May 31, 2023, 06:49
Hakata Ekimae 4-chome, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan Early in the morning, heading to Hakata Port.
Today we are moving to Busan. However, it's pouring rain, and it's peak hour.
The bus to the port is 10 minutes late. The bus is full of passengers with luggage.
It's not easy to move inside the bus. This time, due to ticket prices and business needs, we arranged a trip to visit both Japan and Korea in one go.
After staying in Hakata for two days, we will continue to Korea. The weather has not been good these days, with Western Japan under the influence of a front.
Our Amakusa Airlines flight was canceled the day before. Arrived at the International Passenger Terminal of Hakata Port in about 20 minutes.
The sea routes here are well developed, making the port easily accessible. Today, we are taking the QUEEN BEETLE high-speed boat operated by JR Kyushu.
Yes, the same JR Kyushu that operates trains. After completing check-in and obtaining the boarding pass, it seems they switched to thermal paper after the pandemic.
The destination Busan is marked as the old-style "Pusan." On-site upgrades to business class do not require a service fee, just an additional JPY 5000.
Once you board, you'll understand how cost-effective this is. The Camellia Line departs at 12:30, not yet in operation at this time.
The Camellia Line is a passenger-cargo ferry that takes six hours to reach Busan. Operated by JR Beetle, the high-speed boat only takes 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach Busan.
In the past, using hydrofoils only took 3 hours. JR Kyushu has been operating the Hakata-Busan route since 1991.
There have even been agreements and joint tickets with the Korean railways. The facilities at the International Terminal of Hakata Port are relatively simple.
It's not as lively as the domestic terminal. After completing the check-in procedure, you have to go upstairs for the departure. The departure gate and arrival gate are next to each other.
At first glance, it seems close to the airport, but there is a strong sense of incongruity. No security check for boat travel. You have to go through customs by yourself dragging your luggage.
This is an experience Taiwanese people don't often encounter on international ferry routes. The ship departs at 9:00, and immigration clearance opens at 8:00. After passport check point, there is only a simple duty-free shop inside.
They sell tobacco, alcohol, and some simple souvenirs. On this day, there was a news break-in in the waiting room of N. Korea shot a missile.
Prime Minister Kishida's speech was being broadcast. Outside the window, we can already see today's transportation.
Currently, the Hakata-Busan route is served by the high-speed ferry Queen Beetle. Queen Beetle is the world's first 80m-class trimaran high-speed passenger ship.
Built by Australia's Austal, it was delivered to Hakata Port in October 2020. Before Queen Beetle, Boeing's 929 hydrofoil was used.
Because it looked like a beetle, JR Kyushu named it Beetle. The departure gate is hidden in this mysterious place and opens at 8:10.
You still need your passport and boarding pass, but now you have to drag your luggage. The overall layout is designed to be accessible.
Although dragging luggage is not very convenient, it's not too difficult. However, the heavily guarded Hakata Port doesn't provide a good angle to capture the ship's body.
I can only take pictures of the ship through the glass or wire mesh. Queen Beetle, which arrived in October 2020, couldn't showcase its capabilities due to the pandemic.
During that time, it served as a sightseeing boat and on domestic routes. From this angle, you can see the trimaran features of Queen Beetle.
Compared to conventional catamarans, it has a wider hull and can travel at high speeds. Originally registered in Panama,
Queen Beetle changed to Japanese registration in 2022 to comply with the legal requirements for operating domestic routes. Queen Beetle has a length of 83.5m, a width of 20.2m, and a total weight of 2200 tons.
It can reach a speed of 36.5 knots. It wasn't until November 4, 2022, that the Japan-Korea route finally resumed operations.
Queen Beetle was finally put into service on its originally planned international route. After boarding, turn left towards the economy class.
The business class we're using today is on the upper deck. Please turn right and go upstairs. The rear ramp is for passengers with mobility needs, such as those with luggage.
In the middle of the ship, there are stairs on both sides for going up and down. Large luggage storage area; this area will be locked after departure.
Luggage doesn't need to be brought to the seating area. A bit forward is still a public area with ice cream vending machines and a duty-free shop.
The duty-free shop opens only after departure and sells souvenirs related to the ship. The seating area of the business class is access-controlled, scan your BP for entry.
It has a considerable degree of privacy. There are two types of seats in business class, the more enclosed Type A and the more open Type B.
Today, we chose the seemingly robust Type A. The front half of the business class is Type B, and the back half is the larger Type A.
The seat type configuration also considers spatial comfort. Type A provides better privacy.
The seats appear to be the same as Type B, with the addition of a wrap-around shell. Visually, Type B is not as impressive as Type A.
Each has its own Pros and Cons, but both have a seat pitch of 140cm. Another advantage of the business class is the forward viewing area
where you can enjoy the food while looking ahead. The upper-level business class has 120 seats.
