Hi Joe,

I've enjoyed reading your posts and they have been a big help in answering many of our questions. My wife, a friend and I plan to ride our motorcycles across Siberia and then on to South Korea and home to the US this summer. If I read your posts correctly we should plan on booking the Stena Daea ferry from Zarubino instead of the DBS from Vlad. Our planned ferry crossing date is around July 30 and then we will spend a week in Korea. It appears we should contact Yuri and have already contacted Wendy for a ro-ro to California. It looks like we will need to call to make the reservations as the on-line reservation systems don't seem available.

It would be great to meet you in Korea. One question! If we only get to spend a week in Korea, and including the prep for the ro-ro, what are the highlights to see (and/or roads to ride) for those who have never been to Korea and will be going from the ferry to Busan?

Thanks for your help!

All the best,
Paul

Hello Paul,,
From Russia to Korea ,, it really does not matter which ferry you take. Both Vladivostok or Zarubino gets customs cleared fast, in Korea. Only when entering Russia,, the preferred port is Zarubino,, because the customs and stevedoring takes only 2-3 hours. Problem with Vladivostok is simply the sheer volume of the inbound cargo ,, that it takes 3 -4 days to get your vehicle off the ferry.

Only the DBS operates between Donghae and Vladivostok, as of June 26, 2014
http://www.dbsferry.com/eng/02_ticket/ticket03.asp
(Please note. Boatdoc on July 30th, 2014 posted that YOU must have Russian customs inspect your bike 48 hours before the DBS departure for Korea! He ended up using Yuri after all, even though we have never heard of this from Korean bikers returning back from Russia)

Use both DBS and Daena schedule ,, and you will have 2-3 day window to catch either one. For leaving Russia ,, you do not need Yuri's service,, you simply buy a ticket,, pay for the bike transport ,, you show up ,, you ride up the boat ramp. They tie down. All crew on board are Koreans.


If you catch DBS ,, the cook on board is a Korean HUBBer ,, he will give you an extra egg or two. ;
Also Vladivostok, would be more civilised to wait a few days for the ferry ,, have din din with Yuri , (nice guy)
Arrival port of Sok Cho or Dong Hae is almost same distance from Seoul. Remember July - August boats are full. Have Wendy make the reservation.

To USA,, Wallenius Ro-Ro is the most fast to US,, either west or east coast. You have choice of Pyung Taek port ,, south of Seoul some 80 KM or from the port of Masan 450 KM south of Seoul ,, west of Bu San,, some 40KM ,,

One week in Korea ,, off the ferry 3-4 PM ish ,, get a room right away in the local village. Head out to Seoul next day (Gotta see the economical miracle of this tiny war torn country) 2-3 days ,, then head south ,,, either by the seaside or right in the middle,, takes 12 hours non stop ,, so better do it in 2 days ,,, arrive Busan or Masan and wait for the boat.
Or spend more time in Seoul and catch the boat out of Pyung Taek ,, south of In Cheon. Ask Wendy,, check out the Wallenius schedule ,, it is all there.

https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=mo...B9%98&tbm=isch

You have my details ,, let me know, before you arrive.

Hey Joe. I'm landing in ICN on the 16th. I may have to meet a friend in Seoul so I need a hotel in the financial distict near one of those Korean Bath houses you talk about. Any recommendations? Someplace with safe parking.

Red ,,
I got pissed off earlier on such a random question ,, calmed down I will explain, for I also see benefit for others coming to Seoul.
First of all ,, the Google is your best friend. Also many mentions of hotels and motels in the earlier posts FYI.
There are three major business districts in Seoul.

Downtown, by the city hall,, mostly financial ,, news corp and diplomatic.
Yoido Island, in the middle of Han River ,, Finance and insurance.
Gang Nam ,, hi-tech, e-commerce and fashion. A city of 15 million people ,, larger than London. Also many of these business intertwine in various districts. In fact the whole city is a huge business district.
Ask your friend where he is.

Also two types of bath houses ,,
Sauna - bath house (목욕탕), it is found in every neighbourhood ,, simply ask for sauna ,, and scrub (때밀이) .. three types of tub (Hot, Med Hot, Ice Cold) ,, two types of Sauna (Steam and Dry). Do a due diligence ,, there is a Korean bath houses now in every major cities in the USA, Canada, Australia and UK.
https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=ko...83%95&tbm=isch
Always take the shower first with soap, before entering the tub.

Then there is Jjim Jil Bang ,,, notice double J (찜질방) ,, these have special special earthen cavern, on top of all the tubs and are huge ,, where both men and women go into the cavern,, wearing shorts and shirts provided by the establishment. This is an all day affair. You sleep ,, eat , sauna,, sweat ,, scrub,, lay around and open 24 hours. In fact ,, for some of you riding Korea,,, can go in at all hours,,stay over night for USD 8 + scrub fee of USD 15 (scrub not required,, every one sleeps in a big hall, on a mat) ,, tooth brush,, razors (a buck each) ,,you have own secure locker. One or two good ones in every city. I have done this several times,, when riding till midnight.
https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=ko...B0%A9&tbm=isch

All the hotels and motels have secure and covered parking. Every single one ,, since customers need to hide their license plates.

