Hiroshima to Mokpo Road Trip: Route Guide

Your Hiroshima to Mokpo road trip begins with the only continuous car route connecting Japan and South Korea: the daily ferry from Hiroshima to Busan, followed by a 330km drive along the South Korean coast. The journey takes about 8–9 hours total driving time, including the ferry crossing.

Both highways and national roads adhere to strict safety standards with well-lit tunnels and guardrails. Speed limits range from 100 km/h on highways to 60 km/h in urban areas; enforcement is strict, with many fixed speed cameras.

For families, the best stops between Hiroshima and Mokpo include the Boseong Green Tea Fields, a large plantation where kids can run among the tea bushes, and the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car, which offers a gentle ride with great views. The Gwangju National Museum has interactive exhibits suitable for children.

Pet-friendly rest stops are common along the coast, but most indoor attractions do not allow dogs. Plan for outdoor breaks at roadside parks; ferry operators require pets in carriers and you'll need an international health certificate.

To manage fatigue on the 4+ hour drive from Busan to Mokpo, take breaks every two hours at designated rest areas, many of which have picnic tables, exercise equipment, and even small walking trails.

The coastal road between Busan and Mokpo passes through the Hallyeohaesang National Park, a marine park with over 400 islands, scenic cliffs, and quiet beaches. The park's most famous viewpoint is the cable car at Yeosu, offering panoramic views over the archipelago.

Between Yeosu and Mokpo, Route 2 winds through a series of fishing villages and mudflat ecosystems, notably the Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve—a UNESCO World Heritage site with a vast reed field and endangered bird species. These areas are prime spots for spotting migratory birds in spring and autumn, while summer brings warm and humid weather with occasional typhoons.

Local commerce thrives along the route, with vendors selling fresh oysters, salted seafood, and the region's famous fermented skate (hongeo). For a deeper dive into finding such off-the-beaten-path spots, refer to how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Two main routes connect Busan to Mokpo: the faster Namhae Expressway (Route 10) via Suncheon and Gwangju, or the slower but more scenic National Route 2 that hugs the southern coast. The expressway toll from Busan to Mokpo for a standard passenger car is approximately 18,000 KRW (about 16 USD).

Fuel costs for the 390 km total driving on the South Korean side average 45,000 KRW (around 40 USD) for a mid-size sedan, with average gasoline prices at 1,700 KRW per liter. Both routes are well-maintained with clear signage in Korean and English.

• Most gas stations along the expressway are open 24/7 and accept international credit cards.
• Highway rest areas offer duty-free shopping, local food courts, and clean restrooms.
• For real-time traffic and construction updates, use the Korean road app 'Korea Highway Traffic Info'.