Two seats make up one group, with a maximum of 6 groups and 12 seats per row. The viewing area is for public, with 8 tables and 16 seats. The seats can recline up to 160 degrees,
providing a level of comfort similar to a regional business class on an airplane. Queen Beetle is quite economical; we got our tickets for only ¥4,000 (including tax ¥9,300).
After upgrading to business class for an additional ¥5,000, the total was ¥14,300 (approximately USD 104). Let's go downstairs to see what the economy class is like, so everyone can see the difference of ¥5,000.
The upgrade price is definitely worth it. On the other side, New Camellia, a ship named after the flower, is a ro-ro cargo ship.
It takes longer, but the ticket price is more economical. Economy class has 382 seats, with 348 individual seats and 34 shared space seats.
The total seating capacity of the ship is 502, much larger than the previous hydrofoil era with only 191 seats. There are 4-person face-to-face compartment seats, providing seats for 1 to 4 people,
suitable for various group sizes. Economy class seat pitch is 104cm, and the maximum seat back recline is only about 20 degrees.
This alone shows a significant difference in comfort. Just the seat part alone is worth the ¥5,000 upgrade price difference,
but of course, that's not all; the service aspect is also significantly different. The upper deck has a viewing area, which the lower deck does not.
The front is a family play area. Today's passenger load doesn't seem too high.
Until the night before, you could still buy promotional tickets for ¥5,000 online. Seats provide power supply.
In the economy class, only USB sockets provided, no 100V AC sockets. The shop sells drinks and food.
It accepts currency from both Japan and Korea, as well as various credit cards. Do you have a familiar feeling? That's right, it's another work by Eiji Mitooka. Apart from the locked large luggage storage space, the ship also provides lockers of various sizes. The style is completely consistent with Futatsuboshi 4047 and the West Kyushu Shinkansen.
It's clear that this is Eiji Mitooka's work. There is also an outdoor deck on the 3rd floor called Sun Deck.
If you feel stuffy inside the cabin, you can go up and get some fresh air. The path from the passenger terminal to the boarding is quite long.
Unlike the neighboring ship, the smaller Queen Beetle can't be directly accessed by an boarding bridge. The 396 is the Hull NBR of this ship, equivalent to the MSN of an aircraft. Although no longer using the Boeing 929 hydrofoil with the appearance of a stag beetle,
the new generation still carries the name Beetle, with a title attached afterward. Austal original factory plaque on the 2nd-floor deck.
This is the first time JR Kyushu Jet Ferry has used a ship not manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The passenger deck has a total of 2+1 layers, and the bottom compartment is equipped with four diesel engines.
It can carry 502 passengers and 20 crew members. There is a bicycle parking area on board,
allowing passengers to bring bicycles for an additional fee of JPY 1,000. The bridge has been retracted, and departure is imminent.
The journey from Hakata to Busan, 210 km, is expected to take 3 hours and 40 minutes. 08:58 Hakata Port International Passenger Terminal Departure Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan This ship is powered by four diesel engines, coupled with four waterjet propulsors.
The water flow at the stern is jokingly referred to as "SPA Water Therapy" by the Japanese. The staff on the shore are bidding farewell to us as we head west in the rain. Observing today's passenger composition, there is a high proportion of non-Japanese and non-Korean nationals.
There are two groups from India and Indonesia, and a few European and American passengers. However, it seems that I am the only Taiwanese passenger.
With the same green passport, I have been spoken to in Korean from beginning to end. The big guy next to us should be familiar to everyone. The most famous ship in the world in 2020 - Diamond Princess. Perhaps one day, we may have a chance to board a large cruise ship. The Hakata Bay area is quite lively.
The spherical structure in the distance is the Fukuoka Dome. Passing the breakwater of Hakata Port after 8 minutes, leaving the range of Hakata Port. When the Japan-Korea route was first opened, it was a deficit route.
It was only later, during the 2002 Japan-Korea World Cup and the 2004 Winter Sonata, that this route turned around. With more lenient luggage restrictions and a more comfortable sailing experience,
the proportion of passengers taking the ferry continued to rise, making it a popular route. The Fukuoka-Busan 3.5-hour journey is actually not much different from taking a plane. According to the instructions, an additional fee of JPY 1,000 is required for luggage weighing 20-30 kg.
However, in practice, we were not charged. The ticket price is also quite competitive, round trip including tax is as low as JPY 16,000, approximately only USD 115. Passing between Shikanoshima, Umino Nakamichi, and Nokonoshima. When we purchased the ticket, the price was JPY 4,000, plus tax JPY 5,300.
In other words, a one-way trip for JPY 9,300 can take us from Hakata to Busan (USD 65). Queen Beetle slowly accelerates, preparing to demonstrate its expertise.
