Qingdao – Incheon by ferry: a ship from China to South Korea

Last Updated on 9 October 2024 by Cycloscope

By ferry from Qingdao (Shandong Province, China) to Incheon, South Korea, very close to Seoul. The bicycles can go for free. A cheap way out of China.

If you’re looking for an affordable and scenic way to travel from China to South Korea, the ferry from Qingdao to Incheon is a great option. It’s also cyclist-friendly, as bicycles can be transported for free on the ferry, making it ideal for touring cyclists. This route provides a convenient gateway to Seoul, which is just a short distance from Incheon.

From China to Korea by Ferry – the Ferry Qingdao – Incheon

The passenger terminal at Qingdao Port is smaller than you might expect for such a bustling city. In fact, only two international passenger routes operate from Qingdao—one to Incheon, South Korea, and one to Japan.

There are two main operators for the Qingdao-Incheon route:

• Weidong Ferry: One of the main operators on this route.
• Shandong Bohai Ferry: Another ferry company that offers trips between the two cities.

We bought our tickets directly at the counter on the day of departure. It’s possible to purchase tickets on the same day, but it’s recommended to inquire about availability a few days in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. We paid 900 yuan each (about 130 USD) for the 17-hour journey to Incheon. Bicycles were included for free, which is a big plus for cyclists.

For those looking for more comfort, there are more expensive options that include private cabins, but we opted for the more budget-friendly dormitory accommodation.

Boarding the ferry to Incheon

After passing through the usual security checks, we were directed to a bus that transported us to the ferry. Loading our bikes onto the bus was a bit of a challenge, but getting onto the ferry was even trickier. Access to the ship was through a narrow side door, and we had to carry our bikes and bags up two flights of escalators. Unfortunately, the escalators were too narrow to handle the full load, and there were a few tense moments when one of our bikes got stuck!

About the ferry

Once on deck, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ship. It was the most luxurious ferry we had ever taken, far surpassing the ferries we had used to cross the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.

We stayed in a large dormitory-style sleeping area, which was clean and comfortable. Each bed had a curtain for privacy, a bedside lamp for reading, and an electrical outlet. This setup made it easy to relax after a long day of travel. For those who want to stay connected, ferries like these often provide Wi-Fi (though it may come at an additional cost, so check before boarding).

A convenient feature onboard was the availability of hot water dispensers for making instant noodles or tea—an essential for any traveler in China.

Public baths in the Qingdao – Incheon Ferry

One of the highlights of the ferry was the Japanese-style public bath onboard. Complete with a hot water pool and showers, it was the perfect way to unwind after boarding.

As a Western woman, I found myself the center of attention from the elderly Korean ladies, who seemed curious about my “cycling tan.”

The bathhouse had a dozen showers arranged in a horseshoe shape, creating a social atmosphere where passengers not only washed but also brushed their teeth and even did a bit of laundry. After a relaxing soak, we went to bed feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

Arrived in South Korea

When we woke up, the scenery had changed dramatically. The murky waters of the Yellow Sea were replaced by the clear, island-dotted coastline of South Korea. We docked at Incheon around noon, and as we stepped off the ferry, we were greeted by the sweltering heat of the Korean summer.

Immigration was straightforward, although the officer did ask if we had any apples (perhaps due to South Korea’s strict agricultural regulations). They also sprayed our bike wheels with a disinfectant, which seemed a little odd but is apparently a standard procedure.

After clearing customs, we made our way into the city, where we met up with our Warmshowers host, who kindly offered us a place to stay for a couple of nights. He owned a restaurant and even treated us to a delicious meal upon our arrival, which was a real blessing since we had only about €90 left! Thanks to the Warmshowers community, we were able to find warm hospitality and make new friends right from the start of our journey in South Korea.

More on Bikepacking South Korea

• Cycling Korea – Everything You Need to Know about South Korea by Bike
• 13 Top Places to See in South Korea [best off-the-beaten-path itinerary]
• Ferry Korea to Japan – Busan to Fukuoka By Boat, and first impact with Kyushu
• 4 best off-the-beaten-path islands in southern South Korea (Doegudo, Geumildo, Saengildo, Soryangdo)

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