MOKPO, SOUTH KOREA: For most of us who want to go to Jeju Island, we would have taken the domestic flight from Gimpo Airport in Seoul. Few will consider taking the ferry. However, if you do have time, taking a ferry from Mokpo will give you a whole new experience.
Before we arrived in Mokpo, we were a bit comprehensive as I worried I might get seasick during the 4+hr journey. We cannot be more wrong. We had such a great experience taking the ferry that I decided to write about it.
Here are the reasons why you should travel to Jeju Island from Mokpo
We do recommend the morning departure. Hence, the thing you might have to consider is how much time you want to spend in Mokpo. Many will arrive in Mokpo the day before, stay a night and hop onto the ferry the next morning. However, I do recommend that you spend two nights in Mokpo so that you get time to explore Mokpo before heading to Jeju Island.
You get to see interesting sights.
Also able to Sample Mokpo’s Best Food. We spent two nights in Mokpo and we had a blast.
Before you arrive in Mokpo, my recommendation is to book the ferry tickets ahead of time as it does get filled during the peak periods and the prices go up when it is closer to the date. We got our tickets from Direct Ferries which is very easy for English speakers like us. We spent only about USD 32 per person, with no car on economy class, on Queen Mary, Seaworld Express Ferry. Do note that economy class will get you a futon area, there is no chair. You have options to get a cabin or suite etc. Once you have booked your ticket, you will need to collect the tickets from the terminal before departure.
The ferry departs from Mokpo Jeju Car Ferry Terminal. However, on Google Map, it is reflected as Mokpo International Terminal. I suggest that you do give yourself enough time to look for it and arrive at least 45-60 mins before the departure time.
To our surprise, we found out that Queen Mary is actually the largest cruise ship to Jeju Island. The boat is huge. Upon boarding, the staff checked our ticket and identification. It is a straightforward process.
If you are hungry, there are many options to choose from. We got snacks from 7-Eleven, a pastry from Paris Baguette and from the cafeteria.
And you can enjoy the sea breeze on the top deck, absorb the beautiful view and while away time
Alternatively, there are other entertainment options.
Taking the ferry to Jeju Island turned out to be one of the best decisions we made on our Korea holiday.