Jebu-do has long been nicknamed Korea's 'Miracle of Moses' for the tidal causeway that opens only at low tide. Now there is a second way to reach the island: the Seohaerang Marine Cable Car (서해랑 해상케이블카), which carries you across the West Sea in roughly 10 to 12 minutes, tides irrelevant. The view from the cabin — open water spreading out beneath your feet — is a completely different experience from driving across the road causeway.
Why September — Autumn Light on the West Sea
By September the heavy summer humidity lifts, giving the West Sea air a clarity that is perfect for cable-car views. Through the cabin windows you can pick out the tidal flats, the silhouette of Nue-seom (Silkworm Island), and the offshore wind turbines in sharp relief. Board in the late afternoon and you may catch the sky turning red over the western horizon without ever leaving your seat. Weekday visits in September also tend to mean shorter queues than the peak summer period.
Seohaerang Cable Car — The Basics
The cable car connects Jeongok Station (전곡정류장) at Jeongok Harbour to Jebu Station (제부정류장) on Jebu-do, spanning a total length of 2.12 km — the longest overwater cable car in South Korea. It runs year-round regardless of tides.
**Operating hours:**
- Monday–Friday: 09:00–19:00 (ticket sales close at 18:30)
- Weekends and public holidays: 09:00–20:00 (ticket sales close at 19:00)
Tickets must be issued at least one hour before closing, and boarding must be completed at least 30 minutes before closing. If you are planning a September weekend sunset ride, secure your ticket before 19:00.
Fares — Standard Cabin and Crystal Cabin
There are two cabin types.
**Standard Cabin**
- Round trip: Adults ₩19,000 / Children ₩15,000
- One way: Adults ₩16,000 / Children ₩13,000
**Crystal Cabin** — the floor is made of transparent glass, so you look straight down at the sea and tidal flats as they shift between high and low tide.
- Round trip: Adults ₩24,000 / Children ₩19,000
- One way: Adults ₩20,000 / Children ₩16,000
If you want to board without waiting, a Speed Pass is available (Standard ₩40,000 / Crystal ₩50,000). For a private cabin, a Premium Pass costs ₩250,000 (Standard) or ₩300,000 (Crystal). Promotional discounts may be offered through the official website (seohaerang.com) during September, so check before you visit.
Getting There and Parking
By public transport, the usual approach is to take a bus from Suwon Station or Suwon Bus Terminal toward Jeongok Harbour (check current Gyeonggi-do Hwaseong-bound routes before travel). If you are driving, public parking lots are available near Jeongok Harbour, though note that you will need to walk up a hill to reach the station building. Visitors with limited mobility or elderly travellers will find the underground car park directly beneath Jeongok Station much more convenient.
Once you have crossed to Jebu-do by cable car, ticket holders can ride the island's shuttle bus free of charge, making it easy to explore the island.
Practical Tips
Operations can be suspended or hours changed due to bad weather or scheduled maintenance. Always confirm service status on the day of your visit via the official website or the customer centre (tel. 1833-4997).
The Crystal Cabin is popular and queues can grow long on weekends. Arriving right at opening time or after 16:00 — when the light is heading toward sunset — tends to reduce waiting time while also delivering more dramatic scenery.
If you plan to drive onto Jebu-do via the tidal causeway as well, you must check the tidal access schedule in advance. Reliable sources include the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency's Smart Tide Forecast service and the Hwaseong Special City website. Allow at least 30 minutes of buffer beyond the posted opening time before attempting to cross.
