseki are located just across the Kanmon Strait from each other; if you arrive in the area by bullet train or night bus, it’ll probably be Kokura Station where you get off (there is also a Shin-Shimonoseki Station, but the faster trains (i.e. all  Nozomi and most Hikari trains) skip it). The ferry terminal is a short walk from Shimonoseki Station, which in turn is 15 minutes (2 stops) from Kokura Station on the JR Sanyo Line (or 10 minutes from Shin-Shimonoseki Station). If you want to find it on Google Maps, search for 下関港国際ターミナル (which reads Shimonoseki-ko Kokusai Taaminaru , Shimonoseki Port International Terminal).

At time of last update (2023) the cheapest standard one-way fare from Shimonoseki is 9,000 JPY (second class), plus port & fuel charges (details here ); sailing from Busan the cheapest fare is 95,000 KRW.  Direct Ferries usually has it for less, and you can often get a discount by booking direct on the Kampu website.

For port access in Busan (and port & fuel fees) see port info below .

Sailing time is 11 or 12 hours, depending on direction (details here )

You pass these small islands off the Fukuoka coast (snapped with my old camera phone hence the poor resolution), a nice final (or initial) view of Japan:

Panstar Cruise: Busan – Osaka (car ferry)

The Panstar Dream runs between Osaka & Busan several times per week, taking about 18 hours. Their website is unfortunately only available in Korean and Japanese, but thankfully you can book this ferry on Direct Ferries here which is usually cheaper anyway.

At time of writing the cheapest one-way fares when purchased in person at the terminals are 14,000 JPY from Osaka or 140000 KRW from Busan, plus (when leaving Osaka) the port charge of 620 JPY and the fuel surcharge of 1,400 JPY (subject to change); see below  for Busan port & fuel charges. Direct Ferries usually has it for around 110 USD.

Journey time is 18.5 to 19.5 hours, depending on direction & day of travel. You can check the schedule here , using the following characters in the first two columns:

出発曜日 = Departure Day

火 = Tuesday

水 = Wednesday

木 = Thursday

The third and fourth columns give departure and arrival times, respectively.

The Osaka terminal is the Osaka Kokusai Ferry Terminal, 大阪国際フェリーターミナル (Osaka International Ferry Terminal), a 10-minute walk from Cosmosquare Station on the Chuo Line.

For port access in Busan, see below .

Daea Express Ocean Flower: Busan – Tsushima (hydrofoil)

The island of Tsushima, 対馬, (Daemado, 대마도, in Korean) is the sizeable island lying between Korea and Japan which the Busan – Fukuoka ferries pass, and is part of Japan’s Nagasaki Prefecture. Various domestic ferry services run from Tsushima to mainland Japan, and there are three companies running hydrofoils internationally between Busan and Tsushima; it’s therefore possible to travel between Busan and mainland Japan via Tsushima. This is unlikely to be of much interest to the majority of travellers from the rest of the world, but Tsushima is a popular spot for both Korean tourists and Japanese domestic tourists.

The JR Beetle (see above ) runs some Busan – Tsushima services in addition to its Busan – Fukuoka services, though these have not yet resumed post-pandemic; the Miraejet Kobee has a couple of services a day between Busan and Tsushima, with one of those also calling at Fukuoka (now just 1 per day for Tsushima, with no Fukuoka route). You can see their (Korean only) website here , and see above for help with deciphering it.

In addition to those two, before covid a third hydrofoil service existed between Busan and Tsushima; the Ocean Flower is run by Daea Express, you can check their website out here but it’s also entirely in Korean. Ocean Flower is yet to resume following the pandemic, and who knows whether it will.

These Tsushima options are listed up on this Tsushima tourism page .

Port Information for Busan and Fukuoka

(For the ports of Shimonoseki, Sakaiminato, Osaka, and Donghae, see the relevant ferry service listing above)

Busan International Ferry Terminal

The shiny and still fairly new Busan International Passenger Terminal is located a short walk (10 minutes or so) from Busan Station, the southern terminus of the KTX (bullet train) line from Seoul. It’s on the east side of the station, and there’s an elevated pedestrian walkway from the station to the terminal.

The ferry terminal has good food and drink options available, as does Busan Station, so you can easily make a pit stop as you pass through. Checkin opens one hour before departure and closes 30 minutes before; you have to go through immigration so (if coming from Seoul) to avoid any stress I’d suggest timing your KTX to arrive at Busan Station around 90 minutes before departure, which leaves plenty of time to stroll over, perhaps grab a bite on the go, check in, and clear immigration; if you want to sit and eat some lunch, obviously allow longer accordingly.

Port tax from Busan is 4,300 won (approx $4 US) payable at checkin only, so make sure you keep enough won on hand, and there’s an oil surcharge of 12,000 won ($12 US) which is tacked on to the ticket fare if you buy directly at the terminal, but if you book online the surcharge may or may not be included – if not you’ll have to pay this at checkin too. Also be aware that when you arrive at Hakata you may have cash issues (the terminal has no international ATM and is a bus ride from the downtown area), so it’s best to get hold of some Japanese yen before leaving Busan (there are money changers in the ferry terminal). Alternatively if you have at least a few thousand won to change to yen on arrival it’ll cover the bus fare to get downtown (see Hakata Port, below). The fuel surcharge changes frequently, between 5,000 won and 14,000 won in my experience; the rate given here is correct as of early 2020. If you keep 20,000 won per person that should cover the departure tax & any potential fuel surcharge in Busan.

Hakata Port Access and Information

Access to Hakata Port from Fukuoka is well explained here ; I’ve done both bus and taxi, the bus is straightforward enough but taxis are obviously easiest. The passenger terminal is a 20-minute or so bus ride from either Tenjin (central Fukuoka) or Hakata Station; the bus costs 230 yen, and you can take bus number 88 from Hakata Station (bus stand F, over the main road outside the west exit) or bus number 80 from the Tenjin area (bus stop 2A, located in front of the Solaria Stage department store on the west side of the main north/south road (Watanabe Dori, 渡辺通り) outside Tenjin station). Allow plenty of time if you need to locate these as you go, as it’s a pretty busy area and may take some working out / help from a friendly local. If you’re pressed for time, taxis are plentiful and should get you there in 10 minutes or so for around 1,500 yen – just show or tell the driver 博多港国際ターミナル “Hakata-ko Kokusai Taaminaru”. If you fancy it you can also walk it from Hakata Station in about 40 minutes, or from the nearest metro station (Gofukumachi) in about 20 minutes (just use Google Maps for the route).

The food and drink options at the terminal aren’t so great, so it’s advisable to get that sorted before taking the bus (or just make do with the snacks and drink available on the ferry, which are basic but reasonable).

Departure tax from Hakata is 500 yen (approx $5 US) payable in cash only from vending machines next to the checkin desk, and the oil surcharge is 1200 yen ($12 US) which may or may not be included when you book online – if not you’ll also have to pay this by cash or card at the terminal so make sure to keep enough cash in hand, especially given that the nearest international ATM is at the 7-Eleven store some 15 minutes away on foot. When arriving at Hakata, this can make things a little tricky – you’ll need 230 yen for the bus, but unless you have a Japanese account there’s no ATM you can use. Best solution is to get hold of some Japanese yen before boarding in Busan, or at least hang on to a few thousand Korean won which you can change at the money changer in the Hakata terminal (though if you arrive in the evening the money changer will already be closed); otherwise, you’ll have to walk to 7-Eleven, or take a taxi and have him stop at 7-Eleven on the way. If you have won to change there’s also a money changer at Hakata Station (in the main concourse, terrible rates) once you manage to get there!

The bus numbers when going from the terminal to Hakata Station or Tenjin are different than when going the other way, for some reason; for Hakata Station you can take numbers 11, 19, and 50; for Tenjin you can take numbers 55, 151, 152, and 80. Of course, things can change so double check on the website and/or at the information counter.

Also, when arriving at Hakata Port be prepared for the likelihood of a tedious bag search and questioning session; they’ve searched me almost every single time, very thoroughly on a couple of occasions including swabs for ‘drug check’ (though they don’t actually appear to run those swabs through any machine, so I’m not convinced they’re genuine).

The fuel surcharge changes frequently, don’t take the above rates as gospel and have enough prepared to pay a bit more if necessary. You don’t want to be rushing to that 7-Eleven to withdraw cash!

Onward Tickets

You can book Korean train tickets here

When arriving in Japan I advise having your JR Pass pre-purchased, see my post here for details. There’s a designated counter at Hakata Station to exchange your coupon for the pass. If you’re only going to take one or two trains you won’t need the pass, just get your ticket from the machines or regular ticket counters at the station.

Have you travelled between Japan and Korea by ferry? Any updates or changes future overlanders should be aware of? Do you have any questions? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you.

Also check out my overland travel guides for Korea and Japan , my quick guide to Fukuoka , and see China – Korea by ferry and China – Taiwan by ferry

The links to  Direct Ferries  on this page are affiliate links. If you use these links, 4corners7seas gets commission from Direct Ferries (at no extra cost to you) and it’s usually the cheapest way for you to book, so it’s a win-win. Thanks in advance should you choose to support the site using these links. (Booking this way also avoids potential screw ups like the time  I made a mess of reserving online in Japanese )

Reader Interactions

March 18, 2018 at 3:13 am

Is visa required for tourists from busan to fukuoka or tsushima?

March 19, 2018 at 4:06 am

Hi Mary, that depends on your nationality. You need to check the entry requirements for visiting Japan using the passport you have

December 1, 2018 at 10:51 am

hi it was a useful piece of info, I would like to know if the ktx and mugunghwa train station at Busan is the same.

December 2, 2018 at 5:21 am

Hi Omprakash,

That’s a good question actually, and the answer depends on where you want to go. Some mugunghwa trains depart from Busan Station (same as KTX), but some depart from Bujeon Station (7 stops from Busan Station on metro line 1) e.g. if you want to take the mugunghwa to Seoul then it’s same station as KTX, but if you want to go to Gyeongju or Ulsan by mugunghwa then it’s Bujeon Station.

June 6, 2019 at 7:43 pm

Hi, I am looking at options from Busan to Fukuoka. I see a flight for 160€/205$. Does that make more sense than the ferry? I saw a lot of extra charges, fees, taxes, surcharges in your blog! Thank you Nadia & Ashish

June 8, 2019 at 8:04 am

Hi Nadia, there’s just two extra charges – port tax and fuel surcharge. Even with those, the ferry should still be cheaper than the flight you’ve quoted. Also, given the location of Gimhae Airport is a long way out from central Busan I doubt flying would even be faster overall once you include the checkin time. If you take the fast JR Beetle ferry it should be a bit faster and a bit cheaper than flying, and personally I find ferry travel much nicer than air travel. Let me know if you have any more questions!

July 1, 2019 at 1:13 pm

Great information. Very thorough and the photos are super helpful. One thing is missing unless I missed it. For people new to Japan or Korean ferries–the standard and economy class, etc. It would be helpful to know what exactly you get in each class or the differences. It isn’t always described or clear on some of the booking sites. Thanks.

July 3, 2019 at 5:12 pm

Thanks, always good to hear it’s helpful. And thanks also for the feedback, you’re right that would be a good thing to update the page with. In the meantime, is there any particular route/class you’d like to know more about?

August 5, 2019 at 10:07 am

Hi Simon, thank you for your information. I am looking for a ferry between South Korea and Japan which not only accepts passengers, but also cars. You write: “if you have wheels to transport you can take one of the slower car ferries.” It would be great if you could let us know which ferries you are referring to. Many thanx!

August 6, 2019 at 7:16 am

Hi Andreas,

Sorry if it wasn’t clear… it’s just any ferry listed on this page that says ‘car ferry’ in the subheading, so the Busan-Shimonoseki, Busan-Osaka, and Donghae-Sakaiminato routes, and the Camellia Line on the Busan-Fukuoka route. Let me know if you have any further questions about which route would be best for you etc

October 1, 2019 at 5:14 am

We are thinking of travelling from Busan to Osaka (no car) in Jan, 2 adults, 3 kids. I think we would be fine to get the train from Seoul the same day as the departure is late afternoon for ferry? Can we just book and use the allocated 5 berth cabin as included in the fare? I am a little confused about that on the website. Also weighing up if it would be as cost effective just to fly, given I think we are looking at about $700 plus AUD? for the ferry.

