Ferry from Dolsando to Geumodo, South Korea

South Korea’s southern coast is well-connected to many islands via bridges and ferries. For the islands that you can’t drive to directly, you’ll need to take a passenger ferry, many of which can also accommodate vehicles.

Geumodo, off the south coast of Dolsan, is know for it’s hiking trails. To get there, take the ferry from the southernmost tip of Dolsan.

Jakgeumhang Port 전남 여수시 돌산읍 http://naver.me/FmbIZ7YO

Ferries leave every hour from 7am to 5pm, and take just 10 minutes. However, if it’s a busy day and you want to bring your car, you might wait an hour or more to get on the next boat. I was aiming to take the 7am ferry, and arrived at the port around 6:30am. An attendant will count the cars and only allow those who will fit on the boat to buy tickets. I missed the 7am by one car, and then I was told to drive to the front of the line, park, and buy my ticket for the 8am ferry.

You will need to show your car license plate number and your ID. I found that taking a picture of the car and license plate helps with communication.

• 

It costs around 25,000 won ($20) each way for one person and one car. You can’t pre-book tickets. It’s fully first come, first serve.

To get on the ferry, the port attendants will direct you. It’s quite precise how they have everyone park and maneuver. Most passengers sit in their cars during the quick journey.

Return trips from Geumodo to Dolsan leave every hour on the half hour, so 7:30am until 5:30pm. If it’s a busy day, don’t wait until the last ferry or you’ll likely be spending a night on the island.

With 5 hiking courses totaling 18.4km on Geumodo and 1 on neighboring Ando, connected via bridge, you could definitely spend more than a day on the island.