SOUTH KOREA · HUPO → ULLEUNGDO
The Hupo to Ulleungdo ferry was operated by H Shipping using the large Ulleung Sunflower Cruise, connecting Hupo Port in Uljin with Sadong Port on Ulleungdo. The crossing took about 4 hours 10 minutes and the ship could carry both passengers and vehicles. Important: regular Hupo–Ulleungdo sailings were suspended from September 2025, and no new regular 2026 timetable is currently confirmed. Check the latest operator or local port information before planning this route.
01 · CURRENT SERVICE STATUS
Is the Hupo to Ulleungdo Ferry Operating?
The Hupo–Ulleungdo route was previously operated by H Shipping with the Ulleung Sunflower Cruise. The company announced that the service would stop from September 2025 because of continuing operating losses, and its official website later stated that there would be no ship operations through the end of 2025. As of September 2026, a new regular timetable has not been confirmed on the operator’s official site.
Do not travel to Hupo Terminal expecting a ferry without checking the latest service status first. The route may return in the future, but a current regular 2026 operating schedule is not confirmed.
Regular Hupo–Ulleungdo service has not been confirmed for 2026.
The former service connected Hupo Port directly with Sadong Port on Ulleungdo.
A large cruise-style passenger and vehicle ferry used on the route.
The former published one-way crossing time.
The vessel previously carried private vehicles as well as passengers.
02 · SUNFLOWER CRUISE
What Was the Ulleung Sunflower Cruise?
Unlike the high-speed passenger ferries from Pohang, Mukho and Gangneung, the Hupo service used a large cruise-style ferry. The Ulleung Sunflower Cruise was approximately 14,919 tons, carried up to 628 passengers, and had space for roughly 270 vehicles. This made the route especially useful for travelers who wanted to take a car to Ulleungdo.
Large Cruise Ferry
A much larger vessel than the fast passenger-only ferries used on several other Ulleungdo routes.
About 270 Vehicles
*Vehicle capacity refers to the vessel’s former operating specifications, not a current 2026 booking offer.
About 4 hr 10 min
The crossing was longer than the high-speed routes but offered the advantage of a larger vessel and vehicle transport.
03 · BEFORE YOU PLAN
What to Check Before Going to Hupo
Because the route is currently suspended, the most important step is confirming whether service has actually resumed. Do not rely on old travel blogs, old departure times or archived fare tables.
Check the operator and Uljin County information before planning transport to Hupo.
Older schedules may still appear online even though regular service is suspended.
If the route returns, confirm vehicle reservation procedures and capacity from the new official notice.
The former route used Sadong Port on Ulleungdo, but future service details could change.
Pohang, Mukho and Gangneung currently provide other ways to reach Ulleungdo.
All Ulleungdo ferries can be affected by high waves, wind and other East Sea conditions.
04 · TERMINALS
Hupo Port and Sadong Port
The former Hupo service departed from Hupo Passenger Ferry Terminal in Uljin and arrived at Sadong Port on Ulleungdo. Uljin County still lists Hupo Passenger Ferry Terminal contact information and a Hupo–Ulleungdo vessel timetable information page, but that does not by itself confirm active sailings.
Hupo Departure
- TerminalHupo Passenger Ferry Terminal
- LocationUljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Former operatorH Shipping
- Former vesselUlleung Sunflower Cruise
- Terminal contact054-788-6001
Ulleungdo Arrival
- Former portSadong Port
- RouteHupo → Ulleungdo
- Former crossingAbout 4 hr 10 min
- ImportantConfirm any new port notice if service resumes
05 · ALTERNATIVES
Alternative Ferries to Ulleungdo
If the Hupo service is not operating on your travel date, use another mainland departure port. Pohang, Mukho and Gangneung have separate Ulleungdo ferry services, while travelers who specifically need a larger cruise-style ship or vehicle transport should compare the current Pohang Yeongilman Port cruise service.
Check the Eldorado Express fast-ferry schedule for current sailings.
Sea Star 1 provides another east-coast route when operating.
Sea Star 5 is another high-speed passenger ferry option.
Compare the current Ulleung Cruise service if you need a large cruise ferry or vehicle transport.
06 · FAQ
Hupo to Ulleungdo Ferry FAQ
Is the Hupo to Ulleungdo ferry operating in 2026?
A new regular 2026 timetable is not currently confirmed. The Hupo–Ulleungdo Sunflower Cruise service was suspended from September 2025, and the operator’s website has not published a new regular schedule.
Which ferry used to operate from Hupo to Ulleungdo?
The route was operated by H Shipping using the Ulleung Sunflower Cruise.
How long did the Hupo to Ulleungdo ferry take?
The former published crossing time was approximately 4 hours 10 minutes one way.
Which port did the ferry use on Ulleungdo?
The former Hupo service arrived at Sadong Port on Ulleungdo.
Could the Sunflower Cruise carry cars?
Yes. The former vessel could carry approximately 270 vehicles in addition to passengers.
How many passengers could the ship carry?
The Ulleung Sunflower Cruise had a published capacity of 628 passengers.
Can I still find old Hupo ferry schedules online?
Yes, but old schedules should not be treated as current. Always confirm that the service has officially resumed before traveling to Hupo.
What should I use instead of the Hupo ferry?
Depending on your itinerary, compare current ferries from Pohang, Mukho or Gangneung. Travelers needing a larger cruise ferry or vehicle transport can also check the current Pohang Yeongilman–Ulleungdo cruise service.