Many thanks

October 2, 2019 at 4:14 am

Yes, you can take the KTX train in the morning from Seoul to catch an afternoon ferry from Busan, the ferry terminal in Busan is a short walk or taxi ride from Busan Station. I’ve done this many times!

And yes if you’re looking at a berth for the 5 of you on the Camellia Line ferry you can book the Japanese-style room (等和室), and that will indeed come to around 700 AUD (or a little less, depending on the ages of your kids). You might also want to consider the JR Beetle high speed hydrofoil ferry, it only takes 3 hours; that actually makes it possible to leave Seoul in the morning and arrive in Osaka that evening, however I’ve done this several times and I don’t think I’d recommend doing it with 3 kids! But you could break the journey with a night in Fukuoka.

If you book well in advance you can get Beetle tickets for as low as 40(ish) USD each, see my guide here . If you’re already planning to get the JR Pass for Japan, you can use it for the train from Fukuoka to Osaka, making this route pretty cost effective as the Seoul-Busan KTX ticket is only 50 USD; however if you’re not planning on getting the JR Pass, the Fukuoka-Osaka bullet train ticket is 150 dollars (half price for children under 12, free under 6) so in that case it’s probably more cost effective to fly.

Hope this helps and give me a shout with any further questions

October 2, 2019 at 7:46 am

Thanks Simon, yes very helpful however also after thinking about it, flying would save quite a bit of time if we just fly from Seoul. A bit more research to do I think.

October 3, 2019 at 2:32 am

No doubt about it – flying will save you many hours. If you want to visit the likes of Busan, Fukuoka, or Hiroshima en route, then the ferry works great, but if you’re really just trying to get from Seoul to Osaka direct A to B, flying is way faster and very likely cheaper (unless you’re getting the JR Pass for Japan anyways). I always do it by train & ferry, but that’s mostly just out of a preference for overland travel.

March 10, 2020 at 11:35 pm

There is a 1500 character maximum and my first attempt at a reply was too long.

Usually I don’t post messages but I’m making an exception because I found your blog to be very helpful.

1) In regard to corona virus, ferries are saying: “…suspension of passenger handling…” which I understand means they’re not taking passengers until at least 31st March and possibly longer.

2) Is there a way that readers can see the date of the blog post – to know how current it is? I can’t find anything except March 2018 seen on the first post in the comments section.

3) On 7th January 2020 an international visitor departure tax of ¥1000 was introduced by the Japanese Government. See here>>> https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/kansetsu/kanko/pdf/05.pdf Perhaps it should be added to the list of extra charges on ferries?

March 10, 2020 at 11:40 pm

This is the second of two replies.

4) I tour Japan in the really slow (by bicycle) every year and I know lots of other foreigners do as well. I mean tour by bicycle, but not every year!

Finding the cost of transporting a bicycle on the ferries to/from Korea is difficult.

Camellia Line carry bicycles for ¥1,000. Kampu Ferry seems to have 2 fares; ¥1,000 and ¥2,000. Reading their blurb it seems to suggest it needs to be in a bag. Can’t find anything on Panstar.

Neither my computer nor mobile can access info about fares on DBS Ferry website – Sakaiminato to Donghae. The ferry looks like a good option though.

5) Beetle does have an English page>>> https://www.jrbeetle.com/en/ It seems a bicycle can only be taken aboard Beetle if it’s in a bag.

Anyway, thank you very much again for all the research you’ve done.

March 15, 2020 at 9:22 am

Thanks for taking the time to leave such a detailed comment.

This page was published in early 2017, shortly after this website first went online. I’ve made multiple updates since then to keep it accurate – it was overdue for updating actually though, and you’ve prompted me to do so.

The new tourist tax is included at time of booking, so that shouldn’t be an issue. And I’ve directed readers with bicycles to see your comment, it’s not something I’d ever thought to check so thanks for sharing those details. My friend took his motorcycle on the DBS ferry in both directions Vladivostok-Sakaiminato, so you shouldn’t have any issues with a bicycle.

As for Beetle finally having an English website again – hallelujah! About time.

March 20, 2020 at 2:46 pm

The DBS cruise ferry (Sakaiminato to Vladivostok via Donghae) is now canceled permanently.

March 24, 2020 at 4:44 am

Hi Martin, thanks for the update. Where did you see this? I haven’t heard anything

March 24, 2020 at 6:53 am

I was in Sakaiminato about a month ago and went to the tourism information office by the railway station (domestic ferry pier) there inquiring about the DBS ferry. The staff told me it’s been canceled permanently, and not just due to the coronavirus outbreak, the website also seems down and it cant be booked anymore.

March 26, 2020 at 5:29 pm

That’s a real shame, it was a useful route. Their website’s still working for me, but yeah I see Direct Ferries has it listed as cancelled now. I’d better take it off the page. Thanks again for the update!

January 30, 2022 at 6:30 pm

Hi Simon – thanks for your very helpful website! I have been using it lots for planning a bike tour through Asia next year.

Any word on if the ferry from Korea to Japan is going to run again? I understand it was cancelled due to COVID in 2020 but any idea when it will run again? Direct Ferries still says no routes for all the Japan ports from Busan.

Thanks again!

January 31, 2022 at 5:23 pm

Cheers Maddie, glad it’s been useful.

I expect the Busan-Japan ferries to start again once both countries are letting visitors in without quarantine. As things stand, Korea is letting visitors in with 7-day quarantine but Japan still isn’t letting tourists in.

I can’t see the ferry companies having enough demand to start operating again until both borders are back to normal, which doesn’t look likely to be the case until late 2022 at the earliest. Fingers crossed for your trip in 2023!

(although if you’re planning an Aisa-wide bike trip for next year, I’d guess your biggest problem is China. I’m not confident they’ll even be letting tourists in next year either)

January 20, 2023 at 11:55 am

Hi Maddie and Simon, Any news on the ferry from Korea to Japan at this point? I would travel to South Korea (and eventually Japan) in April-May of this year (2023). Thanks! katrijn

March 18, 2023 at 6:43 am

Hi Katrijn,

The ferries are now running again, JR Beetle presently has one service per day in each direction (from Fukuoka to Busan at 9am and returning from Busan to Fukuoka at 3pm)

February 8, 2023 at 7:38 pm

Hey Simon, Thanks for the great post! I would definitely be lost on figuring out the ferry system if it wasn’t for your post! We’re flying into Tokyo next month and flying out of Seoul back to the states, we were hoping to spend some time in Busan and then head to Seoul. Would you recommend the JR Beetle or anything in particular? We were hoping to travel light with just a carry on and maybe a checked bag so we were wondering if there were any extra fees for luggage? I think flights from Fukuoka to Busan are around 100 each and I think the ferry might be a bit less. Let me know if you have any suggestions! Thank you so much again!

March 18, 2023 at 6:46 am

Sorry for the slow reply, yes I’d recommend taking the Beetle, you can get tickets for 4000 JPY at the moment. They presently have one sailing per day in each direction, and it’s fine to board with checked baggage (I once did it with a snowboard bag!). I think there might be a fee if you check multiple bags, but one per person (plus a carry-on) is fine.

July 6, 2023 at 4:14 pm

Hey Simon, we are Paolo and Sara from Italy and we are planning to reach Japan by road next year. We will cross through Russia and then take the ferry from Vladivostok to South Korea and then from Busan to Japan. We will travel with our pets (a dog and a cat). Do you know if Camellia Line or Kampu Ferry accept animal?

July 8, 2023 at 8:26 am

Hi Paolo and Sara,

It’s a nice idea but I’m afraid it might not be possible. The Vladivostok-Korea-Japan ferry ceased operating so unless there’s a new service that route won’t work, which means you’d have to go through northeast China and take a ferry to Korea from Liaoning, Tianjin or Shandong (see here ).

However, if your intention is to drive by car my understanding is that Korea only allows you to bring in your own vehicle if you have residency. I may be wrong about this, but I wouldn’t recommend just turning up and hoping for the best – only attempt it if you 100% know it’s possible. Furthermore I know China allows tourists to come in on their motorbikes but I’ve heard that bringing a larger vehicle in requires special permits and an official guide. Again, I don’t know this for sure but you need to find out from someone who does.

If you’re talking about travelling by bus then of course the vehicle rules aren’t an issue, so you should be able to go Russia-China-Korea-Japan by road and ferry… but also I don’t know if China is even issuing tourist visas for overland entry yet. They’re pretty strict with visas and only recently started letting tourists back in.

And then there’s the pets… I do know Korea & Japan allow pets in, but again the rules & procedures are quite strict so you need to have all the right paperwork etc. I’m afraid I have no idea if China would let them in or not.

I hope you guys can manage to do it. Good luck!

January 24, 2024 at 4:06 am

Hello Thanks for your message. According to the camellia line website it is not allowed. But I have seen that they did on trial in 2023 where dogs were allowed.

Did you manage to go to Japan by ferry with dogs and cats ? I would be super grateful if you could share your experience.

August 4, 2023 at 4:28 pm

Hiya Simon,

This is all extremely helpful and I’m really grateful for your blog! It’s a travel bible!!

Do you know if the ferries available all year around? I am trying to book one in advance for November but there doesn’t seem to be an option beyond October. Am I correct in thinking you can only make online reservations for the Panstar Ferry (Osaka – Busan) upto 2 months in advance? …If you have any idea? It’s just we were looking to fly into Japan and out of Korea for Oct/Nov. Am I being too keen? 🙂

Any help much appreciated!

August 13, 2023 at 11:46 am

Hi Addie, yes that’s a good plan and the ferries do operate all year. You should be able to book for November from next month.

August 9, 2023 at 6:02 pm

I’m wondering if it’s possible to take a ferry from South Korea directly to Shikoku? If not direct, is it possible to change ferries in Shimonoseki or somewhere else? I will be on a bicycle.

August 13, 2023 at 12:04 pm

Hi Grover, Japan has loads of domestic ferry routes and there is one to Shikoku from Kita-kyushu, which isn’t far from Shimonoseki. Website here (Japanese only). It departs at 21:55, boarding time 21:00, ticket sales open 19:30. Departure point is Kokura Port, next to Kokura Station. Arrives in Matsuyama at 5:00

It’s only a few miles from Shimonoseki to Kita-Kyushu, but they’re actually on different islands (Honshu and Kyushu, respectively). I don’t think you can cycle over the bridges, but there’s a tunnel for pedestrians & cyclists. Or you can just jump on the JR train for a couple of stops.

September 16, 2023 at 5:19 pm

This is such great info – really useful! Thank you for taking the time to document and update all of this. 🙂 I’m planning a year long trip around Asia in 2024 and my idea was to take the ferry from Busan across to Fukuoka just as you’ve mentioned above. Good to know regarding having some Yen already in-hand for getting from Port to the main city.

You mentioned collecting your JR pass, or buying train tickets at the the counters upon arrival to Fukuoka.

Do you know if it’s possible to order and collect a sim card from the Port also? I find having a local sim much easier and cheaper to use in each country, plus with my sense of non-direction I find it much more comforting to know I have access to the internet for help should I need it from the point of arriving at Port.

September 22, 2023 at 8:23 am

I don’t think you can arrange that for the ferry port, but you can definitely arrange to pick a SIM or pocket wifi up at the airport (see here and here ). Fukuoka airport is only 2 subway stops from the main train station, but you’d still have to get there from the ferry terminal first.