The water columns from the four waterjet propulsors are getting larger. The crew has closed the side walkway.
At this point, we still don't know why. It's not until later that we find out the reason. It's about time to return to the seat and enjoy the facilities. The table is quite large, and its practicality is quite good.
The beverage rack is presented in a slotted manner to cope with possible bumps during cruising. After returning to the cabin, the rain outside becomes heavier.
However, today's forecasted wave height is only 1.5m, so it should be a smooth journey. 09:24 Captain's Broadcast Capt. PA Currently navigating in the sea east of Goto Islands, about to enter the open sea of the Genkai Sea. Although seat belts are not required, emergency turns and decelerations are still possible during high-speed navigation.
Please pay attention to your luggage, and personal safety. The visibility today is poor, and Iki Islands can be seen on the left side in about an hour. The land of Honshu and Kyushu behind is gradually moving away.
Queen Beetle is like a sea highway crossing the Tsushima Strait. The sailing speed of 36.5 knots is equivalent to approximately 67.6 kilometers per hour,
almost the speed of a highway on land. In the business class, slippers and an amenity kit are provided.
They were sent earlier when we boarded. These slippers look much better than the paper slippers we brought from the hotel.
Upon closer inspection, they have rubber soles and are quite thick. Inside the amenity kit, there are eye masks, dry hand sanitizer, and hand cream.
It's worth noting that the hand cream is from L'Occitane. The services in business class go beyond this.
Free drinks are provided at the beverage machine, and you can also get two free drinks or ice cream at the bar. The ice cream provided at the bar is Cremia, which is currently popular in Taiwan.
Alcoholic beverages are also available. The forward observation area.
The estimated wave height today is only 1-1.5 meters, but the wind seems quite strong. In the distance is Kojima Island, a volcanic island in the Genkai Sea.
It has a population of only 156 people and is the northernmost part of Fukuoka City. For the Selection Service, we chose Cremia ice cream and a Highball.
You can choose 2 of them at the bar for free with your boarding pass. Of course, these can also be purchased at your own expense, and the prices are quite reasonable.
Highball JPY 500 | Cremia Ice Cream JPY 550. Additionally, we ordered fried chicken at our own expense for breakfast.
If the staff is not busy, they sometimes deliver it to the table or seat. Fried chicken on board (5 pieces) JPY 800 (approximately USD 6).
It's a bit expensive, but considering it's on a ship, it's acceptable. If you order it with beer or Highball, it's a set for JPY 1300.
This is what we haven't drunk yet, and it's not really a deal it you choose Highball. Enjoying Korean fried chicken while admiring the scenery ahead, experiencing the journey to Korea.
Well, it's just because eating here is less likely to cause seasickness. There is a duty-free shop on board,
which sells not only common duty-free items but also commemorative items related to the ship. The previous Beetle used the Boeing 929 Jetfoil hydrofoil ship.
What? Boeing? That's right! It's the same Boeing that makes airplanes. Boeing's B929 Jetfoil is more commonly known for its use in the Hong Kong-Macau hydrofoil ship.
In fact, this type of hydrofoil is widely used in Japan. The B929 has three sets of hydrofoils and can reach a speed of 45 knots (83 kph).
Only 43 were produced, some of which were manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan. JR Kyushu's B929 was retired after Queen Beetle was introduced on the Japan-Korea route.
Future developments are unknown. The overhead public screen is playing MLB baseball games.
This is probably a common content for Japanese and Korean passengers. It seems that I missed Tsushima Island on the left while napping. Tsushima is quite close to Busan and is under the jurisdiction of Nagasaki Prefecture. Slept for a moment, woke up, and still saw the boundless sea.
Although the chair only reclines 160 degrees, it's quite comfortable to sleep in. Although the waves are not too big,
today's strong winds and fast speed have caused passengers to use the sickness bags. Due to the wind direction, the ship is tilting to one side. You can vaguely see the land of the Korean Peninsula in the front.
On the other side of the strait, the weather is clear, dispelling the haze. Let me show you the movement of the ship. The spectacular water flow from the stern during high-speed navigation.
With jet propulsion and a tri-hull structure, high-speed cruising is possible with less fuel consumption. The reason for closing the side aisle was that the wind was indeed too strong.
It's unstable to walk over during high-speed cruising. The outline of the land is becoming clearer.
We will enter Busan Port in about half an hour. 12:06 The speed begins to slow down, and about to enter the port. The cross-sea bridge should be the Gwangan Bridge and the Haeundae area. Almost forgot about this box, another service in Business Class.
It's a traditional Japanese confectionery provided by the century-old Fukuoka store Suzumegamimochi. The recline of the seat is electronically controlled with only two buttons,
so there's no detailed adjustment. There is a USB Type-A charging socket on the armrest. Below the front seat, there is another 100V AC outlet. The white buildings are the Oryukdo Islands, where you can see five or six islands depending on the tide.
