From Busan to Geoje, the express bus takes approximately 1 hour and costs around 7,000 won. By car via the Geoje-Busan Underwater Tunnel and the Geoje Bridge, the drive takes about 50 minutes. There is no direct train. Geoje is Korea’s second-largest island after Jeju and has some of the best beaches and coastal scenery on the southern coast. Here is the complete guide.
Quick Answer: Express bus from Busan Seobu Terminal to Goehyeon Terminal (Geoje): approximately 1 hour, approximately 7,000 won. Buses run throughout the day. By car via the Geogeo Bridge: approximately 50 minutes. See the Geoje travel guide for the full Geoje travel guide.
Transport Options from Busan to Geoje
Express Bus (recommended for non-drivers)
Express buses run from Busan Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal to Goehyeon Bus Terminal in Geoje. Approximately 1 hour. Cost: approximately 7,000 won one way. Seobu Terminal is on Busan Metro Line 2 at Sasang Station (exit 5). Buses also run from Nopo Bus Terminal and Hadan Bus Terminal to various points on Geoje Island. Several stops are served across the island, including Jangseungpo and Okpo.
Car via the Geogeo Bridge and the Busan-Geoje Fixed Link
The most practical option for exploring Geoje independently. Drive from Busan via the Nakdong River bridge, the Geoje-Busan Undersea Tunnel (completed in 2010), and onto the island. Approximately 50 minutes from central Busan to Goehyeon. A rental car is strongly recommended for Geoje, as many of the best beaches and coastal viewpoints are not easily accessible by public bus within the island.
Ferry (seasonal, limited routes)
Seasonal ferries run from Busan’s Dongbu Ferry Terminal to Jangseungpo on Geoje in summer. The ferry takes approximately 1 hour and offers sea views of the southern coast. Check ferry schedules closer to your visit as seasonal services vary.
Step-by-Step Directions
Bus route:
Step 1: Take Busan Metro Line 2 to Sasang Station (exit 5) for Busan Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal. Purchase a ticket to Goehyeon (Geoje) at the counter or machine.
Step 2: Board the Goehyeon-bound bus. The route crosses the Busan-Geoje Fixed Link (a combination of a bridge and an undersea tunnel, offering good sea views.
Step 3: Arrive at Goehyeon Bus Terminal in Geoje. Local buses connect to the main beach and tourist areas across the island, though a taxi is faster for reaching specific spots.
Cost Comparison
Express bus: Approximately 7,000 won one way.
Rental car: 40,000 to 80,000 won per day, plus fuel and the Busan-Geoje tunnel toll.
Taxi from Busan: 60,000 to 90,000 won one way.
Travel Time
Express bus: approximately 1 hour. Car: approximately 50 minutes. Ferry (seasonal): approximately 1 hour.
What to Do in Geoje
See the Geoje travel guide for the complete guide. Key highlights:
- Haegeumgang: a dramatic rocky promontory at the southern tip of Geoje, often reached by boat tour from Gujora Port
- Windy Hill (Baram ui Ondok): a hilltop viewpoint with wind turbines and panoramic island views, one of Korea’s most photographed spots
- Geoje POW Camp: a well-preserved Korean War prisoner-of-war camp museum in Goehyeon, one of the best Korean War history sites in the country
- Gujora Beach: one of Geoje’s finest beaches with clear water and good camping facilities in summer
- Oedo Botania: a privately developed island garden accessible by boat from Gujora Port, with European-style gardens and sea views
Combining Geoje and Tongyeong, the
Geoje and Tongyeong travel guides are natural partners for a trip along the south coast. Tongyeong is approximately 40 minutes by bus from Geoje’s Goehyeon Terminal. A 2-day loop from Busan, covering Geoje on day 1 and Tongyeong on day 2 before returning to Busan, is one of the best itineraries along Korea’s southern coast. See the Busan to Tongyeong guide for the Busan to Tongyeong route.
Day Trip vs Overnight
A day trip from Busan to Geoje is possible, but the island is large, and without a rental car, you will be limited to the Goehyeon area. An overnight with a rental car allows full exploration of Geoje’s beaches, Haegeumgang, Windy Hill, and an Oedo Botania boat trip. See the Busan day trips for other options, including a Tongyeong travel guide.
Nearby Guides
- Geoje travel guide
- Tongyeong travel guide
- Busan to Tongyeong guide
- Busan travel guide
- Busan planning guide
- Busan day trips
- Best places to visit in Korea
FAQ
Is there a train from Busan to Geoje?
No. Geoje Island does not have a train station. The express bus from Busan Seobu Terminal and a rental car are the main options. See Getting Around Korea for how Korean intercity transport works.
Do I need a car to explore Geoje?
For the best Geoje experience, yes. The island’s highlights are spread along its coastline, and the local bus service is infrequent outside Goehyeon city center. A rental car or hiring a taxi for the day gives you access to Haegeumgang, Windy Hill, Gujora Beach, and Oedo Botania boat trips in a single day.
Is Geoje better than Jeju?
They are very different. Jeju is significantly larger with more infrastructure and internationally known attractions. Geoje is smaller and less developed, offering a more local, coastal Korean experience. See the Busan vs Jeju guide for a comparison of the Busan-Geoje south coast option versus Jeju as a destination choice.
