Hiroshima to Tongyeong Road Trip: A Journey Through History and Coast

Begin this road trip on the Hondō coast, where Japan's southwestern tip faces the Tsushima Strait, and end in Tongyeong, a South Korean port city shaped like a seashell. Your route crosses the Korea Strait via car ferry—the only vehicular shortcut between the two nations along this corridor. Expect around 18 hours of driving split between Japan's Sanyo Expressway, Korean highways, and the ferry leg, though that time can stretch with stops.

The road covers a 600-kilometer overland route plus a 300-kilometer sea crossing, offering a mix of futuristic Japanese expressways and rugged Korean coastal roads. This guide focuses on the most frequent itinerary: Hiroshima to Busan by car and ferry, then south to Tongyeong along the scenic National Route 14.

Highway construction standards in both countries are high, with well-maintained asphalt and guardrails. Japan's expressways feature frequent emergency call boxes, and Korea's smart tunnels automatically adjust speed limits. In heavy rain, visibility on the Japanese bridges can drop; use low beams and increase following distance.

For pets, Japan requires a microchip and rabies vaccination certificate to bring animals into the country; Korea has similar entry requirements. On the ferry, pets must stay in the vehicle, but designated areas on board allow brief walks. Rest stops in Korea occasionally have free dog parks, while Japanese service areas typically have a grassy patch.

Families with children will appreciate the rest areas: Japan's Sanyo route has play structures and clean nursing rooms, while Korea's rest stops often feature ample space and kids' activities. For fatigue management, both countries mandate regular rest breaks—every two hours is a good rule—and rest areas are never farther than 30 km apart on expressways.

The trip is worth it for those who enjoy long-distance driving and cultural immersion; but if you're short on time, direct flights from Hiroshima to Busan take 1.5 hours, though you'll miss the scenic ferry and the freedom to explore small towns.

• Best stops between Hiroshima and Tongyeong: Hagi (Japan) for samurai district, and Jinju (Korea) for its fortress.
• Things to do between Hiroshima and Tongyeong: hike in Mudeungsan National Park or relax at a Japanese onsen.

Japan's Sanyo Expressway is a toll road with multiple rest stops, each offering fuel and essential services. After the ferry from Shimonoseki (Kanmon Port) to Busan (international port), you'll enter Korea's highway system. Korea's expressways are also tolled, but rest areas are plentiful, featuring restaurants and convenience stores.

• Fuel costs in Japan average ¥160/liter, while Korea averages ₩1,500/liter (as of 2025). Budget accordingly.
• For the Korea Strait Ferry, book ahead for car deck space; the crossing takes about 4 hours.
• Keep your passport and vehicle registration handy for border checkpoints.

Both countries have excellent road signage in English, easing navigation. In Japan, be aware of strict speed limits (80-100 km/h on expressways) and in Korea, use the Hi-Pass for quick toll payments.

For those seeking spontaneous detours, consider digital tools to how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities—smaller roads often lead to lesser-known viewpoints.

Leaving Hiroshima, the Sanyo Expressway hugs the Seto Inland Sea, where hundreds of islands create a mosaic of green and blue. This archipelago gave birth to the Seto Ohashi Bridge, a rail-road link that offers a dramatic views of the straits. On the Korean side, the Namhae coastal road winds past terraced rice fields and the jagged peaks of Hallyeohaesang National Park, whose 400-plus uninhabited islands are a haven for photographers.

Along the way, small fishing towns like Shimonoseki (Japan) and Geoje (Korea) thrive on fresh seafood—try the fugu in Japan or the grilled eel in Korea. Farmers' markets sell seasonal fruits like mikan in Japan and hallabong in Korea, indicating local agricultural cycles.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites enrich the route: the Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima) near Hiroshima and the Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites (South Korea) are accessible diversions. In its center, the ferry crossing passes through waters that once hosted the Battle of Tsushima, a historic naval engagement from 1905—you'll sail over the site of the Russian fleet's defeat.

Both regions experience similar monsoons: the rainy season (June-July) brings heavy showers, while October offers crisp, clear skies ideal for driving. The autumn foliage peaks in late October in Japan and early November in Korea, painting the hills in warm hues.