More specific question
 

Since I will be riding Rt 6 heading to Rt 44 a recommendation safe hotel along that route would be great. My friend lives in Yongsan-gu.
I have already spent several days looking at hotels in Seoul. But Seoul is just one stop on a 12,000 mile trip. A bigger problem for me now is a trucking strike in Vancouver that might delay shipping my bike and 100,000 Russian soldiers along the Ukraine border.

ROFLMAO ,, you got some chutzpah ,,
Its only 5 hour ride. Suggest you read from page 1.
Rest I leave it to you ,, to discover ,, the very friendly Korea.
Poor Wendy ,,

PS: Red came quietly, to Korea on 16th and got on the ferry on 20th. Wish him good luck.

SeoulJoe

i plan to be arriving in Seoul around june 10th and leaving from Sokcho to Zarubino around june 20th or june 24th if the ferry is still only running on tuesdays, if you are around it would be nice to meet up and get some pointers of places to ride to and see while i'm in the country

i'm in contact with Wendy to make arrangements for me (insurance/ clearance/ferry/etc)

Paul

Paul ,,
You got it ,,
Call me once all squared away, with the bike ,, you have my mobile,, Wendy certainly does.
Your routes are awesome.
Joe

Latest on Korean Customs from Wendy
 

I have received following EM from Wendy just now ,, I am attaching the English translation, right below. It seems ,, you guys ,, all of you have to buy Wendy a tall beer,,, since she is organising your docs ,, insurance,, booking on the ferry ,, all for 50 bucks.
Below is for the Incheon Airport ONLY!

Conversely ,, if you are coming by ferry from Russia, Japan or China ,, none of this applies. You just show up.
If your bike arrives to a sea port, by ro-ro or container ,, call Wendy as the bike needs to be customs processed and unpacked.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 잘지내시죠?
Date: Sat, 10 May 2014 12:12:05 +0900
From: wendy choi <wendychoi2(at)gmail.com>
To: Yun-Soo Park


안녕하세요
잘지내시죠?
한국에서도 꾸준이 바이크 타시나요?
5월부터는 역시 바이크들이 문의가 들어오네요
혹시나하는 마음에 정보 공유하고자 알려드립니다.
인천공항의경우

How are you? All is well?
Are you actively riding bikes, in Korea?
From May ,, I am getting lots of inquiries, from overseas bikers. I am sharing following,, just in case.
In case of In Cheon Airport

1.도착(여객,바이크)
1) Arrival (Passenger and Bike)

2.여객터미널 휴대품지원과에서 통관진행
비용
(500cc미만 - 120,000원, 500cc이상-1000cc:160,000원, 1000cc초과-240,000원)
상기비용은 관우회라는 곳에서 담보보증및 통관진행절차 포함한 비용이라고 합니다.
2) Passenger terminal PERSONAL EFFECTS department will process your bike. Customs clearance fees schedule.
Under 500CC - KRW 120,000 (USD 115)
Over 500CC - 1,000CC KRW 160,000 (USD 155)
Over 1000CC KRW 240,000 (USD 220)
Above charges are customs agency and security deposit.

3. 바이크출고(창고료 지급후)
** 올해부터는 보증금걸지 않고 보증보험으로 진행해야 한다고 합니다 **
운전보험료:약68,000원(4일기준)
제가 여객터미널에 운전보험들고, 서류 미리 보내놓고 있는데요
미리 진행해놓아도, 실제로는 바이커가가서 오리지날서류 다시보여주고
일시수출입신고필증 받아서 카고터미널로 이동 출고 합니다.
(3) Getting the bike ,, first ,, Bike insurance is appx KRW 68,000 (USD 60) for four days. (This I've asked to find the better rate. Basically you need this to get the bike out of the customs) then receive the customs permit,, head on over to the cargo terminal of the respective airlines,, (Shuttle bus every 5 minutes) pay the storage fee of some 5 - 10 USD ,, you hook up your battery ,, get the panniers on ,, then find the ferry to In-Cheon city ,, 5 minutes away. ( My self,, I hit the highway to Seoul,, thru the autopay gate ,, look for the cops and be in the city in 30 minutes)
Starting this year ,, the BOND is done away with! No more bond! So ,, if you are a non ATA conference nation, such as Germany, Swiss ,, you only pay the insurance for the bond. CA USD 100 - 200 or so.
(Bike insurance via other ports stand at 45 per month. In Cheon and Wendy needs to work on this)

​
9시진행해서 대략 1-2시정도 카고터미널에서 출고가능한듯합니다(기존진행자의 경우)
업무에 참고하세요
제가 서류 미리 구비하고 H/CHG : USD50 받고 있습니다.
작년까진 통관관세사 사용하고 CUSTOM CHARGE USD50 정도 청구했는데
관우회라는곳에서 관세사없이 일괄진행해서 앞으로는 CUSTOM CHARGE는
제가 따로 청구하지 않을예정입니다.
​​If you start the customs process around 9AM ,, you will be able to leave the airport, on your bike by 12-1 PM.
I will prepare all the documents and will charge the handling fee of USD 50 only. Until last year, I had to hire a local airport agent (requirement by the customs) and before I have charged 50 + 50 =100 ,, but starting this year ,, it is not necessary to do so,, from now on,, I will not be charging the clearance fee.