But you may be able to get a SIM delivered to you in Korea, or in your home country before you depart (this may depend on how long it’ll take you to get to Japan, as I think the SIMs usually have an activation deadline). See here

These options are summed up with some other info on my page here

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[2024] Korea – Japan Ferry – Take the Boat Korea-Japan

There are several ways in which you get from South Korea to Japan.  The easy option is to fly, but if you’ve made it down to Busan, then we recommend the Korea-Japan Ferry routes. From a short 3-hour trip from Busan to Fukuoka by ferry on the JR Beetle to the 14-hour overnight relaxation on the Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry, this is a great way to relax between countries and also explore a little culture on the way.  You can get a ferry from Busan to Fukuoka, or to Shimonoseki.  We’ve included all the details including links to book each of the ferry companies and options online.

Since we first sailed this route in 2014 the world has changed a bit, the boats might be updated, you can book most of them online and a couple have gone by the wayside. Here are the ferries that go from Korea to Japan in 2024.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

Buy Your Ferry Ticket Here

Buy the JR Queen Beetle Fast Ferry from Korea to Japan – or from Japan to Korea here. Buy ahead of time for the best prices and a guaranteed seat.

South Korea to Japan is served by multiple ferry routes and companies.  Each South Korea Japan ferry has pros and cons.  This overview covers each of the routes and how to buy tickets on the Korea-Japan ferry routes.  Our in-depth coverage is of the Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry, when we opted to spend a night on the ferry and also to arrive in Shimonoseki, where it was easy to collect our JR Pass for our transport around Japan and for us to get to our first destination, Nagasaki.

We’ll cover all the details of how to book tickets for each of the ferries, but the easiest way to book tickets is to do it online.  We will also detail South Korea to Japan ferry prices.  You can book tickets online directly with the ferry companies in 2024 and there are details below.

Check out all the things you need to do before you get to Japan with our Japan Travel Checklist

Korea Japan Ferry Routes 2024

Here are the routes by ferry from Korea to Japan.   Please note that in addition to the ferry fares listed, there is also a port fee and a fuel fee to pay before you exit Korea.  These are noted where we have the information.  Where it is possible to book tickets online we’ve detailed it, otherwise, you can book all tickets at the desks in the Busan Ferry Terminal.

Note that you can book the Camelia line ferry now on 12goAsia here.

Ferries connect 2 ports in South Korea with several ports in Japan.  Panstar runs a ferry that goes from Busan to Osaka, but it is going into dry dock late April 2024 for “an undetermined length of time”.

So, now, in 2024, there are 3 ferry companies running the routes between Japan and Korea. At the time of writing (February 2024), you can book online, but some ONLY directly with the ferry companies. These are the ferry companies going from Korea to Japan.

• Camellia Line Korea to Japan Ferry (Fukuoka/Hakata to Busan) >  Book tickets now
• JR Kyushu Beetle Jet from Busan to Japan ferry (Busan to Fukuoka) >  book now
• Kampu Ferry from Busan to Shimonoseki > book now
• Panstar (Busan to Osaka to Busan) – temporarily not running after late April 2024, but when they do, the site for booking is either the Japanese site or the Korean site . Alternatively use Direct Ferries – note they don’t run EVERY Day, so you’ll need to juggle the dates.

What is the South Korea to Japan Ferry Price?

The cost of the Busan Ferry to Japan depends on the specific service that you select to travel from South Korea to Japan.  We have detailed the estimated prices of the different ferry services from Korea to Japan in the sections below. The prices are estimated because they fluctuate based on the day of the week and the time of the year. Check the prices of the different ferry options here.

What is the Busan to Japan Ferry Schedule?

Each different ferry from South Korea to Japan runs on a different schedule.  We have included these schedules in the sections below.

Busan to Fukuoka Ferry 2024

The ferry terminal in Fukuoka is about a 40-minute walk from the JR Fukuoka railway station.    Several ferry companies run a ferry from South Korea to Japan on the Busan-Fukuoka route, their details are below.

JR Beetle Busan to Fukuoka 2024

The JR Beetle Fukuoka to Busan is the JR Beetle Ferry that runs from Japan to Busan.  (The port of Fukuoka is also known as Hakata Port).  Ferries run ONCE a day and the journey takes 3 hours.  A single Fukuoka to Busan ferry costs from 8000 JPY per person (and the same in reverse)  You can book the JR Beetle here with Direct Ferries . The price depends on the day of the week. The price also depends on the time of year.

The JR Beetle leaves Busan at 15:00 and arrives in Fukuoka at 18:40. For the route in the opposite direction the JR Beetle leaves Fukuoka at 09:00 and arrives in Busan at 12:40

We traveled on the JR Queen Beetle from Japan to Korea in 2023 and you can read about our trip on the Fukuoka to Busan ferry here.

Camellia Line Busan to Fukuoka 2024

The Camellia Line runs an overnight ferry from Busan to Fukuoka with crossings taking 12 hours.  This currently runs THREE TIMES A WEEK Check their website for the running dates. This Busan to Fukuoka overnight ferry service is a car ferry.  The return trip from Fukuoka to Busan takes slightly less time (7 hours) and runs during the day.  The Busan Fukuoka ferry price on this route is from 7,200 YEN.  You can make an online reservation here.  

Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry 2024

The ferry company that runs the Korea-Japan ferry route from Busan to Shimonoseki is Kampu Ferry.   Here’s a link to their Facebook page , which is the best way of contacting them. You can book this online as of February 2024, but their website is not secure, so until they’ve changed this it’s best to try booking personally.

These fares and times are all confirmed for 2024.

The Busan to Shimonoseki ferry leaves at around 21:00 each day, although check-in closes at 18:00.  This ferry arrives in Shimonoseki at 07:45 the following day.  This is a vehicle ferry, and check-in details are different for vehicles.    A single one-way fare in second class is 9,000 JPY.  The prices are in Japanese YEN because this is a Japanese ferry company.  You can make a reservation by telephone or email, or in person at the Busan Ferry Terminal.

There are several reasons to take the ferry to Shimonoseki from Busan

• There is a JR pass collection point just a very short walk from the Shimonoseki ferry terminal.
• It’s an overnight ferry and so you can save on accommodation costs
• Our first stop in Japan was Nagasaki and logically it made sense for us to travel there from Shimonoseki.

You should buy your Japan Rail pass before you get to Japan.  It’s a great way to travel around the country. 

Where is the Busan Ferry Terminal Location?

The Busan ferry terminal address is Pier 4, north/east of Busan train station.  Note that this is a different terminal from the Jeju Island Ferry Terminal.  It will take you approximately 10 minutes to walk from the Busan railway station to the Busan ferry terminal.  Leave Busan station at Exit 8 if you’ve come from Seoul.  You can also take a shuttle bus if you have lots of luggage.  If you want to take the shuttle bus, then exit the railway station from exit 4. The shuttle between the Busan railway station and the Busan ferry terminal costs 1100 won.  You can also pick up the shuttle from the Busan subway line 1 station.

Busan Ferry Terminal Map

There are two ferry terminals in Busan.  We have noted both on the map below.  International ferries to Japan and Russia leave from a different terminal at the Jeju Island Ferry Terminal in Busan.

You can also view this map of the ferry terminals in Busan here.

Busan Ferry Terminal Facilities

The entrance to the Busan Ferry Terminal is on the ground floor.  Departures, booking offices, and check-in are on the 3 rd floor.   The arrivals are on the 2 nd floor, which is also where you will find tourist information.   On the 2 nd floor of the Busan Ferry Terminal, there is also a currency exchange and ATMs.

The ferry terminal has free-to-use Wi-Fi, shops, places to eat, toilets, and, of course, the booking offices and check-in with the various ferry companies that travel between Korea and Japan.

Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry Times

The Busan to Shimonoseki ferry schedule is as follows.

• Busan: 21:00 > 07:45 Shimonseki
• Shimonoseki: 19:45 > 08:00

Note that check in time in Busan is from 10am until 18:00 and in Shimonoseki from 13:00 to 18:30

The Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry departs at 21:00.  It arrives in Shimonoseki at 07:45 the following day.  Check-in for this ferry is between 10:00 and 18:00.  You and your luggage must be checked in by this time, as while the ferry does not leave the dock until 21:00, you cannot leave the ferry after you have checked in and moved onto the ferry.  Note that check-in is different from boarding.  After you have checked in you are free to do what you want.  Once you board you cannot leave the boat.

Don’t forget to buy your JR Pass

You will arrive in Japan early the next morning and be able to get (with the speed of Japanese trains) easily to most places.  Be sure to book your JR Pass before you get to Japan . 

While you can buy a JR Pass in Japan it is cheaper to buy it BEFORE you get to Japan > You can read our in-depth guide on the JR Pass here

Buy Tickets for the Korea Japan Ferry

You can now buy tickets for all but one of the Korea Japan ferries online and I’ve included the links above in the first section of this article. If you’re in Korea and looking to buy tickets in person, then the details are below.

When we traveled there were NO online sites to buy tickets for the Busan to Shimonoseki ferry.  You can now buy tickets on their website or call them and book the tickets over the telephone.

You can also easily buy tickets at the ferry terminal for the overnight ferry from Busan to Shimonoseki.   There is no issue (apart from obvious availability) with buying tickets right up until the last minute.

We bought tickets from the ferry office itself at the passenger port in Busan the day before we wanted to travel.    Book tickets by telephone for the Kampu Ferry here.

What you need to book tickets for the Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry

• Departure Date
• Destination
• Do you want a one-way or round-trip ticket?
• Type of Cabin
• Full Name of all passengers
• Number of passengers
• The nationality of all passengers
• Passport number of all passengers
• Date of Birth of all passengers
• Gender of all passengers
• Telephone number or E-mail address

Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry Ticket Cost

The Busan to Fukuoka ferry price on Kampu Ferry can be found here.   We traveled second class. You can pay extra for private rooms.  There are choices of cabins on board (no sleeping on chairs).  Second-class choices are sleeping in communal cabins on the floor (Asian style) or a dorm of bunks, which go two bunks high.  We chose the bunk room.

Our Busan to Fukuoka ferry cost was :

• Ticket cost: 95,000 KRW
• Departure fee: 13,000 KRW
• Fuel Charge: 2,100 KRW (payable only in cash)

You can check the current pricing – and buy over the phone directly with Kampu here.

Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry Check-in Procedure

We checked in at the same counter where we bought our tickets for the ferry, South Korea to Japan route.  We checked in, as directed at 17:30.  We also had to arrange payment.  Our second class ticket cost us 95,000 KRW plus a 13,000 KRW departure fee.  There is an additional fuel charge, this, when we traveled was 2,100 KRW.  Check when you make your booking what your fee is.  You need to pay the fuel surcharge in cash.  There is an ATM here in the Busan Ferry Terminal that accepts foreign ATM cards in case you don’t have any cash left. Find out more about Japanese ATMs and the Yen here .

Check-in does not mean board.  They are separate procedures.

Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry Boarding Procedure

While check-in is referenced as being between 10:00 and 18:00 it doesn’t mean you can board.  After check-in we could not board until 18:20., Kampu Ferry boarding was strictly between 18:20 and 18:40.  Yes, that’s not a typo, you have a small window of opportunity to get on board.

Luckily, the stores in the ferry terminal close at 18:20 (bizarre!) so we had nothing left to browse, although the free internet there was useful.

Boarding is very organized, and the queueing was very civilized.   We carried our own bags in and walked around the various second-class rooms.  The staff spoke enough English to send us in the right direction.

Please be aware if you’re selecting the sleep on-the-floor traditional rooms, then you should remove your shoes before entering.

We opted to take the bunk rooms and had it entirely to ourselves.  There were two of these rooms and we were the only occupants of both of them!

We boarded at 18:30, but the ferry did not depart until 21:00.

Kampu Ferry – Busan to Shimonoseki – Our Experience

We had worries that we’d be able to find somewhere to sleep but our concerns about finding somewhere to sleep were unfounded.  We booked second-class tickets, and this ticket is room on arrival.  This ferry has two types of accommodation at the basic level that we’d purchased.  Bunk rooms and Japanese open-style rooms.

We had one of the two 49 bunk rooms entirely to ourselves.  All other travelers on our trip were Korean or Japanese and had opted for the open-style rooms.

