SOUTH KOREA · GANGNEUNG → ULLEUNGDO
The Gangneung to Ulleungdo ferry is one of the main routes connecting mainland South Korea with Ulleungdo Island. Sea Spo-Vill operates the Sea Star 5, a high-speed passenger ferry with a normal crossing time of about 3 hours. Schedules and the Ulleungdo arrival port can change by date, weather and sea conditions, so check the official schedule before departure.
01 · ROUTE & TRAVEL TIME
How to Get from Gangneung to Ulleungdo
The Sea Star 5 connects Gangneung on South Korea’s east coast with Ulleungdo. The official route distance is about 100 miles, and the normal one-way crossing takes approximately 3 hours. Gangneung is a practical departure point for travelers coming from Busan, Gyeongju, Daegu and other parts of southeastern Korea.
Departure times are not fixed throughout the year. Sea Spo-Vill publishes date-specific schedules, and the Ulleungdo port can also vary. Check your exact travel date instead of relying on a saved timetable.
A direct high-speed passenger ferry from Gangneung to Ulleungdo Island.
Sea Spo-Vill’s high-speed vessel used on the Gangneung–Ulleungdo route.
Normal one-way sailing time under regular operating conditions.
The Ulleungdo port may differ depending on the sailing schedule and conditions.
High waves, strong winds and other sea conditions may delay or cancel services.
02 · BOOKING & FARES
Book the Sea Star 5 on the Official Website
Use Sea Spo-Vill’s official website to check the sailing calendar, available seats and the fare for your actual travel date. Fares can vary by passenger category, seat class, peak period and applicable surcharge, so the booking screen is the best place to confirm the final price.
Sea Star 5 Booking
Choose your sailing date first, then confirm the departure time, Ulleungdo port, seat class and passenger details before payment.
- Select the Gangneung → Ulleungdo route.
- Choose your outbound date and return date if needed.
- Check the actual sailing time for each direction.
- Confirm whether the Ulleungdo port is Jeodong.
- Select your seat class and passenger category.
- Enter passenger information and complete the reservation.
03 · BEFORE YOU BOOK
Check These Details Before Your Trip
Ulleungdo ferries cross open sea, so weather can affect the trip more than on many short domestic ferry routes. Leave some flexibility in your itinerary and recheck the service before traveling to the terminal.
Bring the identification required by the operator. International visitors should keep their passport or other accepted ID available.
Check the official schedule for your exact travel date because departure times can change.
Arrive early enough for ticketing and boarding, and follow the operator’s check-in instructions.
Confirm whether your sailing is scheduled to use Jeodong before arranging local transportation.
Check and preferably reserve the Ulleungdo → Gangneung return sailing at the same time.
Delays, port changes and cancellations are possible when sea conditions are unfavorable.
04 · TERMINALS
Where Do You Board the Ferry?
The mainland departure point is Gangneung Passenger Ferry Terminal. On Ulleungdo, the exact port shown on your booking or official sailing notice matters because the service may use Jeodong depending on the date and operating conditions.
Gangneung Departure
- TerminalGangneung Passenger Ferry Terminal
- OperatorSea Spo-Vill
- VesselSea Star 5
- RouteGangneung → Ulleungdo
- Customer center1899-8114
After Arriving on Ulleungdo
- Possible portsJeodong
- ImportantCheck the port shown for your specific sailing
- Local transferPlan your bus, taxi or pickup after confirming the arrival port
- RecommendedDo not schedule your first activity too tightly around arrival
05 · WHO SHOULD CHOOSE THIS ROUTE?
Is the Gangneung Ferry Right for You?
Gangneung can be a practical mainland gateway when your Korea itinerary starts in Busan or southeastern Korea.
The route works well if Gyeongju is already part of your trip before heading to Ulleungdo.
The Sea Star 5 is a high-speed passenger ferry with a normal crossing of about 3 hours.
This route suits travelers who can allow for weather-related changes in an offshore island itinerary.
06 · FAQ
Gangneung to Ulleungdo Ferry FAQ
How long is the ferry from Gangneung to Ulleungdo?
The Sea Star 5 normally takes about 3 hours one way under regular operating conditions.
Which ferry operates from Gangneung to Ulleungdo?
Sea Spo-Vill operates the Sea Star 5 on the Gangneung–Ulleungdo route.
What time does the Gangneung to Ulleungdo ferry leave?
The departure time varies by date. Check Sea Spo-Vill’s official schedule for your exact travel date rather than relying on one fixed time.
Which port does the ferry use on Ulleungdo?
The service may use Jeodong depending on the sailing schedule and operating conditions. Confirm the port shown on your actual sailing.
Can the ferry be cancelled because of weather?
Yes. Strong winds, high waves and other sea conditions can lead to delays, port changes or cancellations.
Do international visitors need identification?
Yes. Bring identification accepted by the ferry operator. International visitors should keep their passport or other accepted ID available.
Should I book the return ferry in advance?
Yes, especially during weekends, holidays and busy travel periods. It is safer to arrange both directions rather than booking only the outbound ferry.
Can I take a car on the Sea Star 5?
The Sea Star 5 is a high-speed passenger ferry. If vehicle transport is essential, check a vehicle-capable Ulleungdo ferry separately rather than assuming this vessel carries private cars.