참고하시고, 문의사항 있으시면 언제든지 연락주세요~​
​Please be advised and if you have more questions,, please let me know.
Best regards
Wendy

So before leaving your home.. send following to Wendy ASAP
1) Your passport copy
2) Your international driver's license copy
3) Vehicle registration copy
4) Shipping documents (Bill of Ladding/Airway Bill) copy ,, all by fax or take the picture of your docs and EM here.

Send the fee for the bike insurance to Wendy by PayPal ,, so she can have the insurance ready for you. Rest of the fees,, you pay direct, to all the agencies and get all the receipts, and attach them to your temporary permit. (Don't loose this paper)
If Wendy has all your info , she can make the reservation, for the DBS ferry, with out a security deposit.

Do a Google, for the places to stay ,, such as youth hostel in Seoul.. cheap motels in Seoul, business apartments in Seoul ,, rent a private apartment in Seoul etc.
My home is in Sung Buk Dong ,, just 5 minutes, from Kyung Bok Palace and Secret Garden Palace, in the embassy row, on the hills, with tons of Korean restaurants,, Sam Chung Dong old town,, In Sa Dong, cultural street. Subways every where ,,buses ,, taxis cheap and they all take credit card, ,, even for two bucks or even a pack of cigarettes at a 7/11 and other kisoks.
At least 10 youth hostels 20 - 40 USD,, 20 motels 40 - 80 USD ,, 30 hotels from 80 - 300 bucks, 15 minute radius of my house.

Free maps, at hotels,, airports,, police boxes.. tourists info kiosks,, city or village,, district ward offices.

A good hotel in Incheon City
 

So I found this place last month while I had my bike trucked out of ICN at 10pm. Its called the W Hotel. It is fairly new. Just North of China Town, Near the ferry dock from ICN if you can make the boat before it closes for the night.
The best part,,.it has a vacant lot just across the street to unload and reassemble your bike. The hotel has a solid wall around the parking area right in front of reception. So wheel the bike over there and lock it up when ready and get some sleep.
It has an outstanding shower in the room too.
The downside: If you are going to Sokcho, you have to ride through a city containing some of the most insane drivers I have ever seen. I have ridden in 72 countries. There is something wrong with Koreans :thumbdown:

Glad you made out,, well done.
The first post of this thread starts out as a warning ,, We Koreans being one of the shittiest drivers, in the world ,, in fact highest highway and pedestrian death toll in all of OECD. One of the reason govt will not let bikers get on the freeway. Look out for other small bikers ,, delivering food or cargo ,, they will just go about any where ,, on the side walk,, pedestrian crossings ,, wriggle in and out of the traffic,, that public view is hurting rest of the bikers , in this country.
Drive, in Korea as if your life depends on it. Think of it as Rome ,, or Athens some 30 years ago, but better than Mumbai
or Hanoi.
If you catch the cargo terminal early,, you can assemble the bike, as you unpack the crate, at the airport. It's a pain to hire a truck USD 100 - 150 to drive over to In Cheon.
Take either the ferry, with your bike ,, or hit the highway heading out to Seoul, then get off at Gim Po airport and disappear into the local roads (30 minute run). As a foreigner it will be worth it. I have also posted ,, In Cheon is the dirtiest ,, polluted city in Korea. (All factories) If you take this option ,, make sure you pass the autopay toll booth called Hipass, marked with blue lines, so you don't stop. Will save you 5 - 6 hours of In Cheon detour ,, or like red , whole 24 hours. In case you are caught ,, all you will get is a warning, from the cops. In fact,, I recommend this route as not much traffic, on this highway and no cops.

W hotel ,, red is mentioning is an imitation,, a small hotel or a motel,, motels in Korea looks lot like a small hotel, in the west.
The real W hotel as, in NY and Paris ,, is on the Han River North, in Gwang Jang Dong, east Seoul ,, right next to the Walker Hill Hotel ,, where you catch 6 ( Stay right on the Han River north) then onto highway 44 ,, all the way to Yang Pyung then to Yang Yang hit the 7 south do Gangreung and Donghae (Seoul - Yang Pyung - Yong Mun - Hong Chon - In Jae - Mishi Ryung Pass Tunnel Toll - Sok cho - Yang yang ) sign will say Sok Cho - Yang Yang ,, follow it through the Mishiryung tunnel under the So Rak mountain,, stop by the little stop on the right after the tunnel and the toll,, enjoy the wind swept peaks to your right and rear. Steep hill down then ,, with view of the East Sea as you descend,, almost like coming down to Cannes on the Route des Soleille.
Turn right to south onto 7 to Gangreung ,, Donghae is some 40 KM south of Gangreung. As you drive in to Donghae look towards the seaport on your left,, International Seaport Passenger Terminal. Get a motel right smack in the middle of the village. USD 38 per night for two person, with secure parking. 10 minutes from the ferry terminal.


