Taking a RORO (roll-on roll-off) ferry from Japan to South Korea isn’t a well-documented procedure, but don’t worry, it’s simple enough. This guide will point you in the right direction and get you across.
This guide is based on our motorcycle ride through Japan and South Korea during our round the world trip. The guides on this website are constantly updated by us and with info from contributors to keep them current, up-to-date and as helpful as possible.
Japan to South Korea Ferry Guide
By Andy Davidson
Mad or Nomad - RTW motorcycle travellers
Overlanders now have two ferry options between South Korea and Japan: DuWon Ferries (Russia – Korea – Japan) and Camellia Line (Japan – Korea).
DuWon Ferries operates a single route: Vladivostok (Russia) – Donghae (South Korea) – Sakaiminato (Japan). Overlanders can use the full route or just sections. Until recently, DuWon did not allow foreign‑registered vehicles between South Korea and Japan, but this option is now available.
Camellia Line runs exclusively between Hakata (Japan) and Busan (South Korea).
When this guide was first published, only Camellia Line was accessible to overlanders, so that was this guide’s focus. Now that DuWon has opened its South Korea – Japan section, we recommend contacting both companies to compare schedules, prices, and routes.
This guide focuses on Camellia Line Ferries. For details on DuWon’s service, see our Russia to Japan Ferry Guide (link below).
READ MORE: How to Get the Ferry from Russia to Japan
Camellia Line Ferries – Hakata to Busan
Carnet de passage vs TIP for Camellia Line
Camellia Line Ferries require foreign registered motorcycles to have a Carnet de Passage to enter Japan. It is very difficult to cross from South Korea to Japan without one. Camellia Line regularly turn away anyone without a CDP.
South Korea does not require a Carnet. See the Japan Paperwork Guides for more info.
TIP Update 2026 – Using TIP with Camellia Line Ferries
While it is far easier to use a Carnet de Passage, we were sent this report by JB Overland on his recent experience crossing from South Korea to Japan using a TIP. While this worked for him, it may not work for everyone. Here’s how he did it.
John B
It is possible to take the Camellia Line ferry from Korea to Japan on a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).
Camellia initially resisted, asking for:
- A warranty via their agent
- A processing fee
- A return ticket for the motorcycle
None of these are required under Japanese law.
After quoting the relevant law and insisting on handling customs directly, they relented. The only legitimate requirement is posting a refundable security deposit directly with Japanese customs.
Legal basis: Customs Tariff Act (Act No. 54 of 1910, amended March 31, 2025), Article 17, Paragraph 1, Item 10. Link to Laws.e.gov.go.jp
- A one‑way/return ticket is required for the traveler, not the vehicle.
- No obligation to pre‑book or present a departure sailing for the vehicle.
- No need for a customs clearance agent or guarantee association.
- The deposit is paid directly to customs and refunded upon re‑export within one year.
In practice, once I refused to pay Camellia’s agent fees and insisted on clearing customs myself, no extra charges were applied. Customs accepted the TIP without issue.
Procedure
Bookings need to be made via email or phone a minimum of one week in advance.
On your departure date, arrive at the Hakata Port International Terminal for 9:30am and go to the Camellia Line office on the third floor, right-hand side.
An employee will take your documents and tell you to come back one-hour later at 10:30.am. You’re free to go while customs are completed for exporting the motorcycle from Japan. When you return, an hour later, the documents should be stamped. It’s a quick and easy procedure with no luggage checks.
The ferry leaves everyday at 12:30 and arrives at 18:00 in Busan.
Once you arrive in Busan, a Camellia Line / Korea Ferry employee will take you to customs to x-ray the luggage and you’ll go together to sort your import documents and pay for insurance. Motorcycle insurance is 184.000 Won for 1 month, import guarantee is 160.000 Won (and lasts the same amount of time as your insurance).
You will need to show the customs officials how you will be leaving the country. If you are using Mr Youn you will need his contact details for them to confirm your shipping. It should take around two hours before you can leave Busan Port with your vehicle.
At the Busan International Ferry Terminal, you can buy a prepaid South Korea SIM card for 60.000 Won for 20 days.
Hakata port prices
- The transportation charge for a 300cc and over motorcycle is ¥25,000 – cash or card
- The price includes driver’s second class room fare.
- Passenger 2nd class fare is ¥9,000
- A customs clearance fee : ¥5,000 – cash only
- Oil charge : ¥500 – cash or card
- Port tax : ¥500 – cash only
- Passenger tourist tax : ¥1,000 – cash only
- The payments are made on the day you embark at the Camellia counter.
Busan port prices
- Vehicle insurance : ₩180,000
- Guarantee fee : ₩160,000
- You must pay a vehicle insurance and guarantee fee when disembarking.
Contact
Address:
〒812-0031
14-1 Okihamama-chi Hakata-ku Fukuoka City
Fukuoka
Line Office 3F
Tel: 092-262-2323
Email: s.fukunaga@camellia-line.co.jp / passenger@camellia-line.co.jp
Website: camellia-line.co.jp
Booking your ferry ticket online
Another option for booking your ticket online is to check with directferries.co.uk as you can find up-to-date and current sailing times and availability without having to contact the ferry company directly.
South Korea paperwork
For more info on the paperwork required to ride in South Korea, check out our South Korea shipping guide.
READ MORE: The South Korea Shipping and Ferry Guide
Japan paperwork
There are a lot of paperwork requirements for entering Japan. We highly recommend you read the Japan Paperwork Guide first.
READ MORE: Japan Paperwork Guide
Read more on motorcycle travel in South Korea and Japan
Thanks for checking out our Japan to South Korea ferry guide. We hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a few more articles on motorcycling in Japan and South Korea that we recommend you read next.
Liked that? Try these next…
We hope you found the South Korea Ferry Guide helpful. If you’re planning a trip there or have any questions, please post a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
How much fukuoka going to busan? Tourist only and what are the doccument needed to travel going to busan south korea?
Thank you for accomodating response!
Hi, thank you for your comment.
Prices are always subject to change. So the best thing to do is to get in touch with the ferry company directly. Their contact details are all listed on this page, they will be able to give you a current price and advise on paperwork requirements.
Here are their details again:
Tel: 092-262-2323
Email: s.fukunaga@camellia-line.co.jp or passenger@camellia-line.co.jp
Website: https://www.camellia-line.co.jp/
Thanks,
Andy
Hi. Where is this information about the service being suspended to foreigners? Is this current? I booked a crossing for end of March successfully (Uk resident). Did I miss something?
Hi Chr, apologies, perhaps I didn’t make it clear enough in the article. The previous main ferry companies going between Japan and South Korea would not accept foreigners. The new Camilla Line ferry, who i assume you booked with and which this guide is about, does accept foreigners.
Glad to hear you managed to book successfully.
Are you shipping from Vladivostok to South Korea? If so, I assume with DuWon?
Are you going with Camilla Lines from South Korea to Japan?
Temporary Import or Carnet?
Cheers,
Andy
My apologies, I am taking the ferry from Shimonoseki to Busan via Kampu Ferry, I now understand this article is referring to travelling with a vehicle, and we are on foot. A google search highlighted your phrase which started me worrying about our booking lol
Hi Chr, Ah that makes more sense now. Yes, Kampu suspended travel to foreigners with vehicles. Good to hear they’re still taking foreigners on foot though!
Thanks for coming back to us on that.
Cheers and all the best with your sailing.
Andy