Korean Job Discussion Forums

[HagwonKanobi77]

Here are a few questions regarding taking a ferry boat versus a plane. 1st how much does it typically cost to take a boat from Busan to Japan? 2nd how long does it take? And where does it take you? Does it take you anywhere worth going--where you can take a train to the major cities and attractions? I'm thinking it might be cool to take a ferry over there, take a train up to Tokyo and then fly back--after seeing the sights. Has anyone done this? Or considered doing this?

[JBomb]

The Beetle to Fukuoka from Busan takes almost 3 hours. Some people like it as you don't have to show up very early and deal with airport hassle. Here are the costs http://www.jrbeetle.co.jp/english/fares/index.html It lands you right in the heart of Fukuoka which is a pretty major city. You are also about a 10 minute bus ride from Hakata Station to jump on a bullet train to anywhere in the country in a matter of hours. It is about 6 hours via one of those to Tokyo.

[HagwonKanobi77]

This thread has been a real bust, guess people don't like ferry boats. Still seems like a good idea after reading the prices, that sounds less than a flight. Anyone else have some tips?

[Greekfreak]

Whatever you do, don't take the slow ferry unless you're a real skinflint. I think it was between 10-14 hours and you have to sleep with a halmoni's stinky feet right above your head if you choose to sleep.

[Evanzinho]

I took the ferry to Fukuoka earlier this year and I thought it was great. I took the slow one (I guess that makes me skinflint, whatever that means!) so I left at night and arrived early the next morning. I had some beers on the ferry and then went to sleep, and when I woke up the next moring I was in Fukuoka, so I slept through most of the ride. No one's stinky feet were above my head, but I recommend you get to you room early so you can claim a corner spot in your room.

[richinlondon]

Go through www.kangsantravel.com for a 190,000 won return ticket for the Beetle ferry.

If you want to get to Osaka without having to get a 5,000,000 won train ticket from Fukuoka, take a ferry to Osaka if they still do it, Camellia line I think its called. 24 hours on ferry though.

[jc1257]

I took the ferry over the summer and really enjoyed it. The ride was comfortable and quick. As a pervious poster said, you can just show up a few minutes ahead of time and get on. No need to show up hours before the trip and basically no hassle.

Fukuoka isn't the most exciting place, but it was nice for a few days. I took a train up to Kyoto, stopping in Hiroshima for a day along the way, and then came back down.

Trains were a bit expensive, but not as bad as I was expecting actually.