http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotel...caleCode=en_US



As you approach the port , you will see the sign DBS drive into the gate,, park by the office,, pay for the ticket,, drive your bike onto the vessel ramp,, secure your gear ,, get off the boat ,, go cross the street and grab a lunch ,, be on board by noon,, get a bunk nearest to the life jackets,, then look for the Korean cook at the mess hall, who is a Korean Hubber.

https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=do...w=1024&bih=478

https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=ma...m=122&ie=UTF-8

https://www.google.com/maps/place/W+...a728d9a1830d4d

Sokcho to Zarubino Ferry
 

Hi Joe - We are looking at doing the Sokcho to Zarubino ferry in July, but confused on the actual days of the week it runs this route. Web site has two different schedules listed - one states that it sails from Sokcho on Sundays and Wednesdays and the other states Tuesdays and Thursdays. Do you know which is accurate for the month of July?

Thanks in advance!

Only the DBS operates between Donghae and Vladivostok, as of June 26, 2014
http://www.dbsferry.com/eng/02_ticket/ticket03.asp

(This ferry closed the service)
Hey folks,,, two sailings per week. One on Wednesday ,, another on Sunday, to Zarubino.
:::::StenaDaeaLine:::::

Remember ,,we have monsoon, from end of June to mid July, in Korea. Rain gear a must.
Also going west ,, you don't have the glaring Siberian sun in the mornings. It gets very hot...Bring salt tablets and a big towel to wet it and throw around your neck. Also watch out for the melted asphalt after Krasnoyask,, they are killers. Sun stays alight till 10-11 PM ,, still light enough to see till midnight.

URGENT ! Staena Daena ends service as of June 26th, 2014
 

Just got the word,,
Staena Daena will cease the service as of June 26, 2014, between Sokcho and Zarubino.

Guess not enough revenue.
Even as we speak they have cut the sailing down to once as week, on Sundays only!
[url=http://stenadaea.com/passenger/passenger_schedule.asp]:::::

So only choice is Donghae to Vladivostok on DBS Ferry, as before.
http://www.dbsferry.com/eng/02_ticket/ticket03.asp

Best Route From Seoul to Donghae
 

Since the quick demise of the Staena-Daena ferry service between, Sokcho and Zarubino. We are back to DBS, from Donghae to Vladivostok.
Meaning,,, Hiring Yuri, for the customs clearance,, three day wait at Vladivostok, for stevedores to unload the boat.
Good news ,,the cook on the DBS ferry is a Korean HUBBer ,, he will give you an extra egg or two.
DBS leaves, on Sunday 14:00 hours,, you must be on board by 12, check your bike in by 11 AM.
DBS Cruise Ferry
DBS also goes to Japan, from Donghae.

Best,,, fastest and safest way to Dong Hae is to head East, from Seoul,, catch highway 6 ,, then 44 all the way to Yang Yang, on the East Sea coast ,, then head south on 7 to Donghae. Seoul to Yang Yang appx 4 hours Yang Yang to Donghae appx one hour.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotel...caleCode=en_US
Plenty of motels ,, many nice beaches,, you can camp literally any where,, great sea food.

Korean bikers on adventure type bikes are always on look out for foreign bikers,, so if you need help ,, just holler.

Good luck.

To Book DBS from Vladivostok to Korea
 

http://www.olgatour.ru/ticket/eastern_dream/

Let Google Chrome do the translation.

Hi Seoul Joe
 

Hi Joe - I don't have enough posts to send you a PM. We are traveling through S. Korea next week and will be spending Monday 7/21 and Tuesday nights in Seoul. We are booked on the DBS ferry for Sunday, July 27th so have some time to explore the S. Korea countryside. We have full camping gear and plan to look for interesting places to camp once we depart Seoul.

If you are available Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday to meet for coffee, wine etc. we would enjoy meeting and getting advice on your country. We are clearing the bikes through customs on Wednesday. Your thread on S. Korea has been very helpful in planning this portion of the journey and is very much appreciated.

My email is chip8150@me.com. I hope we get the chance to meet.

Best,
Chip

Hello Chip ,,
I am in town all week.
Seoul had hardly any monsoon, so far,, but this week news of some rain.
Wed,Thur, Fri and Sat.
날씨 &ndash; Daum 통합 검색

Hang out in Seoul ,, plenty to see. Leave for Dong Hae, on Friday ,, staying a night in Sokcho or Gangrung,, catch the Sunday ferry, out of Donghae.

https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=se...m=122&ie=UTF-8

https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=be...w=1024&bih=478

I also have a Korean Hubber leaving for Donghae, for the same ferry. He is on his way to Baikal,, so he can be guide, in Korea as well as on the ferry.
His nick is "Adbang". We can all meet on Tuesday or Wednesday. (Jetlag)
Since you guys will be spending three days in Vladivostok, for Yuri to clear the bike,, I will ask Iron Angels, Vladivostok, to invite you over to their club house.
I will send same info via your EM.
See you.

Hi SeoulJoe,

We were quite happy to see the Pacific today in Vladivostok after leaving the Atlantic in Europe two months ago. We will be on the Wed DBS ferry and hope to meet you for coffee and a chat later this week or early next week. How does your schedule look?