There’s a duty-free shop on board and also a currency exchange, which was great because the boat doesn’t accept foreign credit cards on board.  So our Korean won became Japanese yen.  The duty-free shop also sells noodles, crisps, and souvenirs.  Be aware though that the shop isn’t open 24 hours, so check the opening hours when you board.

Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry Onboard Facilities

• Karaoke Lounge
• Massage Chairs
• Restaurant open for dinner and breakfast (we ate dinner in the restaurant but for breakfast ate noodles in our “cabin”)
• There are also a Japanese-style gender-segregated public bath. The gender-segregated public baths are open until 10 pm and they open again at 6 am.

There’s power in the cabins, so you can charge devices, phones, and the like. You’ll need a power adapter so that your plugs fit in the sockets. Our guide to Power Adapters for Japan is here.

Food on the Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry

Tickets for dinner in the restaurant are bought from a vending machine that’s found at the entrance to the restaurant.  Have a go if you take this ferry, it’s fun and it will get you used to Japanese culture.

The food was good, service was excellent.  We simply presented our tickets to the staff and they brought our food to the table.

Busan to Shimonoseki Showers & Onsen Facilities

The Japanese tradition of public bathing is something that we’ll get used to over the next 24 days in the country, so we might as well start now.   The Kampu Ferry from Korea to Japan has two public bathing areas, one for women and one for men.  They are clearly signposted.

I went for a bath at 21:00 just as the ferry departed.  As I arrived a woman was getting undressed.  She changed her mind got dressed and went out again.  Yikes.  Something I said?

There’s an entranceway with a half curtain across the next area.

This is where I leave my shoes, slippers, or flip flips and this is where I leave my clothes in a basket.

The changing area has a washing machine and dryer, so if you’re stuck for something to do on the ferry, whip out the dirty clothes and stick them in there. There’s no attached coin insertion area, and the drier takes care of my travel towel for free after I have a bath.

In this area, there are wash basins and hair dryers.  There’s a bank of shelves with baskets, where I put my clothes and towel and then I walk through the door into the bathing area.

The Onsen on the Kampu Ferry

First things first, a shower. I sit down on the little plastic stool to wash, so I don’t splash the other users of the bath while I’m showering. The idea is that you get clean with the shower (and body soap and shampoo are all provided), then rinse all the soap completely off, before you get into the bath to relax.

Shower again once you get out of the bath.

There are two baths here, in the women’s bathing area.  There is a small ledge around the edge, that you can sit on under the water. I sit on the floor in the bath and get my shoulders immersed in the reasonably hot water.

This bath is more like a small swimming pool.  And it’s obvious that we’ve set off, as I end up with a little wave machine action.  When the waves start to overflow and hit the shower area I decide that it’s time to depart, shower, and head back to the room.

Sleeping on the Busan to Shimonoseki Ferry

The sign says lights out at 22:30 and that’s exactly what happens. On the dot of 22:30, the lights go out, so we pull the curtains on our beds and settle down for a good 7 hours of sleep.  The dorm-like beds on the ferry are comfortable, there are curtains on each bed.  It’s very cozy and I feel very safe.  We’ve both selected bottom bunks.

The ferry ends up anchoring somewhere at around 04:00, which is a little noisy, but we don’t arrive at the port of Shimonoseki until just before 08:00

Arriving in Japan at Shimonoseki Immigration

As we arrive in Shimonoseki, the immigration is just for this ferry, so the three lines of people are just limited to the 40 people who have been on the ferry from Korea with us.  It’s a breeze!

We’re last of course. As we manage to pick the slowest line. Nigel gets through and then it takes the combined might of all three immigration agents, and their supervisor to identify over a 15-minute period that the IC chip in my passport isn’t working. This is my new only 5 months old passport. They copy it. Nigel isn’t allowed to stay and is moved on through customs and outside, where he spends the time “chatting” with a plain clothes police officer. I get quizzed on my route and feel relieved that we did book a (cancellable) flight out of the country, so I’m able to show them my departure details.  Check out how we did this in our guide to requiring and obtaining proof of onward travel.

Eventually, after they seem to try to pull my passport apart, copy every page of it, and make copious notes, I’m allowed through. Customs is then a breeze, although they want to look through my bag and discuss toiletries, and then we’re off heading for the Japan Rail Pass collection and our first Japanese Train.

Travel Tips for Exploring Japan

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Get online immediately with an eSIM for Japan
• Take the right POWER ADAPTER to Japan
• Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Japan > discount coupon here
• Read our guide to the Japan Rail Pass here
• You can buy JR Passes from Klook > check details here
• Or buy JR Passes from JRailPass here with delivery in 24-48 hours (including to your hotel in Japan)
• Want to know what its like at a Maid Cafe ?
• Read about experiencing Sumo Practice in Japan
• Read about staying in a Ryokan town in Japan
• Learn to cook Japanese food in Chef’s kitchens in Japan
• Read about ATM fees in Japan here.
• Save money in Japan with a Wise debit card
• Find the right accommodation for you via Booking.com
• Book an incredible ryokan experience in Japan

Final Words on Taking the Korea to Japan Ferry

This is an excellent way to both leave a country and to arrive in one. It was an adventure in itself. There were in total about 40 of us on the ferry. We had an entire bunk room to ourselves and had a peaceful nights sleep. The bathrooms were great, the food was good and we also saved on a nights accommodation, arriving at a port where we could exchange our JR Pass exchange order for a JR Pass, and then get straight on the train to start exploring Japan! I really recommend it!

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Sarah Carter

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8 thoughts on “ [2024] Korea – Japan Ferry – Take the Boat Korea-Japan ”

• 8 comments

I heard about the ferry ride when I went to Japan and Korea, but didn’t know it was going to be on the pricier end.

For us it was cheaper than a flight and overnight accommodation and it’s a very cool experience 🙂

Stumbled over your great site looking for info on Japan. Looking to visit Sth Korea, eat up a storm and then ferry it to Japan, in particular Snorkeling in Okinawa. Trying to gather my research … Have you thought about adding a Pinterest link? I use it to save all my relevant research.

Thanks! I thought I had a pin on this post, and there’s supposed to be something that pops, darn it, I’ll go and see what’s gone wrong!

These ferry’s are not running due to COVID

Thanks for the useful information, planning to do a Korea & Japan trip this winter so this is handy.

do you think it is better to take the Overnight ferry to Fukuoko t or Shimonoseki if we are heading to Hiroshima?

If you’re taking the train to Hiroshima, then I’d go to Fukuoka rather than Shimonoseki – as while its slightly further away, its actually easier (and quicker) to take the train from Fukuoka to Hiroshima than Shimonoseki to Hiroshima (its 30 minutes quicker and no changes).

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South Korea & Japan: Seoul to Tokyo

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Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

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On the global pop culture scene, South Korea’s star has steadily risen in recent years. That’s thanks in part to sensationally popular Korean TV shows and films, foods, beauty trends, and pop bands that have taken the world by storm—and piqued travelers’ curiosity about the country in the process. Korea’s easterly neighbor, Japan, offers up rich history, cultural immersion, and impeccable hospitality that’s always in high demand. Spend two weeks getting to know these neighboring Asian nations, from their neon-lit cities to their rural villages to their serene, natural landscapes. If you want to venture a little farther off the beaten path, extend your tour and explore Hokkaido, Japan’s mountainous, northernmost island.

Your tour package includes

• 13 nights in handpicked hotels
• 13 breakfasts
• 4 dinners with beer or wine

Included highlights

• Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
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• UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan
• Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan
• Kushida-jinja Shrine in Fukuoka

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Seoul today.

Welcome to South Korea! Settle in to your hotel this evening.

Meet up with your local guide and get to know South Korea’s capital city, Seoul. Situated in the northwestern reaches of South Korea, the thriving metropolis is home to modern skyscrapers, ornate Buddhist temples, grand palaces, and nearly 10 million residents. It’s also the perfect place to experience many of the fun and dynamic Korean cultural trends—from K-pop music to novelty foods—that have flourished around the world throughout the last decade.

• Step inside the 14th-century, 7,700-room Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was built by King Taejo and is widely considered the most beautiful of Seoul’s five grand palaces.
• Watch the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, a reenactment of the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty; the ceremony features colorful reproduction costumes, as well as instruments and weapons, based on historical records.
• Visit the National Folk Museum of Korea to learn about traditional ways of life, which are rapidly disappearing as a result of modernization and urbanization.
• Enter bustling Gwangjang Market, the city’s oldest traditional market, where you’ll find everything from street food to silks to hanbok—traditional Korean clothing whose origins date back more than 2,000 years.
• Enjoy a tasting of the market’s not-to-be-missed street food, followed by free time to shop and explore on your own.
• Get to know your fellow travelers over an included welcome lunch, served with beer or wine.

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History of the Korean War: DMZ Visit

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Board a high-speed bullet train bound for the city of Gyeongju. Often referred to as the “museum without walls,” Gyeongju is home to several impressive archaeological sites and three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Climb aboard your coach for a short transfer to Bulguksa Temple; the treasured head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism was established on the slopes of Mount Toham in the eighth century.
• Explore the temple with a monk as your guide, then choose to make prayer beads or a lotus flower lantern.

Sit down with your group this evening for an included dinner served with beer or wine.

Spend the morning exploring the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, the final resting place of nobility of the Silla Kingdom, or Golden Kingdom, which ruled from 57 B.C.–935 A.D. You’ll have a chance to enter one of its burial mounds and view some of the 11,000 artifacts and royal crowns that showcase the lavish lifestyles of Korean royalty.

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Enjoy an included dinner this evening served with beer or wine.

Meet up with a local guide to explore Busan, a dynamic port city at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula. Home to roughly 3.5 million people, Busan is the country’s second-largest city. Here, visitors will find a little bit of everything, from bustling city streets to scenic beaches to excellent restaurants.

• Pass through the heart of the city to popular Yongdusan Park and make a photo stop at its nearly 400-foot-tall Busan Tower, which features an observation deck and cafe.
• Travel to colorful Gamcheon Culture Village and learn how it evolved from a downtrodden destination for Korean War refugees to a must-see destination known for its colorful dwellings and labyrinthine alleyways.
• Head back to the city and visit the vast Jagalchi Fish Market, whose vendors sell just about every kind of fish and seafood imaginable.
• Enjoy free time for shopping and lunch along Gwangbok-dong Cultural & Fashion Street, whose shops sell everything from bargain finds to luxury goods.

Busan Harbor Cruise & Korean Barbecue Dinner

Today, fly to Fukuoka, the largest city on Japan’s Kyushu Island. With your Tour Director leading the way, head for a tour of the city, which was formed in 1889 when the castle town of Fukuoka and the port city of Hakata merged.

• Visit the eighth-century Kushida-jinja Shrine, whose highlights include a fountain where people pray for eternal youth.
• Learn about the shrine’s famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, which takes place every July and culminates with residents of seven Hakata neighborhoods racing beautifully decorated floats along a three-mile course through the city.
• Wander along the Naka River to Nakasu, a small island packed with stalls selling street foods such as Hakata ramen and yakitori.

Head to a local restaurant this evening for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

Travel to Nagasaki this morning and meet up with your local guide. Set out to explore the area, which was Japan’s early gateway to trade with the West, as well as the target of an atomic bombing by the United States in 1945. Today, the area’s unspoiled beaches and islands attract swimmers, divers, and sea kayakers.

• Visit Nagasaki Peace Park, which serves as both a symbol of hope and a reminder of the horrors of war.
• Explore the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum’s exhibits, which shed light on the city’s devastating history and post-war life.
• Sit down for an included lunch this afternoon at a local restaurant.
• Set off on a walking tour through the city, including its cosmopolitan center, as well as historic neighborhoods, like Dejima, which was constructed in the 17th century as a man-made island to segregate Portuguese residents from the Japanese population.

Board a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto this morning. Then, get to know the city that served as the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years and is still considered its spiritual capital.

