Tsushima Ferry from Busan: Booking & Packing Guide 2026
Dreaming of a serene escape to Japan's Tsushima Island? Get ready for authentic experiences with our guide on booking ferries from Busan and what to pack for your adventure.
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Dreaming of a serene escape to Japan's Tsushima Island? Get ready for authentic experiences with our guide on booking ferries from Busan and what to pack for your adventure.
How to Book Your Ferry from Busan to Tsushima
Recommended Essentials for a Chuseok Trip to Tsushima
Text/Photos © Hi-Bubu
As the weather slowly turns cooler, are you planning a trip to Tsushima to enjoy cycling on quiet country roads and experience that serene Japanese charm?
Your Tsushima adventure begins with booking your ferry.
Today, I'll share with you how to book your ferry to Tsushima, the essential items you'll need for your trip, and even a 1-night, 2-day itinerary for Hitakatsu!
First up, let's explore the types of ferries departing from Busan to Tsushima and their approximate price ranges.
I've organized the types of Tsushima ferries and their current lowest prices in the table below.
Tsushima Ferry Type | Lowest Price | Notes |
Tsushima Link | ~$21~ Chuseok (2 nights, 3 days) ~$106 | Fuel surcharge, port fees separate |
Nova | Weekdays ~$21~ Chuseok (3 nights, 4 days) ~$68~ | |
Sea Flower | ~$21~ Chuseok (2 nights, 3 days) ~$110~ |
A total of three ferry services — Tsushima Link, Nova, and Sea Flower — currently operate on the Busan-Tsushima route. Currently, for weekday day trips, some services even offer tickets for a basic fare of just ~$21. (Please note: Fuel surcharges and port fees are separate.)
Since these schedules might be challenging for those with full-time jobs, if you're a student or retired, aiming for these specific weekdays could make your trip incredibly affordable!
What's even more surprising are the Chuseok ferry prices.
You can still book a ferry for a 2-night, 3-day or 3-night, 4-day trip for around ~$69 to ~$104. Considering that international flight prices during this period typically start from at least ~$276, this offers incredible value for money, doesn't it?
If you rent a car and take a grand tour of Tsushima during this time, you're in for an incredibly satisfying experience.
❗️However, ferry tickets can sell out quickly, so we highly recommend that anyone traveling during Chuseok book their tickets in advance. Additionally, accommodations can be scarce, so it's crucial to secure your lodging right after booking your ferry.
Now, let's dive into how to book your Tsushima ferry!
I've included separate booking links below for the Tsushima Link, Nova, and Sea Flower ferries.
While there might be slight differences in vessel size, the impact of sea weather is far more significant in practice. The differences between the ships themselves aren't substantial, so we ❗️recommend booking with whichever company offers the best price. (Nova and Sea Flower often tend to be more affordable.)
>> Book Your Tsushima Ferry Now <<
Next, for those who've secured their Tsushima ferry tickets, I'll guide you through the boarding process.
I took an early morning ferry, and when I arrived at Busan Port around 6:30 AM, the ferry company's counter hadn't even opened yet.
Since there's no mobile check-in for the ferry, you'll need to get your ticket issued at the on-site counter.
I lined up right around the time the counter opened and was able to get my ticket in just 5 minutes.
Departure procedures began 30 minutes before boarding.
If you got your ticket issued early like I did,
you'll find you have more time than you think.
You can simply grab a coffee at a cafe inside Busan Port or
enjoy a quick breakfast while you wait!
Once you've completed all the departure immigration procedures,
all you need to do is follow the signs.
The Sea Flower ferry was quite large, accommodating 443 people, and
the seats inside were really spacious.
Best of all, the seats were as comfy as sofas!
After about an hour to an hour and 10 minutes of sailing,
we arrived at Hitakatsu Port in Tsushima.
Luckily, the weather was absolutely beautiful that day, so
I didn't experience any seasickness at all.
The weather is truly a matter of luck, so please keep that in mind!
>> Book Your Tsushima Ferry Here <<
Next, I'll introduce the 'must-have' essentials
you need to pack when preparing for your trip to Tsushima.
First and foremost, cash Japanese Yen is an absolute must.
In Tsushima, especially in Hitakatsu,
most restaurants only accept cash.
While you can withdraw money from a local post office with a card,
it's generally more convenient and stress-free to exchange currency beforehand.
Next, make sure to bring your passport.
Some people might get confused because you're not flying,
but Tsushima is still Japan, so definitely have it ready!
Similarly, you'll also need a suitable data roaming solution,
such as a Japanese SIM card or eSIM.
Besides that, I also recommend bringing motion sickness medication.
Ocean weather is unpredictable, so if the weather isn't great,
the boat might get a bit bumpy.
Even if you don't end up taking it, having it on hand can be helpful.
(There's also a pharmacy inside Busan Port.)
Lastly, if you plan to rent a car locally,
make sure to get your International Driving Permit issued in advance!
Today, I've shared everything you need to know about a great, easy trip from Busan to Tsushima,
including ferry booking information, boarding procedures,
and essential packing tips.
Since it's affordable and not too far, it would be a perfect short trip
for those living in Busan to enjoy with their families, especially during Chuseok.
And for those of you who've decided to go,
you're probably wondering what to do and what the itinerary looks like, right?
Below, I've included the 1-night, 2-day itinerary for Hitakatsu,
along with course details and expense information, so be sure to check it out!
▼ Tsushima Hitakatsu 1-Night, 2-Day Trip Information ▼
Three types of ferries operate on the Busan-Tsushima route: Tsushima Link, Novia, and Sea Flower. Currently, a weekday day-trip ticket is available for a basic fare starting from around ~$21, excluding fuel surcharge and port fees.
Mobile check-in is not available for Tsushima ferries; tickets must be issued at the on-site counter. The journey from Busan Port to Hitakatsu Port in Tsushima takes approximately one hour to one hour and ten minutes.
Ferry tickets for the Chuseok holiday, for a 2-night, 3-day or 3-night, 4-day itinerary, can be booked for approximately ~$69 to ~$104. However, ferry tickets and accommodations can sell out quickly, so it is advisable to book in advance and secure your accommodation immediately after booking your ferry.
Yes, Japanese Yen cash is an essential item for a trip to Tsushima. Especially in the Hitakatsu area, most restaurants only accept cash, so it is convenient to exchange currency in advance.
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