Yesterday we saw quite a contingent of adventure riders heading west. Mostly the road was fine, but a few of the construction zones were quite dusty due to the traffic.

All the best,
Paul

I will be more than happy to meet,, Wendy has my details.
And send me an EM with URL to your hotel or motel.

Great News at Vladivostok
 

DBS has got the system working, where it takes only one day to discharge the vehicles vs three days.
It was just confirmed by the bikers and Yurl.

Someplace along the way we did not pick up a crucial piece of knowledge and now get to spend an extra week in Vladivostok. All vehicles must be presented to Russian customs at least 48 hours before the scheduled DBS ferry departure. Unfortunately neither our tickets, nor our e-mails from DBS nor the English language DBS ferry website has that key bit of information. Ironically we arrived in Vlad in time and watched the ferry dock.
For those planning on taking the DBS ferry with a vehicle you will probably end up working with Yuri. We had the impression that DBS would arrange everything, but they just called Yuri to arrange it for us. You can save time by contacting Yuri ahead of time.

Ouch.
Earlier post shows you.. how to book DBS from Russia .

To Book DBS from Vladivostok to Korea

http://www.olgatour.ru/ticket/eastern_dream/

Let Google translate do the work.

Hi SeoulJoe,
I did look at that website and translated it and it did not include the critical 48 hour information regarding customs.
I'm not all that happy with DBS right now. I contacted them months in advance and booked, and then confirmed, but did not hear from them until it was too late. That info should be transmitted to their customers.

I feel terrible about you being stuck in Vladivostok, for a week.

This also is news to me as well. I also thought you just show up like any ferry and save a few hundred dollars by not using Yuri. In fact never heard of Korean riders mentioning it all. Nor, when we leave Korea ,,this is not required.

Yuri could not pull any strings at all?

I can suggest to get hold of my buddy at Iron Angels,, go for a weekend ride with them,, Nakhodka is not far away. Automobile museum is interesting,,go for a walk downtown,, find the Yul Brynner's house. Take Yuri out to dinner and go to a karaoke. Try to enjoy it,,
We once had BushmanUK and Strimstrum stuck in Vladivostok, for three months. Not funny.
We will get pissed, when you come to Korea!
beer

SPOKE TO DBS 2014. 07. 31 THEY WILL POST ENGLISH , RUSSIAN AND KOREAN NOTICE FOR PRE 48 HOURS RUSSIAN CUSTOMS INSPECTION.
HE ALSO INSISTS DBS VLADIVOSTOK ISSSUES SUCH WARNING AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.

Hi SeoulJoe,

Vladivostok reminds me of my hometown of San Francisco and we are already planning on doing some touristy stuff and thank you for the suggestions!

Since we had planned one week of touring Korea on the bikes before shipping them back to the States and now that week will be spent in Russia, we are shipping the bikes next week to Vancouver with Yuri. The price was about the same as out of Korea. Unfortunately our nonchangeable flights leave from Seoul less than a day after our delayed arrival on the ferry. We will be going straight from the ferry to Seoul, will spend the night and then fly out.

You can always take the direct flight to Seoul via KAL, if you are fed up with Vladivostok.
You should get a full refund from DBS. Enjoy both Vlad and Seoul.

I lived on Russian Hill ,, 1991 - 1992 while stationed there, for my company.
Also at U of Berkeley in 1974 ,, summer thing ,, stayed at a frat house.
I bought an old 1956 MGA for 400 bucks ,, went to Sausalito on a Friday night ,, as I was lonely ,, short on English and money ,, had no friends. There were three beautiful girls hitch hiking ,,came to a screeching stop,,, two white and one black... all tall and beautiful. I had ten dollars in my pocket ,, went to a restaurant by the water,,,built by a well known hippie,, a massive wooden thing ,, the parking was 2 bucks,, pass,,,I went up the side street on a hill ,, they got out ,, they had door open,, I got out ,, car rolled back ,, my passenger side door catches the curve,, fell off ,, as I picked it up my pants gets ripped on the broken hinge.. 10 inch L shape tear in the ass showing my underwear,,, with a painful nonchalant smile,, put the door in the trunk ,, went for the food. In those days I got drunk on one beer. Had two frozen ,, had din din ,, we shared ,, I had 50 cents left in my pocket,, drove back to the city over the Golden Gate ,, it was a glorious night ,, feeling good ,, music was right ,,three beautiful girls in my open car ,, with wind rushing in from the no door side.
We went to the North Shore ,, a poets bar , Ferlinghetti ,, girls bought me drinks ,,, soon a bunch of long hairs crashed our table, They were the famous Commander Cody band ,, they were hustling the girls to go back to their house on the hills of Sausalito ,, with a pool ,, tons of grass ,,
Me with 50 cents ,, I bowed out gracefully as much as I could handle ,, walked out ,, I went for my MGA to go over the Bay Bridge,, then there was a tab on my shoulder,, her name was Ford ,, the youngest one and the prettiest one. When I woke up next day ,, I realised what a beautiful little flat she had. Russian Hill.
That summer will stay with me forever.

