Rental car
The most common way to explore. Cars are collected near the airport; book ahead in peak season. Foreign visitors need a valid license accepted in Korea (such as an International Driving Permit) — check official rules.
Jeju Travel Guide
A volcanic island of craters, sea cliffs and emerald beaches, with South Korea's highest mountain, Hallasan, at its center. Drive the coast for nature, black pork and seafood; Jeju is about an hour by air from Seoul and has some international flights from nearby Asian cities.
Plan your Jeju trip
We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.
At a glance
- Currency
- KRW (₩)
- Power & plugs
- 220V · Type C/F
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Local language
- 한국어
- How long to stay
- 3 to 4 days
Emergency numbers
When to go
April-June and September-November have the best weather. July-August is peak season, with rainy spells and possible typhoons. Winter is windy and Hallasan is snowy (bring proper gear), but it's tangerine season.
Airport to the city
Airport limousine and express buses
Airport limousine bus 600 and express buses run to Jungmun and Seogwipo; route numbers and timetables can change, so check the official Jeju bus information site.
Taxi
Easy for hotels in Jeju City, which is close by. Fares rise a lot for the far side of the island.
Getting around
Rental car
The most convenient way, since sights are spread around the island. Coastal roads are narrow and often windy; drive slowly.
Buses
Express buses link the airport, Jeju City and Seogwipo, with local buses around villages. Services can be infrequent; check timetables first.
Taxis and taxi tours
Taxis suit short hops, and full-day taxi tours with a driver are available.
Ferries (Udo, Marado)
Smaller islands are reached by boat. Strong winds often cancel sailings, so check on the day.
Walking (Olle trails)
Signposted walking routes link the coast and villages. Even one section makes a great day.
Where to stay
Jeju City
Good for: First visit, near the airport, food
Close to the airport, with Dongmun Market and plenty of restaurants. Good for your first and last nights.
Aewol and Hyeopjae (west)
Good for: Sea views, cafes, beaches
Emerald beaches and seaside cafes; weekend traffic in peak season.
Jungmun and Seogwipo (south)
Good for: Resorts, waterfalls, Olle trails
Big resorts, waterfalls and cliff coast; a little warmer in winter on the south side of Hallasan.
Seongsan (east)
Good for: Sunrise, Udo
Near Seongsan Ilchulbong and the Udo ferry; quiet and great for sunrise.
Map of stays in Jeju
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Jeju in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
Top sights
Seongsan Ilchulbong
A crater rising from the sea, famous for sunrise from the rim. Paid entry; the climb takes about 20-40 minutes. Closed the first Monday of each month; hours vary by season (check official info).
Hallasan
South Korea's highest mountain (1,950 m). Summit (Baengnokdam) hikes via Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa need advance reservations; closures and entry cut-off times change, so check official information.
Hallasan · Photo: Sadopaul / CC BY 4.0 Udo Island
A small island reached by a roughly 15-minute ferry from Seongsan or Jongdal port, known for white-sand beaches and peanut ice cream. Ferries stop in strong wind.
Hyeopjae Beach
Clear emerald water facing little Biyangdo island. Swim only in lifeguarded areas during the season.
Hyeopjae Beach · Photo: Lcarrion88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 Manjanggul Lava Tube
A long cave formed by flowing lava, cool inside. It has been closed for long safety works, so check official info for opening status, the open section and fees.
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
A forested waterfall near central Seogwipo with a short, easy path. Paid entry.
Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs
Hexagonal basalt columns along the Jungmun coast, dramatic when waves crash.
Dongmun Traditional Market
Jeju City's big traditional market for tangerines, seafood and snacks, with an evening food market.
What to eat
Black pork barbecue
Thick cuts of Jeju black pork, grilled and dipped in anchovy sauce. Prices vary by cut and amount, so check first.
Gogi guksu
Noodles in pork-bone broth topped with sliced pork. About 9,000-12,000 won.
Haemul ttukbaegi
A bubbling soybean-paste stew packed with abalone, shrimp and clams. About 13,000-18,000 won.
Hairtail and mackerel dishes
Braised or grilled hairtail and grilled mackerel are local favorites. Hairtail prices vary a lot by size.
Tangerines and omegi rice cakes
Winter tangerines and millet omegi rice cakes make good gifts.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout 70,000-100,000 won per day: guesthouse, buses, market food
Mid-rangeabout 180,000-250,000 won per day: hotel, shared rental car, restaurant meals
Comfortabout 400,000 won+ per day: resort, rental car, black pork and seafood feasts
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Pick up a car at the airport, drive the Aewol coast to Hyeopjae Beach, then Dongmun Market in the evening.
- Day 2
Sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong (closed the first Monday of the month), ferry to Udo, Manjanggul in the afternoon (check it's open), then black pork barbecue.
- Day 3
Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and one Olle trail section near Seogwipo, then seafood stew.
- Day 4
A short Hallasan trail in the morning (check reservations and entry times), souvenirs, then the airport.
Local tips
- Rental cars sell out in peak season and on weekends. Check insurance terms, and never drink and drive.
- Strong winds are common: check ferries on the day, and beware of high waves on the coast.
- Hallasan summit trails need reservations and have entry cut-off times; check official information and be down before dark.
- Country restaurants may close early or have days off, so have dinner a little early.
- Sights are spread out; group each day by direction (east, west, south) to cut driving time.
- Korean citizens flying domestically need no entry procedure. Foreign visitors: Jeju visa-free entry and K-ETA rules change often, so check official Korean government information before you travel.
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