Port information & tips for Seogwipo
Seogwipo on the sunny southern coast of Jeju Island is the subtropical jewel of South Korea and captivates with a dramatic volcanic coastline as well as a relaxed, maritime atmosphere. Travelers here enjoy fascinating natural spectacles such as the Jeongbang Waterfall, which is one of the few in Asia to plunge directly into the sea, and the striking Jusangjeolli Cliffs with their impressive basalt columns. The authentic Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market also invites you to sample regional specialties in a lively environment. Cruise ships dock at the modern Jeju Civilian-Military Complex Port in Gangjeong, from where the city center can be reached quickly and comfortably in about 15 minutes thanks to convenient shuttle connections or short taxi rides.
Arriving at and departing from the Seogwipo cruise port on the picturesque Jeju Island in South Korea is pleasant and straightforward, thanks to the international airport and well-developed road connections within the island. Cruise ships usually dock at the modern Gangjeong Cruise Terminal, which is located about 15 to 20 minutes west of Seogwipo city center and features excellent facilities.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, traveling by plane to Jeju International Airport (CJU) is the primary option. The airport is located in the north of the island, approximately 42 to 43 kilometers from the Seogwipo cruise port. Since there are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, the journey involves at least one layover at major Asian hubs. Due to the long flight duration, we recommend spending a night on Jeju Island the day before embarkation to start your cruise relaxed.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Jeju International Airport, you can easily reach the Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Terminal and the city center by taxi or bus. A taxi ride takes about 50 to 56 minutes and costs around 40,000 to 50,000 KRW (approx. 28-35 EUR). Please note the separate taxi ranks at the airport for trips to Jeju City and Seogwipo City to ensure you get into the correct line. Alternatively, the "Limousine Buses" of lines 600, 800, or 800-1 offer direct connections from the airport to Seogwipo, with a travel time of about 1 hour 9 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes and costs between 2,100 and 6,000 KRW (approx. 1.50-4 EUR). Free shuttles from the cruise lines or the local tourism organization to the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market in the city center are also often provided from the cruise terminal.
Rental Car & Arriving the Day Before
Jeju Island can be excellently explored by rental car, though an international driving permit is strictly required. Main traffic routes like the coastal road Ilju-ro (Highway #1132) and Road 1100 connect the island, with the drive from the airport to the port taking about one hour. Parking spaces for cars and larger vehicles are available at the Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Port. To optimally prepare for the start of your cruise and to enjoy the beauty of Jeju even before embarkation, arriving one day prior to departure and staying overnight in one of the hotels in Seogwipo or the nearby Jungmun Tourist Complex is highly recommended.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