• Start in western Kyoto’s historic Arashiyama district, which is known for its temples, shrines, and stunning natural beauty.
• Step inside the UNESCO-listed Tenryū-ji temple, which was originally constructed in the 12th century and is considered one of Kyoto’s most important sites.
• Wander through the famous and photogenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, whose towering, 160-foot-tall bamboo stalks flank a singular pathway.
• Take in views of the rolling, tree-covered hills that surround the Hozu River.
• Cross the wooden Togetsukyo Bridge, which was originally built more than 1,200 years ago and stretches nearly 170 feet across a river that’s known as the Hozu to the west and the Katsura to the east.
• See the famous, 14th-century Kinkaku-ji temple, widely known as the Golden Pavilion, which sits at the edge of a tranquil reflecting pond and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Board a high-speed bullet train to Tokyo, then spend the afternoon exploring Japan’s bustling capital with your Tour Director leading the way. Ancient shrines and temples, peaceful parks, and modern skyscrapers make up the tapestry of the city, which is home to nearly 14 million people.

• Snap photos of the Imperial Palace, which occupies the site of the original Edo Castle and is home to Japan’s emperor; its impressive grounds feature moats and massive, stone walls.
• Pass through the Shinjuku District, a major hub for shopping and nightlife with neon signs as far as the eye can see.
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Join a local guide and get to know more of Tokyo, from its historic past to its vibrant present.

• Drive through central Tokyo to iconic Shibuya crossing and snap photos of the world’s busiest crosswalk—some 3,000 people cross from all directions simultaneously during rush hour—from an elevated viewing point.
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• Drive to Yoyogi Park—one of the city’s biggest public parks—and take a short walk to Meiji Imperial Shrine, the final resting place of Emperor Meiji.
• Stroll through the colorful Harajuku neighborhood, where Tokyo’s history and present-day pop culture intertwine.
• Explore Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple, the city’s oldest and most sacred temple.
• Peruse a vibrant variety of handmade crafts and local fare at the centuries-old Nakamise Shopping Arcade.

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Celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.

Aokigahara Forest & Mount Fuji

Transfer to the airport to board your flight home, or choose to continue your adventure with a visit to Hokkaido.

Today, fly to Sapporo—the capital of Japan’s mountainous Hokkaido island and one of the country’s youngest major cities (in 1857, its population clocked in at a mere seven people). The city also played host to the Olympics in 1972. Spend the afternoon exploring the city alongside your Tour Director.

• Enjoy a comforting bowl of Sapporo’s famous ramen—the iconic Japanese noodle soup originated here—during an included lunch.
• Walk through Odori Park—the sprawling green space separates the city into north and south—and enter the iconic Sapporo TV tower, which dates back to the 1950s, and take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.
• Pass Sapporo’s clock tower, the city’s oldest building, as you make your way to Niko Market.

Travel to the charming harbor city of Otaru. Here, you’ll take a short walking tour alongside your Tour Director, cruise along the city’s canals, and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Later, visit the local brewery and enjoy a guided tour through the brewery where you’ll learn how the best ingredients are chosen, view the fermentation process, and see how the beers are manufactured and packaged. End the tour with a tasting of fresh off-the-line beer before enjoying free time for the rest of the day.

Enjoy a free day in Sapporo or add an excursion.

Volcanic Hokkaido

From $99 per person

Board a flight back to Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day or add an excursion.

Tokyo Dinner & Karaoke

From $105 per person

Enjoy a free morning in Tokyo. Then, transfer to the airport to board your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 5 out of 5

South Korea and Japan are beautiful countries and I really enjoyed my visit. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience different cultures.

We had a great time on this trip, the itineraries and tour directors were amazing, very fun and with lots of insight. Even if you do all the excursions you still get time to explore on your own and the director + any other trainees you may pickup along the way, are there to help; even if it’s just t...

Alexis, thank you for your shining review. We are ...

Patient, courteous tour director especially Kumiko, Japan tour director. Very good English.

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This downtown hotel is located in Seoul’s vibrant Myeongdong district. Guests enjoy the fitness center, city views, and on-site cafe. Nearby you’ll fi...

This grand hotel is located in historic city of Gyeongju. Guests enjoy the beautifully manicured gardens, outdoor pools, and on-site coffee house. Nea...

This contemporary hotel is located a few minutes walk from Busan’s beautiful Haeundae Beach. Guests enjoy the fitness center, spacious rooms, and on-s...

This boutique hotel is located the vibrant Sanjo district of Kyoto. Guests enjoy the thoughtfully designed décor, on-site restaurant, and the 1867 bar...

This comfortable hotel is located on Odaiba Island, Tokyo. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and room service. Nearby, you’ll find Pallete To...

This modern hotel is located in Fukuoka’s Nakasu neighborhood. Guests enjoy the on-site restaurant and tea lounge, as well as Tempur-pedic pillows. Ne...

This centrally located hotel is in the heart of Sapporo. Guests enjoy the two different restaurants featuring Western and Japanese cuisine, bike renta...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• In order to enter South Korea and Japan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
• We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
• Beginning January 1, 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa from the South Korean government’s Electronic Travel Authority website www.k-eta.go.kr prior to departure.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact South Korea’s and Japan’s consulates for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code SKJ.
• You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills. You may need to climb stairs when visiting temples.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and small boats.
• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Directors who accompany your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Directors is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and they cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• You will have two separate Tour Directors on this tour: one in South Korea and another in Japan.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Seoul and depart from Tokyo. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• High-speed train transfers from Seoul to Gyeongju, Fukuoka to Kyoto, and Kyoto to Tokyo, as well as a flight from Busan to Fukuoka, are included in the price of your tour. The tour extension also includes a round-trip flight between Tokyo and Sapporo.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers may only bring personal items or carry-on sized luggage on the train transfers. Any large-checked luggage will be transferred for you from Fukuoka to Kyoto and from Kyoto to Tokyo directly.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• In South Korea, typical foods include rice, noodles, kimchi (a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented cabbage, radish, or cucumber and seasoned with ingredients like fish sauce and chili flakes), and bulgogi—a popular Korean barbecue dish.
• Most Japanese meals are based around rice or noodles with fish, meat, and vegetables flavored with soy sauce and miso. You may recognize popular dishes like sushi, tempura, and hot pot.
• Japan operates on 100 volts and uses a Type A plug, the same as in the U.S.
• South Korea operates on 220 volts and uses Type C and F plugs.
• The strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• All destinations visited are 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 1am on the following day on tour.
• You will use the the Korean won in South Korea and the Japanese yen in Japan.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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Japan vs South Korea: which impressive East Asian destination should you visit?

Apr 28, 2023 • 6 min read

Take the plunge at a Japanese onsen, or join the hallyu (“Korean Wave”)? © Stocksy; Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images

At the easterly side of East Asia, Japan and South Korea are perennial favorites of savvy travelers – and for good reason.

But if you had to choose just one (we’re sorry), which one would get the nod? Below, two of our regular writers on the region make the case for their favorite.

It’s just Japan

Regular Japan visitor and rail expert John Walton expounds on the many ways – both fast and slow – to explore his favorite country to visit. His top Japanese journeys include following rural rail lines up to relaxing hot spring towns and exploring local foodways.

I’ve traveled in both Japan and South Korea, and both are wonderful. Yet the former is the country I return to again and again.

Japanese trains are irresistible

The incredible railway network that blankets all of Japan is one of the country’s top draws – and wins out over South Korea’s trains, which I’ve also taken. Even with its recent price hikes , the Japan Rail Pass offers a fabulous value for shuttling between cities at up to 200mph (320km/h), relaxing on a comfortable Limited Express, exploring tiny local branch lines or enjoying cultural experience on the special Joyful Train excursion services.

If I had to pick a few favorite train trips, I’d go with the Tohoku Shinkansen’s top-speed section north of Omiya, the single-car branch line between Abashiri and Kushiro in Hokkaido, the Limited Express Yakumo from Okayama to Matsue and the SL Ginga steam trains from Takasaki.

A country for all seasons

Japan is several times the size of South Korea, and crosses a lot more climatic zones – from tropical Okinawa to the northern island of Hokkaido , snowy in winter but delightfully cool in summer. 

This means there’s not only simply more to do, but that there’s more variety, as well as a wider range of seasons of pleasant weather.

Since I’m no great fan of the rain and humidity of the tsuyu early-summer season, I’ll head north to Hokkaido then, where the temperatures are balmy but not muggy, to enjoy the freshest of fish in historical Hakodate. Come autumn, I love to head southwest to Kyūshū to extend short-sleeve weather: Kumamoto and Kagoshima are delightfully sunny and warm even into late November.

Relaxing ryokan and onsen culture

Formal appearances can be deceiving: Japanese people love to relax, and they’re great at it. They’re also excited to share their traditions with visitors. Traditional ryokan hotels, especially those with attached onsen hot-spring baths , provide the perfect way to build intensive relaxation time into your trip.

From the moment I arrive at a ryokan , my worries melt away and all I have to think about is what book I want to read sitting by the scenic window in my room. In a picturesque onsen town I fancy going for a little wander in a yukata robe as I ponder which of the often multiple onsen baths I want to slip into to soak away my cares (and relieve my sore traveler muscles). Gunma ’s Kusatsu-Onsen is famous for a reason, yet tiny Bessho Onsen near Ueda in Nagano  – up the side of a mountain reached by a tiny private railway – is my favorite hidden gem.

Thousands of onsen can be found around Japan, from the famously beautiful one in Matsuyama that inspired Miyazaki’s Spirited Away to the one inside the railway station at Echigo-Yuzawa. I love dipping my tired toes into one of the stone public foot baths that you’ll find in many tourist areas.

Hiking, skiing and nature

An antidote to a very urbanized society, Japan’s outdoor activities are many and widespread. Once you get out of Japan’s cities, the natural beauty is a stunning surprise – accessible by both Shinkansen and local trains. Hiking is incredibly popular, while so many people love skiing that there is a special seasonal spur of a Shinkansen bullet train line that goes directly to the Gala Yuzawa ski resort .

Don’t miss the gorgeous Sanriku Coast in the Tohoku region, with its rugged yet human-scaled peninsulas and promontories. Rugby-loving Kamaishi or sleepy Miyako, with its stunning Jōdogahama Beach , are great starting points for exploring this region. 

If you’re interested in it, Japan has it.

South Korea takes the crown

Tom O’Malley has ventured both north and south of Korea’s DMZ, and worked on the current editions of the Korea and Seoul Lonely Planet guidebooks. His favorite Korean dish is sundubu-jjigae (spicy tofu, pork and kimchi stew).

For this throw down of east versus slightly more east, I’m fighting in the K-corner – though in full disclosure I really love Japan, too. Still, in the spirit of partisanship, here’s my take on why South Korea deserves to be your next adventure destination. 

The “It” culture

First, a question: how far would you have gotten in Squid Game ? I reckon I’d have made it past the terrifying giant doll and then died trying to nibble the dalgona (sugar candy biscuit) without it breaking. The fact that you almost certainly know what I’m on about illustrates something: Korean culture is crushing it right now. From Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite winning Best Picture at the Oscars to girl group Blackpink blowing up Coachella, the world can’t get enough of South Korea. It’s a phenomenon dubbed hallyu (the “Korean Wave”), and it’s been building for years. 

If you had the chance to time travel back to Belle Époque Paris, say, or London in the swinging ’60s, you’d go, right? Japan peaked in the 1980s before the bubble burst, yet South Korea’s golden age is happening right now. Why not go and be a part of it?

I appreciate that’s all a bit abstract, so let’s go head-to-head, starting with size. Japan is almost four times bigger than South Korea. And while there’s arguably more to see in Japan overall, that’s part of the problem. Itinerary planning is a headache, and getting around is expensive.

No such worries apply in South Korea, however. You can travel the length of the country – from the electric capital Seoul to the bustling southern port city of Busan – in just a couple of hours by high-speed train, with side forays to any number of incredible places, like the ancient tombs and temples of Gyeongju , or the dreamy peaks and waterfalls of Seograksan National Park . Or why not venture right to the edge of North Korea with a trip to the DMZ ? 

