SEOUL -- One in three South Koreans have “never tried a ferry but are interested in doing so”, said a nationwide survey of 500 respondents conducted by Viaferry on September, 2025. The findings suggest that ferry travel is emerging as a rising alternative among travelers who value the journey as much as the destination.

The “Korean Passenger Ferry Usage Experience Survey” found that 28.9% of respondents have never taken a ferry but are interested in trying it. In total, 37.7% have traveled by ferry before, while 33.5% said they have never used a ferry and have no interest in doing so.

When asked about their reasons for choosing ferries, respondents emphasized the travel experience itself rather than simple transportation. The most common reasons included convenient onboard facilities (19.1%), flexible schedules (16.9%), lower fares (14.7%), shorter travel time (10.4%), and safety (5.2%), showing that ferry travel is increasingly viewed as a comfortable and value-driven way to explore.

As for destinations, domestic routes ranked highest (36.1%), followed by nearby countries such as Japan and China (12.9%), European routes (12.4%), and tropical islands (7.8%). Compared with Japanese travelers, Koreans showed stronger curiosity about overseas ferry routes and more diverse destinations, while Japanese remained more focused on convenience and price. Japan has more islands than South Korea, which could be one reason for the higher share of domestic ferry travel in Japan. In addition, English proficiency in Japan is lower than in South Korea, which may also explain why Japanese travelers tend to prefer domestic trips, while Koreans are more willing to go abroad thanks to their stronger English skills.

Recent tourism data from the Indonesian government also shows that the number of Koreans visiting Indonesia rose by nearly 18% year on year, underscoring the country’s growing appeal for island-hopping and ferry travel experiences. In countries like Indonesia, where island-to-island travel is common, ferry bookings have become an essential part of the itinerary.

Viaferry said that although the ferry market remains largely untapped, it could become a new travel paradigm when combined with island tourism. Especially among Korean travelers who seek unique overseas destinations, ferry travel will continue to grow as a way to focus on experience rather than movement.

Ferry travel in Korea is shifting from a practical choice to an experience-driven trend, where comfort, flexibility, and curiosity lead the way. As more Koreans look beyond traditional vacations, ferries offer a new sense of freedom, connecting nearby islands and neighboring countries with ease. With rising interest and easier access through platforms like Viaferry, Korea is poised to make ferry travel a defining part of its modern travel culture.