I felt Ford again,, when I saw Vladivostok for the first time.

DBS Vlad to Donghae vis a vis
 

DBS Cruise Ferry

1.OCEAN FREIGHT FOR MOTORBIKE

ROUTE ONE-WAY ROUND
UNDER 500c OVER 500cc UNDER 500c OVER 500cc
DONGHAE ↔ SAKAIMINATO $400 $500 $600 $800
DONGHAE ↔ VLADIVOSTOK $500 $600 $800 $1000
SAKAIMINATO ↔ VLADIVOSTOK $600 $700 $1000 $1200
▶ Supplementary Expenses : Car Inspection Fee($10/Unit), BAF($10/Unit)
▶ In case of round, you should pay all cost before departure and the Supplementary Expenses will be paid two times.

2.OCEAN FREIGHT FOR CAR

ROUTE ONE-WAY ROUND
COMPACT SUV/RV VAN COMPACT SUV/RV VAN
DONGHAE ↔ SAKAIMINATO $500 $600 $700 $800 $1000 $1200
DONGHAE ↔ VLADIVOSTOK $600 $700 $800 $1000 $1200 $1400
SAKAIMINATO ↔ VLADIVOSTOK $700 $800 $900 $1200 $1400 $1600
▶ Supplementary Expenses : Car Inspection Fee($10/Unit), BAF(COMPACT:$10/UNIT, SUV,RV:$20/UNIT, VAN:$30/UNIT)
▶ In case of round, you should pay all cost before departure and the Supplementary Expenses will be paid two times.

SEOUL OFFICE
TEL : 82-2-548-5557/5502, 82-2-714-5506/7
FAX : 82-2-548-5503
I.P : 070-7730-5592/5593

Address
2F.Intops bldg., 617, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea

Deputy General Manager
Beom Seok, Ko

M.P : 010-4598-6197

vsugi@dbsferry.com


DONGHAE OFFICE
TEL : 82-33-531-5611/30
FAX : 2-33-531-5612
I.P : 070-7730-3765,5597

Address Annex of Donghae Int'l Passenger Terminal, 1147, Songjeong-dong, Gangwon-do, Korea
Manager
Seung Min, Kang
M.P: 82-10-8893-5930

smkang@dbsferry.com
Assistant
Mun Hyun, Kim

M.P: 82-10-3335-4643

kmh7011@dbsferry.com
Staff
Min Hyun.Park

M.P: 82-10-9057-0566

star1730@dbsferry.com



DBS
Cruise Ferry
(Vladivostok) OFFICE
TEL : 7-4232-30-2704, 2664
FAX : 7-4232-30-26-64
I.P : 070-7730-5596/ 070-7725-6690

Address Morskoy Vogzal Room No.239, Nigne-portovaya str.1, Vladivostok, 660090
Branch Office President
seung-won, Yun

M.P : 7-4232-72-0067

yswn1311@dbsferry.com

Staff
MS. Olga

M.P : 7-4232-71-1889

olga@dbsferry.com

Storm Marine
(Partner) OFFICE TEL : 7-4232-61-0105/6/7
Address
Morskoy Vogzal Room No.239, Nigne-portovaya str.1, Vladivostok, 660090


DBS
Cruise Ferry
(Sakaiminato) OFFICE
TEL : 81-859-30-2332
FAX : 81-859-30-2313
I.P : 070-7725-5583/ 070-7730-5591

Address 9-23, SHOUWA-MACHI, SAKAIMINATO-CITY, TOTTORI, JAPAN
Branch Office President
Jun-Man, Lee

M.P : 81-80-3058-3159 js_kikaku@dbsferry.com
Assistant Manager
Sung-hyuk, Kim

M.P : 81-90-8295-5823

ksh0858@dbsferry.com
Staff
MS. Tanya

M.P : 81-80-6337-2939

tatiana@dbsferryjp.gmail.com
Kamikumi
(Partner) OFFICE
EL : 81-859-45-8707
FAX : 81-859-45-7182

Address
76 Takenouchi danchi Skaiminato-City, Tottori, Japan

How to get the bike out on Second Day in Vladivostok
 

If you want your bike out of the port next day of the arrival at Vlad,,
Send the following info to Olga at DBS Vladivostok or contact Yuri.
Olga will call Yuri any way. Understand Olga speaks perfect English ,,, so does Yuri's assistant Svetslana.
Also read the English section of the DBS website carefully, on the procedure.
DBS Cruise Ferry

Following is Yuri's paperwork recently done on a Korean biker.
http://links-ltd.com/shipping-services/

When I went through last time ,, a motorcycle safety certificate was mentioned by the Russian insurance companies,, it seems now days ,, it is not required. Still have a copy of your MOT, with you. In US such a document is non existent so look into it.

Still there must be a way to avoid this USD 150 handling charge by Yuri ,,some how,, as no such charge exists, when you arrive in Korea by ferry. It's just daunting to run around the Russian port and the customs. Where else ,, Svetlana picks you up at your hotel ,,, drives you around in her Honda.