Fiery flavors

And then there’s the food, to my mind always one of travel’s chief pleasures. Japanese cuisine is elegant, subtle and often…well, raw. Are those really the best food adjectives? Personally, I want my meals to slap me around the face with flavor, heat and spice – and that’s exactly what you get from Korean cuisine.

Whether you’re cooking up galbi (beef short ribs) on a tabletop grill, going hard on chimaek (fried chicken and beer) or slurping down a fiery kimchi-and-pork stew, eating is a hearty, visceral pleasure in Korea. And a word about banchan , those little side dishes of delicious treats you get with most meals: they’re both free and refillable. What’s not to love?

Delightful people

A final word has to go to the true highlight of any trip to South Korea: the Korean people themselves. It’s as if hospitality, helpfulness and respect are hard-wired into their DNA. You can guarantee that as you travel through the country, you’ll have encounters with locals that will leave you feeling that little bit more positive about this planet we all share.

Sure, it could happen in Japan as well, but they’re probably too busy reading manga.

South Korea for the win.

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May 3, 2024 • 14 min read

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Highlights of Korea and Japan

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Local Cuisine

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11-14 Nights

From US$4198.00

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Tour Highlights

• Enjoy a beginner expedition to two countries and visit their must-see sites.
• Perfect for travelers who would like to see the main features of South Korea and Japan.
• Stay one night at Japanese-style accommodation and unwind in the hot spring they offer.
• See the award-winning “Nanta Cookin’ Show” at a theater in Central Seoul.
• Experience kimchi making, a kimono fashion show, and a sushi making class.
• Select itineraries include opportunities to visit during the cherry blossom season or visit Hiroshima.
• Experience a traditional green tea ceremony hosted by an apprentice geisha (maiko).
• Visit the DMZ, a buffer zone between North and South Korea.

Korea (Andong - Gyeongju - Seoul ) Japan (Nara - Kyoto - Hakone - Mt Fuji - Tokyo)

11-14 Nights | From US$4198.00

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Journey to both south korea and japan in one tour package for the perfect introduction to two incredible asian countries..

For those who love to explore and learn about differnt cultures, consider visiting these two major countries in Asia - Japan and South Korea! While the two countries share many similarities, they also have their own unique cultures. All Japan Tours has designed a special itinerary for guests, showcasing unique locales, “must see” tourist attractions, colorful cultural traditions, and delectable dining. Travel in comfort by private coach bus while your English-speaking guides show you t... View More

For those who love to explore and learn about differnt cultures, consider visiting these two major countries in Asia - Japan and South Korea! While the two countries share many similarities, they also have their own unique cultures. All Japan Tours has designed a special itinerary for guests, showcasing unique locales, “must see” tourist attractions, colorful cultural traditions, and delectable dining. Travel in comfort by private coach bus while your English-speaking guides show you the Highlights of South Korea and Japan. Begin your tour in the beautiful country of South Korea, staying in Seoul for your first night. You will then make your way to Andong Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a river flowing along its borders. Travel to Gyeongju, known as the “museum without walls” for the amount of tombs, pagodas, rock carvings, Buddhist statuary, and palace ruins that can be found in the area. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit Gyeongju National Museum and also Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia. Make your way back to Seoul, where you will stay for two nights, exploring the enormous city. Visit the chief temple of Korean Buddhism and visit Insa-dong Antique Street, where you can purchase handmade crafts. Before leaving South Korea to continue your Asia expedition, visit the DMZ, which serves as a buffer zone for North and South Korea. Once you have flown from Seoul to Osaka, you will start your tour of Japan by traveling to Nara, where you can see the giant statue of Buddha at Todaiji Temple, or make new friends with the hundreds of wild deer. In the ancient city of Kyoto, you will experience the best gardens, temples, and shrines. Enrich your cultural side by partaking in a traditional green tea ceremony hosted by an apprentice geisha (maiko). Travel towards Mt. Fuji, visiting Hikone, where the beautiful Hikone Castle is surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring, and stopping at Hakone to take in the amazing views of Mt. Fuji. Stay overnight at a Japanese-style hotel, where you can relax in the hotel's hot spring bath. Once you have reached the bustling city of Tokyo, enjoy a bird's eye view of the city from Tokyo Tower, learn to make your own sushi, and during spring, visit Ueno Park, where you can see over a thousand cherry trees. With exclusive access to gardens, temples, shrines, castles, museums and specialty shops, you will have a one of a kind experience and a chance to see why these countries are popular tourist destinations. Selected tours also include a visit to Hiroshima, where you will learn about the tragic history and bright future of the city. With tours based on seasonal attractions, and must see sites in every tour, you will truly enjoy your time in these two wonderful countries. We plan our tours based on seasonal attractions, with must see sites in every tour. Below are our Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour itineraries with seasonal changes:

7 trips through Japan

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Autumn

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju / Seoul), Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4298.00

Explore two beautiful countries in Asia - Korea & Japan in one tour.

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Spring

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Summer

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju / Seoul), Japan (Osaka / Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

Highlights of Korea and Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju /Seoul), Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hikone / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4498.00

Explore Korea & Japan during the most beautiful time of the year - the cherry blossom season.

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Spring with Expo 2025 Osaka

13 days 12 nights | from us $4598.00.

Explore two beautiful countries in Asia - Korea & Japan in one tour, plus Expo 2025 Osaka!

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Summer with Expo 2025 Osaka

Explore two beautiful countries in Asia - Korea & Japan in one tour, plus Expo 2025 Osaka.

Highlights of Japan and Korea with Hiroshima: Cherry Blossom Tour

Japan (Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Hikone / Koka / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Obokekyo Gorge / Takamatsu / Kobe), Korea (Andong / Gyeongju /Seoul)

15 Days 14 Nights | from US $5698.00

Explore Japan & Korea during the most beautiful time of the year - the cherry blossom season.

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Planned by experts, based on seasonal favorites and must-see sites.

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Learn to create your own Sushi, meet a geisha or maiko, and more

Meet locals and visit rural areas of Japan you might miss on other tours

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Tokyo to Sapporo

Tokyo to Tokyo

Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo to Osaka

Tokyo to Hiroshima

Tokyo to Fukuoka

Tokyo to Okinawa

Tokyo to Seoul

Tokyo to Kushiro

Kyoto to Tokyo

Kyoto to Kyoto

Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka to Sapporo

Osaka to Tokyo

Osaka to Osaka

Osaka to Kotohira Onsen

Osaka to Fukuoka

Osaka to Okinawa

Fukuoka to Sapporo

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Must-See Cities

Kiso Valley

Sado Island

Akan National Park

Shirakawago

Kinosaki Onsen

Seasonal Attractions

Sanja Festival

Cherry Blossom Viewing at Yoshinoyama

Sendai Aoba Festival

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido

Cherry Blossoms in Tohoku

Cherry Blossom Festival at Matsumae Park

Cherry Blossom Festival at Ueno Park

Cherry Blossoms at Maruyama Park

Cherry Blossoms & Azaleas at Mifuneyama Rakuen

Shibazakura Festivals

Shibazakura Festivals of Hokkaido

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Great Wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park

Baby Blue Eyes Flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park

Takayama Spring Festival

Kyoto Aoi Festival

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Miyako Odori

Tenjin Festival

Tohoku 3 Great Summer Festivals

Aomori Nebuta Festival

Akita Kanto Festival

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Gion Summer Festival

Awa Odori Dance Festival

Lavenders in Hokkaido

Tanabata Fireworks

Karatsu Kunchi Festival

Jidai Festival

Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

Lake Kawaguchi Momiji-Kairo

Autumn Leaves

Takayama Autumn Festival

Obara Shikizakura Festival

Japan Winter Festivals

Sapporo Snow Festival

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Asahikawa Winter Festival

Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival

Ice Breaker Cruise

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Things Not to Miss

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Seikan Undersea Tunnel

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

Asakusa Sensoji Temple

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavillion)

Todaiji Temple

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Miho Museum

Koka Ninja Mansion

Ise Grand Shrine

Mikimoto Pearl Island

Himeji Castle

Izumo Grand Shrine

Naoshima Island

Gunkanjima Island

Mt Takasaki Monkey Park

Matsumoto Castle

Tokyo Tower

Kiyomizu Temple

Gion Geisha District

Kyoto Cuisine with Maiko

Green Tea Ceremony

Shikoku Pilgrimage Route

Takayama Festivals

Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko Interaction

Sushi-Making Experience

Tokyo SkyTree

Ghibli Museum

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Kenrokuen Garden

Hikone Castle

Zen Meditation (Zazen)

Calligraphy Lesson (Shodo)

Ikebana Lesson (Flower Arrangement)

Kimono Experience

Taiko Lesson

Dotonbori Street Food Tour

Nakasendo Hike

Snow Monkeys

Most Beautiful Places in Japan

Otaru Snow Light Path

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Kurashiki Canal Area

Miyajima Island

Shimanami Kaido

Takeda Castle

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine

Adachi Museum of Art

Takachiho Gorge

Oirase Stream

Tottori Sand Dunes

Wisteria Tunnel at Kawachi Fuji Gardens

What our customers say

  4.9 stars based on 501 REVIEWS

It was a great tour and included everything we wanted to see during the 11 days of touring. The Tour Leader (Kim) and our Drive (Bamboo San) were outstanding.

Our tour was wonderful as was our tour guide and bus driver. Miharu was not only knowledgeable she also had a great sense of humor and made certain the group was comfortable and safe. She was amazing. The meal choices were excellent. I would definitely recommend this tour to others.

Guide was very informative and fun. Fast paced meant seeing more. Route was excellent.

Our guide, Miharu-San was outstanding! She told excellent stories, was entertaining and even comedic at times! Tour was well organized and covered a lot everyday. I believe everyone in our group was fulfilled and tired at the end of the day. All of the hotels (except in downtown Osaka...Hotel Eselreine...room was too small for three people!) were excellent. Only disappointment but due to weather was not being able to see Mt. Fuji.

It was well organized and the guides were knowledgable and informative. Some hotels were nicer than others .

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Japan or South Korea? How to choose your next holiday destination

It turns out comparing countries isn’t all that easy to do…at least, not without a little help.

You might be under the impression that deciding which destination to travel to is the easy part, but the decision becomes a lot trickier when you’re choosing between two breathtaking Asian countries – Japan and South Korea.

Japan has the tradition and the food, but South Korea has the city of Seoul and K-pop so how are you supposed to pick one?

To help you out with this almost impossible dilemma, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide comparing the two countries when it comes to culture, landscapes, weather, cuisine, and cities so you can jet off knowing you made the right choice.

Japan might be the land of futuristic technology and vending machines that sell everything under the sun (no literally, you can buy fresh lobsters and lucky charms) but its ancient culture dates back thousands of years with traditions influenced by Confucianism (introduced in AD285) and Buddhism (introduced in AD522).

Although there are several elements of old-school Japanese culture practiced throughout major cities and rural areas such as tea ceremonies, sumo activities, bowing, geishas, and kendo, it’s actually Japan’s newer generations that are setting the cultural tone these days in a fast-paced world full of avant-garde fashion and virtual realities.

However, there’s still a focus on core traditional values such as modesty, respect, and discipline but this is more present in the older generation with the country’s young people preferring a life of flamboyancy and ostentation. 

DISCOVER JAPAN ON OUR JAPAN: LAND OF THE RISING SUN TOUR

Thinking about South Korea’s culture can be overwhelming considering it dates back to 2,333BC but it prides itself on several core values that are still practiced today: respect, fairness, harmony, and adaptability (among others).

It’s these Confucius beliefs that underpin South Korea’s society with the majority of nationals participating in daily ancestral offerings, adhering to tiered interactions (strict hierarchal roles), and respecting community elders.

However, like with many other cultures, the younger generations are forging a new, less traditional path with less emphasis on humility and more importance placed on individuality and equality among all.  

When you think of Japanese landscapes you might automatically think of Mount Fuji and while that’s definitely a landmark you have to set your sights on when you go to Japan, there’s so much more natural beauty to marvel at.