It's a must-pass route and a symbol of Busan Port. The onboard announcement declared that we had entered Busan Port at this time.
In reality, we were just about to enter the breakwater. The suspension bridge in front are the Busan Port Bridge, which opened in 2014,
with a clearance height of up to 60 meters. The access control machine for Business Class entrance.
Don't forget to bring your boarding pass when entering or leaving; otherwise, it will be troublesome. The drinks machine in Business Class is free.
You should pay for a cup of drink if you use the same machine downstairs. Everyone should wait for instructions in your seat.
According to the announcement, Business Class will be the first to disembark. The additional JPY 5000 for upgrading is indeed the good deal.
It's a cost-effective option, and the price is the same whether you book, upgrade after booking, or upgrade at the counter. Busan Port is South Korea's largest port and the world's fifth-largest container port.
(Note: As of now, Kaohsiung Port ranks 18th in the world for container volume). Busan Port also has a busy maritime passenger traffic,
especially the Japan-Korea route across the Tsushima Strait. In addition to Hakata, there are regular ferry services to Shimonoseki, Osaka, and Tsushima.
It has an annual international passenger volume of over a million. As of Busan Port, you probably think of Cho Yong-pil's "Come Back, Busan Port."
Nowadays, Busan Port is busy and modern, and the emotions of the past are probably hard to find. Humming "Come Back, Busan Port," Busan Port International Terminal is getting closer.
In just over three hours, we have crossed the strait from Hakata Port to here. Busan is the port city of South Korea, somewhat similar to our Kaohsiung.
In the past, Busan and Kaohsiung did have a competitive relationship. The overhead TV switched to the forward view,
showing the live scene of the port entry. 12:43 Busan Port - Arrival - 3 minutes late. It's said that the delay was due to the headwind. Next door, Panstar operates on the Busan-Tsushima route.
Tsushima is closer to Korea than Japan, and there are frequent ferry services between Busan and Tsushima. 12:46 Business Class starts to disembark first. Another privilege of Business Class is priority disembarkation,
which is equivalent to a kind of priority customs clearance. Bid farewell to these Business Class seats, which only cost an additional JPY 5000 but are well worth it.
It was a great journey. Before disembarking, don't forget to retrieve your luggage from the large item storage area.
Unlike airplanes, you have to carry your luggage off the ship yourself. 12:49 Disembarkation. Queen Beetle has three times the seating capacity of the original 929.
One ship equals three, and it has become a daily round trip. The current schedule mainly focuses on the Hakata early departure and afternoon return.
Around 15:00, it will operate as JF452 to return to Hakata. JR Kyushu has been operating the Japan-Korea route for over 30 years since 1991.
Unfortunately, the celebration for the 30th anniversary coincided with the pandemic, and the service was suspended. When it resumed, the unique Jetfoil 929 hydrofoil was no longer in use,
and a new generation of Trimaran high-speed ships was introduced. From this angle, you can clearly see the bottom structure of the Trimaran ship.
Reducing the bottom area is a key factor in improving speed. I need to be hurry; economy class passengers from behind have caught up.
If I'm not faster, I'll lose the meaning of priority disembarkation. Kanpu Ferry also operates between Japan and Korea, docking on the Japanese side at Kanmon Port.
The journey from Shimonoseki to Busan takes about 11-12 hours, and it operates as an overnight ferry. 13:10 Completed customs clearance and arrived at the immigration hall. Perhaps because of traveling alone, I was singled out for an additional inspection.
Business Class priority clearance became one of the last to come out. The nearest subway stations to Busan Port are Sooyoung and Busan Station.
In terms of walking, Busan is relatively convenient. Returning to Korea again after two months. Behind the passenger terminal, there's a platform that overlooks the harbor.
But Busan Port is equally heavily guarded, making it challenging to find a good angle to photograph the ships. Farewell to the Queen Beetle; we're going to transfer to a plane heading to Seoul.
Actually, it might have been cheaper to fly directly from Osaka to Seoul in the first place. After leaving the passenger terminal, let's go to Busan Station to grab a bite.
Then head to Gimhae Airport. Leave the passenger terminal and follow the blue Busan Station signs on the ground.
You can reach Busan Station via an all-covered bridge. In Korea, which is not particularly friendly to accessibility,
having a covered bridge all the way is quite excellent for dragging luggage without obstacles. The subway signs will suggest you get off at Suyeong Station.
But it's more convenient to go to Busan Station or Busan International Passenger Terminal. Here is our Trip Report of the Business Class of JR Kyushu's high-speed ferry
Queen Beetle from Hakata to Busan.