Now that we are back home and have had a chance to reflect, a few thoughts emerge:

- HE ALSO INSISTS DBS VLADIVOSTOK ISSSUES SUCH WARNING AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.
He might insist that, but we double-checked all the messages we received from DBS and Wendy. No such notice. In fact, the DBS agent in Vlad, "Olga Travel" also double-checked and said they did not find that we were informed and basically said that we fell through the cracks. They felt guilty enough to upgrade us from a 2nd Class cabin to a Junior Suite and charged us only half price for a 2nd Class cabin. Note that we were in Vlad in plenty of time to check the bikes in and had sent them a note asking about check in procedures and they did not reply until it was too late. Note that since you don't pay for your DBS ticket until the day of departure they have the right to raise the price since you booked.

Yuri and Svetlana were really great to work with however and I think they were worth the $150 for each bike!

Why do you need a cargo broker in Vlad but not Korea? Perhaps for the same reason that you don't need a cargo broker when taking a car ferry from Estonia to St. Petersburg and that it takes a day or two to clear the bike going in or out of Vlad. The local Customs group in Vlad treats the "car ferry" as a "cargo ship" to have greater control. They don't want to deal directly with the vehicle owner or clear at the docks.

Why did Stena Lines quit when the ferries were supposedly full? My gut feeling is that they did not want to play the Vlad Russian officials' game.

SeoulJoe, you were right about the ferry; it is a nice ship and the food was excellent! We were quite hungry and went for the buffet for dinner and breakfast but on hindsight if we did it again we would go for the ala carte in the bar.

There was an interesting cultural moment getting off the ferry in Donghae. All the passengers were lined up and before we started disembarking the crew directed all the foreigners to stand aside while the Korean nationals disembarked first. Some moved slowly and were passed walking from the ship to customs and the routine was repeated in the customs line. My wife asked why and was told that it takes less time to process the Koreans. Not sure about that reason but we timed it anyway; no noticeable time difference between the two groups. I'm quite used to seeing two lines at airports for nationals (or EU) and non-nationals, but don't recall seeing such a system. Ironically there were two sets of booths at customs labeled for Koreans and Foreigners, but they were not used as such.

The bus ride to Seoul took about three hours and was a short walk/bus ride from the ferry terminal. It was a really nice bus but was kind of sad to see how beautiful Korea was and that we were not going to ride it. Maybe another trip!

On a side note regarding Russian motorcycle insurance; if you are going to Europe after Russia you might consider contacting Stefan Knopf. He sells insurance that covers both Russia, the EU and the non-aligned European countries. Although it may seem his price is high, when you add all the different policies together he was cheaper for us. In Mongolia you will need to buy insurance at the border. As we went through the road was quickly blocked in front of us by official-looking men who were trying to sell us insurance. There were at least two different companies and they were only about a dollar difference. We also heard you could buy it from the police but we can't confirm that.

Yes .. you saved a Korean rider,, coming back from Baikal.. I insisted that he had to check with Yuri three days before the ferry sailing ,, He was also under impression and was told by DBS to be at the customs a day before.

Dividing between foreigners and Koreans , perhaps a revenge towards Russian immigration, at Vladivostok?
When you arrive , Russians gets off first ,, then tourists, with three days fixed program ,, lastly foreigners ,,, takes about two hours of wait for foreigners when getting off the ferry.

At all airports, in Korea ,, the lines separate foreigners and locals as any where else, in the world.

Missing the ride in Korea,, yes I thought of you guys too as I rode recently ,, was thinking ,, too bad Boatdoc missed this,,, make sure you guys come back.
You did a great service, to rest of the bikers hitting DBS, from Vladivostok.

Shipping a bike from Korea to South America
 

Met with a Frenchman ,,, Francoise, who just arrived from Vladivostok,,,
He needs to send a Yamaha Tenere, from Korea to Buenos Aires.
He called Wendy ,, I spoke to her as well.
As I have stated ,, Wendy is a fine lady , but she is only US and Canada ,, when it comes to other region or other transport methodology ,, she is still learning. She is though great for import and export documentation.
Call Korea Express ,, with offices in major cities. And due to theit sheer volume,, better rate?

Wendy quoted him USD 2,500 , shipment via Los Angeles, though agents ,, agents.
Another company quoted me USD 1,400.

I got Francoise ,, USD 820 ,, including packing via Korea Express,, basis LCL househod.
Now air freight quote was USD 5,000 !
Ocean trsnsit time is 38 days FYI.

So ,, for USA and Canada ,, call Wendy ,, for any other region ,, Europe, S. America or Africa,, Korea Express.
CJ korea express

PS. I do not have any personal or business relations with any of the above companies.,, never had a free lunch from any one of them.

Hi Joe

After living and riding in Korea since earlier this year I fully support your notes and advice.