Boasting more than 6000 islands including Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Honshu, Japan’s geography consists of mountainous terrain, forested areas, natural hot springs, active volcanoes, and tranquil coastlines, as well as built-up cities, to explore.

Whether you feel like wandering through Aokigahara, a wildlife-infested forest on the outskirts of Mount Fuji, taking in the beauty of bamboo groves, or trekking up one of the many hiking trails on Mount Takao, this country’s wonders are both diverse and unique.

RELATED: NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO VISIT JAPAN

You’d be forgiven for not exactly knowing if there are any South Korean landscapes worth travelling thousands of kilometres for, but we can assure you the country is full of natural wonders from mystical forested mountain ranges to rocky and dramatic coastlines.

While Japan has Mount Fuji, South Korea has the smaller but no less impressive Halla-san – an extinct volcano that rises 6,398 feet high (compared to Mount Fuji’s 12,389 feet) and is located on Jeju Island. But that’s not all.

From UNESCO World Heritage-listed national parks like Seoraksan National Park with its unique rock formations and refreshing hot springs to Suncheon Bay with its extensive wildlife and breathtaking coastal areas, Mother Nature really did her best in South Korea.

Japan’s weather tends to surprise a lot of people with different conditions and patterns experienced in different parts of the country from sticky, humid summers to cold, snowy winters but regardless of the season, Japan offers plenty to see and do.

If heavy snow (and the snow-based activities that come with it) tickles your fancy then head to the northern region of Yamagata from December to February, but if a light dusting is all you’re after, it might be worth visiting Hiroshima in the country’s south.

If you’re travelling during the summer and you’d rather keep humidity levels to a minimum, Tokyo’s the city for you with expected average temperatures around the 27°C mark (hot but not sticky). Osaka also experiences warm weather during the summer months and a mild winter making it one of the better year-round cities to visit.

JOIN OUR JAPAN EXPRESS SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE

South Korea’s weather is much like that of its Asian neighbours – the summertime is considered the hot and rainy season and winter temperatures tend to drop below freezing in most parts of the country. For this reason, spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons to visit.

During the months of March, April, and May, as well as September, October, and November, you can expect mild but comfortable temperatures without the rain and humidity experienced during the peak summer season. However, these optimal seasons never seem to last long so you really have to make the most of this country’s good weather while you have the chance.

Your feet don’t have to do all of the exploring when you get to Japan. Embark on a culinary adventure and let your tastebuds take over with delicacies such as sushi, ramen, and okonomiyaki on the menu in most restaurants and eateries around the country.

Want to try something on-the-go? Pick up your next snack from one of the many vending machines you’re bound to see with seafood, ice cream, and hot meals all options for when you’re busy but peckish.

But a meal isn’t complete without a refreshing beverage to wash it down with; luckily, Japan has plenty of those. From traditional sake to antioxidant-packed green tea, trying out Japan’s cuisine is an experience you don’t want to miss.  

RELATED: WHAT IS JAPAN FAMOUS FOR?

It’s hard to separate Japan and South Korea when it comes to their respective cuisines, like how can you pit sushi and kimchi against each other?! Answer: you can’t. But where Japanese food is centred on variety and balance, South Korean food is generally hot and spicy with ingredients such as fermented chilli paste and powdered red chilli the star of many traditional dishes.

However, long before Korean corn dogs stole the hearts of foodies around the world, traditional dishes such as bibimbap (a concoction of meat, vegetables, egg, and rice), jeon (a savoury pancake), and mandu (boiled, steamed, or pan-fried dumplings) were what travellers immediately sought out.

Other notable meals to try in South Korea are kan poong gi (spicy fried chicken), yook hwei (South Korea’s version of steak tartare), and gimbap (seaweed rice rolls). Oh, and you can’t forget to have Korean BBQ.

JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTH KOREA ON OUR SOUTH KOREA REAL FOOD ADVENTURE

While Japan’s natural beauty can’t be denied, it’s the country’s vibrant, history-laden cities that steal travellers’ hearts the world over – think Kyoto with its ancient shrines and temples, Tokyo with its entertainment and neon-lit streets, and Hiroshima with its cherry blossoms and war memorials.

But Japan’s alluring cities go further than the popular, tourist-riddled ones. Take Nagoya for example. It’s actually Japan’s third biggest city but is often overlooked in favour of its bustling neighbours when in actual fact, it has a lot to offer in terms of attractions, culture, and cuisine.

From its collection of castles and religious monuments to the Osu district (the go-to place for second-hand goodies and delicious street food), Nagoya may just surprise you in the best way.

EXPERIENCE THIS DIVERSE COUNTRY ON OUR PREMIUM JAPAN TOUR

South Korea’s cities range from chaotic and concrete jungle-like to peaceful and history-filled with destinations such as Seoul and Gyeongju at the top of travellers’ lists – and with good reason.

Seoul is full of interesting things to see and do – Gwangjang market, Bongeunsa Temple, and Hanok Village are all must-visits – and even boasts plenty of breathtaking natural parks and gardens to wander around.

Gyeongju, on the other hand, is a slower-paced, ancient city that feels as if it belongs in a different time thanks to its UNESCO world heritage listed temples and historic monuments.

But these cities aren’t the only ones popular among tourists with several others such as Busan (a beachside retreat), Suwon (known for its impressive scenery), and Daegu (the economic hub of the country) all capturing hearts and taking up camera roll space.

The verdict

Japan and South Korea might be similarly located in Asia, but they couldn’t be more different, and to be honest, choosing between the two is pretty much impossible. Both countries offer incredible experiences thanks to their respective cultures, cuisines, and attractions – in fact, you can’t really go wrong with either of them. So, we’re calling this one a draw. 

Kate Gazzard

When I was 11, my parents asked me whether I wanted a pool for the house or a trip to Fiji. I chose Fiji, and I've made travelling as much as I can a priority ever since.

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South Korea

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

South korea - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for South Korea.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.   
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

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Quick Facts

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No – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy seoul.

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, Korea Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114)  DSN:721-4114 Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate in Busan

Lotte Gold Rose Building #612, Jungang-daero 993, Jin-gu Busan 47209, Korea Telephone: (+82) 51-863-0731 Email:  [email protected]

The Embassy and Consulate are closed on weekends and on  American and Korean holidays .  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +82 (2) 397-4114.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the  Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)  is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
• Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

• In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the  Korea Immigration Service (KIS)  before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

• Consult  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide , and follow all instructions.
• Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
• Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
• Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months .

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy  (Including family members/dependents):

• Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency.  Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements. 
• TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do  not  require Korean visas and do  not  require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using  Department of State's eCC system  or  DOD APACS system .

HIV/AIDS Restriction:  The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

• Visit the  Embassy of Korea  website for current visa information. Please read our  Customs Information page .

COVID-19 Requirements :

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
• Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Safety and Security

Public Demonstrations:  Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK):  An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our  Fact Sheet on North Korea .

Weather-related Events:  Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  website.

Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ):  To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP. 

If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.

Crime:  For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets.

• Take routine safety precautions.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Report any concerns to local police.

Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant:

• Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts.
• If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups.
• Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.

Victims of Crime:  Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to police;
• Contact relatives or friends on your behalf;
• Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States;
• Replace a lost or stolen passport.

Sexual Assault:   The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security.  Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.

Domestic Violence:  Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if widely available.  It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States. The  Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice  has more information.

Avoid fraud and scams:  See  Department of State  and  FBI  websites for more information.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

• Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation.
• There is little tolerance for illegal drugs.
• If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.
• Commercial disputes may lead to criminal charges being filed under local laws.

Be aware that some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Dual Nationality and Military Conscription:  Dual national males (including U.S. service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate or the  Korean Military Manpower Administration  regarding potential citizenship obligations  before entering South Korea .

Passport Seizures and Exit Bans:  If you are involved in a criminal investigation or commercial dispute, authorities may seize your passport and/or block your departure. While we may reissue a passport, we cannot lift an exit ban.

Exit Permits:  Exit permits are not generally required. However, if a parent requests a travel restriction on his/her child, Korean authorities may prevent that child from departing even when traveling with the other parent. As of June 1, 2020, foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at the  www.hikorea.go.kr  website.

International Child Abduction:  See our website for information related to the  prevention of international child abduction . 

Working in South Korea:  If working, including teaching or modeling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status without leaving the country. If you begin work without the appropriate visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported. If you are working without a valid work permit and get into a contractual dispute with your employer, you have little legal recourse.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

ROK National Security Law:  Authorities may detain, arrest, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state,” including statements deemed to praise the political system and/or officials of the DPRK. 

Customs Regulations: There is strict enforcement of regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, narcotics and prescription drugs, non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. Importation of materials deemed to be obscene, subversive, or harmful to the public peace is also restricted.

• Amphetamines are illegal in Korea. Do not bring amphetamines or other prescription narcotics into the country without obtaining advance permission in writing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. See the  U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page .
• Traveling with Pets: See  Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency  website.

See the  Korean Customs Regulations website for complete information.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTI-oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTI issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Korean citizens can legally change their gender identity.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Mobility Issues:  Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Cross walks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include Korean Braille information. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward.

Quality of Care : Western-style medical facilities are available in most large cities. However, not all doctors and staff, are proficient in English. A  list of hospitals  and medical specialists who speak English is available on our website. For emergency ambulance service dial 119. Ambulance services are widely available. For information on medical evacuation from South Korea, please see the State Department’s brochure on  Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers . 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Verify your health insurance coverage before traveling overseas. See our webpage for information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.

Medication:  Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Most prescription medications, except psychotropic types, can be obtained at Korean pharmacies (brand names often differ). Local pharmacies will require a prescription from a Korean doctor.

Update  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For further health information go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents.

Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Traffic Laws include:

• International driving permit (or ROK license) is required for all drivers.
• Left-hand turns prohibited except with green arrow.
• Seat belts and car seats are mandatory.
• Motorcycle passengers must wear helmets.
• Automobile drivers are presumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians.
• Expect long waits at police stations while police investigate any incidents.
• Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation.
• Even if negligence is not proven, criminal charges may be filed.
• Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
• Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests; refusal can result in cancellation of your license.

For information about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to our  Road Safety page . You may also visit the  Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of Korea's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the ROK's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

South Korea was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  South Korea.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Tourists take photos in front of Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, April 26. The number of Korean visitors to Japan last month was more than 661,200, a record high in April. Reuters-Yonhap

The number of Korean visitors to Japan last month reached more than 661,200, a record high in April, as Korea cemented its position as the top source of foreign tourists to Japan.

According to data released on Wednesday by the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of Korean travelers increased by 16.7 percent from the same month in 2019 before the global coronavirus pandemic.

Mainland China, which had been Japan’s most important tourist market for years before the pandemic, came second with 533,600 visitors, followed by Taiwan with 459,700.

Since the beginning of 2024, Korea retained that top spot for the fourth consecutive month. The number of Korean visitors the previous month was 663,100, a record high in March. For January and February, a total of more than 1,650,000 people flocked to Japan.

The Japanese yen’s slide to a 34-year low made the country a bargain destination for travelers from Korea and other countries, with the number of arrivals this year projected to exceed the previous record of 31.9 million in 2019.

While the surge in arrivals is generally good news for Japan’s economy, it has caused friction with local residents, according to Japanese media reports. Complaints about noise and other issues have prompted authorities to tackle them with new rules and measures.

Starting this summer, fresh trail restrictions and a 2,000 yen ($13) fee will go into effect for Mt. Fuji climbers after a rise in pollution and accidents during last year’s hiking season.

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A surprise South Korean boom is going unnoticed

The country is riding an export bonanza courtesy of the u.s..

If only K-pop and cinema would get out of the way. South Korea has a ringside seat to the world economy, but struggles to get the attention it deserves. That's a pity because the view is promising and says much about upbeat global prospects. In some ways, developments are almost too positive.

What could be wrong with this? There will be no relief on interest rates soon. This, too, is a reversal. The central bank laid down an early marker in August 2021, becoming the first industrialized economy to tighten, way ahead of the Federal Reserve and before neighborhood inflation obsessives like New Zealand. With the current bullish conditions, borrowing costs will be slow to retreat.

