Beppu to Jeonju: Scenic Drive Through Japan and Korea

The Beppu to Jeonju route uniquely combines a 2.5-hour hydrofoil ride between Beppu and Busan with a 3.5-hour drive up South Korea's west coast. The total travel time for door-to-door is about 6.5 hours, but many travelers turn it into a longer overland adventure. The first leg crosses the Korea Strait, where the Tsushima Current keeps the water a balmy 20°C even in December.

If you're wondering how long to drive Beppu to Jeonju, the pure driving portion is only the South Korean leg; the entire journey typically takes a full day. For those weighing is it worth driving Beppu to Jeonju, the answer hinges on the scenic coastlines and cultural stops en route.

After leaving Busan, the expressway offers cliffs over the South Sea, but the best views are off-route. Detour to Gijang-gun's Daebyeon Port to see the haenyeo (women divers) hauling in sea urchins. Further north, the Boseong Green Tea Fields cover rolling hills with over 5,000 tea plants—the largest in Korea. These are among the best stops Beppu to Jeonju because they break the drive naturally.

Jeonju itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Hanok Village, where 800 traditional Korean houses line alleys around the Gyeonggijeon Shrine. The Pungnammun Gate, a late Joseon-era structure, still stands at the southern entrance. Local commerce revolves around the Nambu Market, open since 1914, where you can taste choco pie from the original PNB bakery (est. 1951). This area is also the cradle of bibimbap, a dish originating from royal court cuisine.

Both expressways are well-maintained, with rest areas every 30 km. These are safe, with 24-hour CCTV, and offer free Wi-Fi. For families, the Hadong Songrim Rest Area (mile marker 113 on Route 10) has a playground and clean nursing rooms. Pets are allowed in rest areas, but not inside buildings; keep your dog on a leash at all times. Service areas also have dedicated pet relief zones with grass and waste bags.

To combat fatigue, plan a break every two hours. The Namhansanseong Rest Area (on Route 10) has a scenic overlook and a coffee shop at its summit—a quick 10-minute stroll from the parking lot. It also marks the halfway point of the drive. For hidden gems, take Exit 5 at Osong and drive 15 minutes to the Nonsan Strawberry Farm, open from January to May, where you can pick your own strawberries. Always carry cash for market vendors, as cards are not always accepted.

Before you go, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your trip planning.

Start by booking the JR Beetle (aka Miraejet) ferry from Beppu International Port. It departs daily at 09:00, arrives Busan at 11:30 (local time), and costs ¥30,000 for a standard seat with a car? Actually, cars are not allowed on the hydrofoil; you'll rent a car in Busan. Renting a mid-size sedan costs about ₩70,000 per day, with fuel around ₩1,700 per liter. Your drive follows the Namhae Expressway (Route 10) then the Honam Expressway (Route 25) directly to Jeonju, covering 260 km. Tolls sum to ₩18,400, and you'll need to pay them with a Hi-Pass card or cash.

Road quality on both expressways is excellent, with well-lit tunnels through the Jirisan foothills. Keep your headlights on in tunnels; speed cameras are frequent. The only real bottleneck is the Busan metropolitan area between 08:00-09:00 and 18:00-19:00. For real-time traffic, use the Korean app 'Kakao Navi'—it's more accurate than Google Maps in Korea.