For riders coming to Korea, stick to Joe's recommendations and riding can be safe and very enjoyable in Korea. There are some wonderful rides and gorgeous scenery, I love it :clap:

If anyone is coming near Busan or Geoje Island, please get in contact and we can catch up for a ride :scooter: , a chat and a beer bier

Cheers Daz :thumbup1:

Thanks buddy ,,
Years ago 1987,, ,, when Korean heavy industry was taking off ,, as the Asia manager for Mammoet BV, Nedlloyd,, using special submersible ships.. I used to go to Geojaedo ,, Dae Woo and Sam Sung shipyards ,, for transporting heavy modules and finished structures ,, to Anacortes , North Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

Used to fly in on a private helicopter,,
Love the place,, sea every where,,, beautiful sunsets... now , it is over,, as you have noticed,, Workers in Geojae and Ulsan ,, GDP is USD 68,000 per head ,, far higher than USD 55,000, for USA.
Not bad for a war torn country,, screwed by Japanese,, for 40 years ,, size of Deleware,, dwindling population due to old age,,, importing foreign workes en masse.

The most Harley Davidson at USD 35,000 per pop ,, sold in Korea are in Geojae and Ulsan FYI.

Make sure you look me up when you come upto Seoul.
bier

Sure will Joe, should be up there in Seoul before the end of the year. I'll be in touch. bier

Japan to Korea by Ferry
 

Hello Seouljoe,
I'm in Japan and would like to travel to South Korea. On Friday I tried to get a ticket for my bike from Germany for the ferry from Shimonoseki to Busan. My FIA Carnet was not accepted. I would have an ATA carnet have, which is not according to my information for vehicles. Can you help me?
Hartmut

If you check out Seouljoe's user name you will see it is "greyed out" which means that he is banned from the HUBB.
Who knows when he will be allowed back or even if he would want to return.

I suggest that you try sending a PM to him, on the assumption that would still work, or contact one or other of the local communities in here.

Greyed out signifies a "Moderated User", not a banned user. This means that Grant has to first check what an individual has written before it goes live.

Fine, but whatever the semantics of Seouljoe's status, my post was to let Hartmut know that his immediate question may not get a timely reply.
Posters on here come and go on a regular basis and Seouljoe will be no exception.

Anyway, a solution appears over the horizon:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-problem-78742

Seouljoe (assuming you are still reading here),
Stand down shipmate!

Thanks for the info and the learning process. I arrived after a lot of work in South Korea. But I have more questions for. Example, to transfer to other countries such as Thailand or Vietnam. I will write a Emal to Seouljoe
Hartmut

Hi harthel, if you venture to Goeje Island send me message and we could catch up for a ride (has to be a weekend though). I can take you for a guided tour around the island. There's some lovely scenery here.

Cheers Daz

please help
 

I have 2 Harleys currently registered in Japan with Japanese plates. I am permanent resident of Japan. I'm planning to move to Seoul to open a business and I wanted to ride one of my bikes from Japan to S Korea and register it. I do know already about the ferries and I was planning to come in just as a tourist with the bike initially and once settled in Seoul I wanted to go ahead and register it. Can anyone let me know how to do that?? THANKS A LOT

Reviving an old post...

My wife and (Canada/ France) will be arriving at Busan from Japan on 11 May. We have 3-4 weeks to zoom around Korea before sending the bikes (2xWR250r) onward.

If anyone has any recommendations on sites to see (and pitfalls to avoid) we are open to suggestions. Moreover anyone interested in joining for a (part of) a day's ride feel free. Keep us in the loop for gps points for nice free camping spots! C
heers

Can’t help but where are you shipping the bikes to and also was it difficult.

Planning on touring japan then Korea then onwards.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

To answer your question, it requires a bit of a back story - in 2019 we left Paris, drove to Moscow, and from Novosibirsk down to, and clear across W->E, Mongolia to Vladivostok. We caught the DBS Ferry (no longer operating) to Japan. After 3 months in Japan, with the cold and winter approaching, we left the bikes in Japan to return in the following spring. Except COVID, and we were finally able to return to Japan in March 2023.

So COVID is really complicating travel particularly shipping. Old 'standard' shipping routes gave been closed or modified, and prices are painful for lack of use and or lack of availability modalities (less planes flying).


We shipped the bikes out of Japan to Korea via CAMELIA LINES Ferries. They were the first and only ferry company that permitted 1) foreigners and 2)one way passage. This caused us some 2 weeks of travel delays, but the route is now back online. The other ferry lines did not accept us.

From Korea the plan was to fly cargo - like everyone did preCOVID- to Vancouver. That was estimated at over 7000USD per bike now. As Wendy Choi notes that after 3 years, the systems are no longer the same. Sea Shipping to Vancouver estimate at 3500USD per bike, +30ish days.

In the end we just pulled the pin and decided to just go back home and found shipping back to France at estimate 2500USD all found for 2 bikes +40days. 2 bikes in a single 20' container without crating.

Again, the COVID effect, while we canvassed as many as 5 shipping agencies, we only had a response from Mr Youn of ASSURED SEA and AIR. Likely because we had been in discussions with Mr Youn back in 2019.

It's unfortunate that the pandemic disrupted many travel plans and made logistics more complicated, but it's important to adapt and find alternative solutions, as you've done.

Did you explore Seoul and Busan? I'll be visiting the country in May and planning to explore these 2 cities. What attractions you can recommend? I see Seoul's tourism is currently booming as per https://gowithguide.com/blog/seoul-t...ate-guide-5535

Is it worth visiting?