It didn't look that way a year ago; economists confidently predicted multiple cuts beginning in late 2023. There was even a chance of recession. Prospects of such a downturn have greatly diminished. Inflation is proving a little stubborn and a rampaging greenback has weakened Korea's currency, the won, to a degree that worries the central bank. This is an unfortunate byproduct of robust conditions in America and diminished hopes for early reductions from the Fed, a shift that has reverberated through global markets. "I wouldn't call it starting from scratch,” Bank of Korea Gov. Rhee Chang-yong told reporters recently. "But the situation has changed.”

Nor is President Yoon Suk-yeol getting any kind of dividend from this economic buoyancy. His party received a drubbing in parliamentary elections last month when voters rebelled against Yoon’s hard-right policies. So great was the bloc's defeat that political scientists declared his rule over with several years left in his term.

Investor-friendly policies championed by Yoon, like deep cuts in capital-gains tax and union busting, will struggle to get traction. The average Korean has yet to experience better times. An index of consumer sentiment has hovered either side of the divide that gauges whether optimism or pessimism prevails. Boom times for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix don’t necessarily translate into euphoria on the streets. High levels of debt and worries about inequality have accompanied the country’s advance in recent decades — and inspired Netflix’s hit "Squid Game" and, a few year’s earlier, the Oscar-winning film "Parasite."

But don't let that crowd out some very good news. Gross domestic product in the first quarter increased an impressive 3.4% from a year earlier, beating forecasts by a handsome margin. Net exports were vital to this outcome. Construction, which had languished but stands to be a big beneficiary of the state's infrastructure program, showed signs of ticking up. Household spending is slowly improving.

Then just recently, blockbuster shipment data hit. Exports climbed more than 11% in April from a year earlier. Purchases by U.S. customers jumped by almost a quarter, easily surpassing the roughly 10% headed to China. That marked the third consecutive month when goods dispatched to America exceeded those destined for its neighbor. Proximity to Beijing no longer automatically bankrolls regional economies.

When many people think of Korean engagement with the world, they have in mind phenomena like BTS, the boyband sensation whose members are taking time out for military service, or more recent arrivals like NewJeans. To walk down some streets in Singapore is to wonder how many Korean BBQ places a single city can sustain. These are narrow or, at best, incomplete pictures.

The memory chips that drive modern electronics and artificial intelligence are hot property. There is much more to this economy than its cultural exports. All you need to do is notice the wiring.

Daniel Moss is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asian economies.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

China warns South Korea about closer ties with U.S., Japan

China cautioned South Korea on Monday about its deepening relations with the United States and Japan, stressing the increasing strain in Beijing-Seoul ties and urging against additional pressure on the relationship from external interference, according to South Korean media.

China's top diplomat Wang Yi said in his talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul in the Chinese capital that the "difficulties and challenges facing South Korea-China relations have clearly increased" and that Beijing does not desire such a situation, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Wang's remarks apparently referred to stronger ties among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo pursued by the government of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Cho called for managing relations between China and South Korea to prevent differences from escalating into conflicts, Yonhap reported.

"I believe it's important that not one side, but both sides, make efforts to carefully manage ties in a way that disagreements will not turn into conflicts for the development of bilateral relations," the minister was quoted as saying.

Cho and Wang also agreed to continue working together to ensure the success of an upcoming summit between Yoon, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, according to the South Korean Foreign Ministry.

The three-way summit, which will be the first between the countries since a gathering in December 2019 in Chengdu, southwestern China, is expected to take place in Seoul around May 26-27.

As for North Korea, Cho expressed concern over Pyongyang's threatening rhetoric and provocations that have escalated regional tensions as well as its military cooperation with Russia, the South Korean ministry said.

Cho called on China, which is North Korea's closest and most influential ally economically, to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability as well as the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, while Wang responded that Beijing will do so, the ministry added.

The two also agreed to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, including stable management of supply chains. Cho invited Wang to visit South Korea and the top Chinese diplomat said he would do so at a mutually convenient time, according to the ministry.

Cho, on a two-day trip to China through Tuesday, visited the neighboring country for the first time since he assumed the post of foreign minister in January. In 2022, his predecessor, Park Jin, held talks with Wang in the eastern Chinese port city of Qingdao.

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What's the best state for you », south korea's foreign minister to visit china next week.

South Korea's Foreign Minister to Visit China Next Week

South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul speaks during a joint press conference following an Australia and South Korea Foreign and Defence Ministers' meeting in Melbourne, Australia, May 1, 2024. REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/ File Photo

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's foreign minister Cho Tae-yul will visit China between Monday and Tuesday next week at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Friday.

It will be Cho's first trip to Beijing since taking up his post and marks the first visit by a South Korean foreign minister in more than six years.

The two will discuss issues ranging from bilateral relations to a trilateral meeting with Japan and the situation on the Korean peninsula, the ministry said in a statement.

Cho will also meet South Korean business leaders and exchange views on how to boost economic exchange between the two countries.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Ed Davies)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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8 unique birthday traditions from around the world

Every country, region, and family across the world has their own special customs to celebrate occasions such as Christmas , Easter , and birthdays. Maybe your family visited a favorite restaurant each birthday, enjoyed an intricately decorated cake, or woke up to a big breakfast of pancakes.

Living or studying abroad gives you a chance to see how other cultures celebrate, so let’s take a look at eight cool birthday traditions from around the world.

1. Turning 20 in Japan 

In Japan , the biggest celebrations occur when someone reaches an age that holds special significance, much like the sweet sixteen tradition in the US. Turning 20 is a big deal in Japan as it means you’ve officially reached adulthood. This is celebrated with a ritual called the Seijin Shiki , or ceremony of adulthood. On the second Monday in January, known as Seijin no hi (coming of age day), those turning 20 years old visit city hall dressed in traditional outfits to hear a speech marking their rise to adulthood. Many may then visit a shrine to pray for good fortune or go out to celebrate with friends.

2. Ear pulling in Spain

As well as cake, singing, and presents, birthdays in Spain come with a curious ritual: ear pulling. According to this tradition, known as “los tirones de oreja” , the birthday person receives one gentle tug on the earlobe for each year of their age. While the exact origin and meaning of this quirky custom are not entirely clear, some believe that since the ears are one part of the body that never stops growing, pulling the ears may signify a longer life.

3. Celebrate with seaweed soup in South Korea

If you’re celebrating your birthday while studying abroad in South Korea , you can expect to be served a dish of miyeok-gook, seaweed soup. Tradition dictates that this healthy dish rich in iron and iodine is eaten on every birthday. This shows respect and thankfulness to one’s mother, as it’s a common meal for mothers to eat before and after giving birth.

4. Baby fortune telling in Malta

The Maltese tradition of the ‘Quċċija’ is a unique event that takes place on a child’s first birthday. At the birthday party, a number of items are laid out on the floor, and the child is encouraged to crawl to them and pick one. The objects symbolize various professions, and whichever one they pick is believed to foretell their future career. So a textbook may symbolize a college degree, a ball may represent a career as a sportsperson, and a coloring book may represent a future in the creative arts.

Even if you don't actively participate in a Quċċija, locals in Malta take great pride in this custom and enjoy sharing stories about their own experiences with it. Whether recounting tales of successful predictions or amusing anecdotes about unexpected choices made by the baby, Maltese people cherish the tradition and love to reminisce about it.

5. Avoid bad luck in Germany

Birthdays are a big deal in Germany . Everyone and anyone will go out of their way to wish you ‘Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!’ But only on the day, never ahead of time. Superstitions dictate that it’s very bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday in advance. You can celebrate your birthday on the eve of your birthday, known as ‘Reinfeiern’ but don’t expect any well wishes until the clock strikes midnight. 

6. Be king or queen for a day in France

In France , if your birthday falls in January, you’ll likely celebrate with a ‘ Galette des Rois’ (King's Cake). It was eaten on Epiphany (the 12th day of Christmas) but now you’ll find it in boulangeries throughout the month of January. It’s made of puff pastry, and stuffed with a dense, creamy almond paste called frangipane. The baker hides a small figurine inside the cake, and when the cake is cut up equally between everyone, the person who finds the figurine inside their piece is crowned king or queen for the day.

7. Enjoy fairy bread in Australia

There is a whole category of food items that only exist at birthday parties in Australia . These are typically simple, sugary treats that have been popular at children’s parties for decades. But the most popular of all is one called ‘fairy bread’. It’s white bread, slathered with butter, cut up in triangles, and covered with sprinkles (called 100s & 1000s).

8. Show your love through cake in Brazil

In Brazil, it's tradition to share the first slice of your birthday cake with the person you love the most. This might be a parent, sibling, or grandparent. Some families break it down even more with specific traditions and honors unique to them.

Don't just learn a new language, live it: 10 world languages, 50 destinations

Exploring Cost-Effective Japanese SUVs in the Automotive Market

Discover the value-packed suvs from japan japanese suvs delighting consumers which japanese suvs offer the best value for money.

A midst a surge in vehicle prices from South Korea, the allure of Japanese imported SUVs with their affordability and value for money is drawing the eyes of South Korean consumers. With a reputation for safety and high manufacturing standards, Japanese vehicles are gaining popularity globally. Let’s delve into three Japanese SUV models that promise reliability without breaking the bank.

The Family-Oriented Honda Pilot A Large SUV with Ample Space for Family Travel

The American market favorite, Honda Pilot, stands out with its ample dimensions that cater to family needs, measuring in at 5,090 mm (200.4 inches) in length, 1,995 mm (78.5 inches) in width, 1,805 mm (71.1 inches) in height, and a 2,890 mm (113.8 inches) wheelbase. This robust SUV takes on competitors like Hyundai Palisade and Kia Mohave within South Korea.

Powered by a 3.5L V6 gasoline engine, the Pilot boasts a respectable 8.4km/L (19.8 mpg) fuel economy. South Korean consumers can enjoy a straightforward purchase of the Pilot Elite trim at $51,537, eliminating the complexity of multiple trim options.

Lexus NX: A Touch of Luxury Premium Design Meets Hybrid Innovation

The Lexus NX offers a luxurious option with a hybrid engine for those seeking more than just space. Launched in 2014 in Korea, the NX caters well to Korean preferences for high-end interiors. Its size is comparable to the Genesis GV70, and thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain, it justifies its slightly upper price with enhanced efficiency.

Starting at around $49,012, the NX provides a great alternative within the premium SUV market in South Korea.

Honda CR-V: Compact and Hybrid-Ready A Great Entry Point into Hybrid SUVs

For those who find the previous options out of reach, the Honda CR-V provides a more compact and affordable alternative. With choices between a 1.5L gasoline engine model and a 2.0L gasoline hybrid, the CR-V offers a starting price of $31,858. It competes with the likes of Hyundai’s Tucson and Kia’s Sportage in the domestic market.

Although not as competitive in pricing, the CR-V’s hybrid model still appeals to those wanting to experience Japanese hybrid technology at a lower entry price of $29,704.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Japanese SUVs popular in South Korea?

Japanese SUVs offer high safety standards, reliable technology, and cost-effectiveness, which make them a sought-after option among South Korean consumers.

What makes the Honda Pilot suitable for families?

With its large dimensions optimized for family use, the Honda Pilot provides ample space for passengers and cargo, making it an ideal family car.

Is the Lexus NX a hybrid vehicle?

Yes, the Lexus NX comes with a hybrid powertrain as a standard feature, combining luxury with efficiency.

How does the Honda CR-V compete with its Korean counterparts?

The Honda CR-V offers an entry into hybrid technology at a lower cost than some of its South Korean rivals, appealing to consumers interested in hybrid vehicles.

The current trend in the automotive market indicates a growing interest in Japanese SUVs among South Korean consumers. With models like the spacious Honda Pilot, luxurious Lexus NX, and the more affordable, yet technologically adept Honda CR-V, Japan’s auto industry presents compelling choices. These vehicles strike a balance between sophistication, technological advancement, and economic efficiency, making them significant contenders in the global SUV market.