Nagasaki to Tongyeong: Scenic Drive, Ferries & Hidden Gems

The drive from Nagasaki to Tongyeong crosses the Tsushima Strait, a route that begins in Japan's westernmost major city and ends in a South Korean port known for its 170+ islands. The most direct land route involves a 2.5-hour drive to Fukuoka's Hakata Port, followed by a 3.5-hour ferry to Busan, then a 1-hour drive to Tongyeong. Alternatively, a car ferry from Nagasaki to Busan operates twice weekly, taking 7 hours. The total driving distance, if you bypass the ferry by taking the long way through the Korean Strait, is approximately 400 km.

This journey straddles two distinct maritime climates: Nagasaki's humid subtropical zone with annual rainfall of 1,800 mm, and Tongyeong's milder oceanic climate averaging 14°C. The route's aesthetic shifts from Japan's volcanic coastline to Korea's rias (drowned river valleys).

From Nagasaki, take National Route 34 north to Saga, then onto the Nagasaki Expressway (E34) to Fukuoka. The expressway has regular rest areas every 40 km with fuel stations. Japan's ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system works on all expressways; expect tolls of around ¥4,000 (US$27) for the Nagasaki-Fukuoka stretch. Fuel costs in Japan average ¥160/litre, while South Korea is slightly cheaper at ₩1,700/litre (US$1.27).

For the ferry, JR Kyushu Ferry operates from Hakata to Busan, with standard car transport from ¥23,000 (US$155) one-way. In South Korea, the Namhae Expressway (Route 10) connects Busan to Tongyeong, with tolls of ₩8,000 (US$6). The route is well-signposted in both Korean and English.

• Ferry bookings: Reservations required, especially in summer.
• International Driving Permit: Mandatory in both countries.
• Vehicle insurance: Check coverage for cross-border ferry transport.

Both countries boast high road safety standards. Japan's expressways have a speed limit of 100 km/h; Korea's Namhae Expressway allows 110 km/h. The route includes several tunnels, notably the 2.6-km Owashi Tunnel in Nagasaki Prefecture. In Korea, the Geobukseon Tunnel near Tongyeong is 3.7 km long. Emergency phones are available every 500 meters on both networks. For rest, Japan's Michi-no-Eki roadside stations offer 24-hour parking, restrooms, and local produce. Korea's rest areas (휴게소) include restaurants and observation decks.

For family suitability, key attractions include Nagasaki's Glover Garden, an open-air museum with a 150-year-old Western-style house, and Tongyeong's Cable Car, which ascends Mireuksan Mountain (461 m) and offers panoramic views. Both have wheelchair access and stroller rentals. Pet-friendly frameworks vary: Japan requires a rabies vaccination and a microchip, with a 180-day waiting period, while South Korea has similar requirements but a 30-day quarantine exemption if documents are pre-approved. For fatigue management, plan stops every 2 hours. recommended rest areas: Asakura Rest Area (Japan) and Goseong Rest Area (Korea).

Regarding driving quirk: In Japan, turn right on a red light is permitted after a full stop, but in Korea, right turns on red are prohibited unless a separate signal allows. For more tips, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The Nagasaki-Fukuoka leg passes through the sprawling Chikugo Plain, Japan's largest rice-growing area, before hugging the Ariake Sea's mudflats. After the ferry, the Busan-Tongyeong drive follows the southern coast's dramatic cliffs, with the Hallyeohaesang National Park visible on the left, a marine park established in 1968. The park's emerald waters are dotted with camellia-covered islands, a popular backdrop for Korean dramas.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way: Nagasaki's Hidden Christian Sites (grouped in 2018) and, across the water, Jeju Island's volcanic sites, though the latter requires a detour. In Tongyeong, the local commerce thrives on the seafood market at Nammang Port, where you can buy fresh abalone and sea squirt. The town is also famous for its honey bread (kkulppang), a sweet pastry from the 1980s.

For hidden off-route spots, detour 20 km south of Fukuoka to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a 1,100-year-old Shinto shrine surrounded by plum trees. In Korea, the Bijindo Island, accessible by ferry from Tongyeong, offers two beaches connected by a tombolo, a rare sandbar formation.