Ulleungdo is a sea-transport trip

For ordinary travelers, Ulleungdo is reached by passenger vessel. Tourism guides may list several mainland departure ports, but that should not be read as a promise that every route operates every day or season.

Historical port lists are especially risky in 2026

An official Ulleung County Council session on August 14, 2026 recorded that routes from Hupo and Gangneung that had carried about 67,500 passengers over the comparable 2025 period were suspended in 2026. The same session described the Pohang–Ulleung corridor as operating with multiple companies while the county pursued restoration or replacement of disrupted routes. This is exactly why an old blog or saved port list should not decide where you travel on the mainland.

Treat that council record as context, not as a guarantee for your own departure date. Your actual booking and the same-day marine operation status are the operational sources that matter.

Book the exact route, not just 'a ferry to Ulleungdo'

Before arranging a train, bus or hotel around the port, confirm the operating company, mainland terminal, vessel, departure time and Ulleung arrival port shown on your actual booking. Different services can use different ports and operating periods.

Check KOMSA again close to departure

The Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority provides passenger-vessel operating information, including same-day status and next-day forecasts. A route can be active while another is marked non-operating because of vessel maintenance, route suspension or another operational reason. Sea weather can create additional changes.

Protect the rest of your itinerary

Do not schedule a tight same-day flight, KTX or international connection immediately after an island ferry unless you can absorb a disruption. If the sea crossing is essential, keep a buffer day when possible, especially in periods of rough weather.

Dokdo is a separate weather-sensitive trip

Passenger trips to Dokdo depart from Ulleungdo rather than directly from the mainland. Even after reaching Ulleungdo, a Dokdo departure or landing can be affected by sea conditions. Treat it as a separate booking and verification step.