Beppu to Tongyeong Drive: Routes, Stops & Costs

Stretching across the Korea Strait, the drive from Beppu to Tongyeong is a cross-border journey that begins on Japan's Kyushu island and ends on South Korea's southern coast. The shortest car route covers 340 kilometers, but because there's no direct ferry for vehicles, you'll need to combine a ferry crossing with additional road travel, making the total journey time about 9 hours including waiting and boarding. This guide covers everything from ferry costs to the best stops along the way.

Driving from Japan to South Korea involves a ferry that does not carry vehicles, so you'll need to drop off your rental car in Fukuoka and pick up a new one in Busan. The main ferry operator, Camellia Line, connects Hakata Port in Fukuoka to Busan Port in South Korea, with a journey time of about 3.5 hours. Fares start at 14,000 yen for a standard seat, but for a cabin with a bed, expect to pay around 30,000 yen. Alternatively, the JR Beetle hydrofoil is faster (2.5 hours) but cheaper at 13,000 yen, though it may not run in rough weather. Booking in advance is essential, especially during peak seasons.

In South Korea, the expressway network is well-maintained with tolls averaging 100 won per kilometer for cars. The Namhae Expressway (National Route 10) connects Busan directly to Tongyeong, passing through scenic coastal areas. For refueling, gas stations are plentiful on both Japanese and Korean expressways, but note that in Japan, gas prices are around 170 yen per liter, while in Korea they are about 1,600 won per liter. Both countries accept major credit cards at automated pumps, but it's wise to have cash for smaller stations.

• Distance from Beppu to Fukuoka: 150 km via Kyushu Expressway, tolls cost 3,200 yen each way.
• Distance from Busan to Tongyeong: 90 km via Namhae Expressway, tolls cost 8,000 won.
• For a fuel-efficient car, expect to spend about 25,000 yen on gas for the entire Beppu-Fukuoka leg.

Both Japan and South Korea have excellent road safety records, with well-marked signage in English and Korean. In Japan, the speed limit on expressways is 100 km/h, while in Korea it's 110 km/h on most expressways. Be aware of occasional typhoons affecting the ferry schedule, especially from June to October. For family travel, both countries offer numerous service plazas with playgrounds and clean restrooms. In Japan, the Kyouraihanasansou rest area has a child-friendly play area, while Korea's Jinhae rest area features a large outdoor playground.

To manage fatigue, plan to take a break every two hours or 160 kilometers. On the Japanese leg, the Oita Expressway Service Area (SA) is a good halfway point, offering panoramic views of the mountains. On the Korean side, the Hwawon rest area provides a coffee shop and walking trails. For pet owners, note that Japanese rest areas generally allow pets on leashes, but Korean ones may require pets to be in carriers. The Camellia Line ferry has a pet-friendly kennel on board, but you must book in advance.

The route from Beppu to Fukuoka offers views of Japan's volcanic landscapes, including Mount Yufu and the Kuju mountain range, part of Aso Kuju National Park. Beppu itself is famous for its eight "hells" (jigoku) — boiling hot springs with distinct colors, ranging from the blood-red Chinoike Jigoku to the blue Umijigoku. On the Korean side, the journey from Busan to Tongyeong passes through the Hallyeohaesang National Park, where you'll see the iconic Sado Island and its pine-clad coastline. Tongyeong is known for its 12 islands and the nearby Yi Sun-sin Park, dedicated to the Korean admiral who famously defeated the Japanese navy in the 16th century.

As for local commerce, Beppu is a hub for traditional ryokan inns and yukata shops, while Tongyeong boasts a vibrant fish market where you can buy fresh seafood directly from boats. Along the Korean highways, rest areas (휴게소) are mini-malls offering local specialties like Busan's dwaeji gukbap (pork soup rice) and Tongyeong's honey bread (kkulppang). These stops are excellent for sampling regional cuisine without detouring. For a unique insight into finding hidden gems, check out this how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities article for tips on using local food blogs and maps.

Specifically, between Beppu and Fukuoka, consider a detour to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the scholar Sugawara no Michizane, famous for its plum trees. On the Korean side, Tongyeong's Dongpirang Village offers colorful murals and a glimpse into the city's history. For those interested in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, note that this route does not directly pass near any, but the nearby Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes are about 3 hours away by ferry from Busan.