Jeju Island is South Korea’s top domestic tourist destination, but international visitors will find some things work differently here than in Seoul. This guide covers airport logistics, getting around, money, safety, and practical answers to the most common questions first-time visitors ask. For more detail, see the best time to visit guide. For more, see the things to do guide.
Jeju City Travel Tips: Airport and Arrival
Jeju International Airport (CJU) is on the north coast of the island, 5km from downtown Jeju City (15 minutes by taxi, roughly 5,000-7,000 KRW / US$4-5). It’s the world’s busiest air route by passenger numbers: the Seoul Gimpo (GMP) to Jeju (CJU) corridor carries roughly 13 million passengers per year. Seven airlines fly this route with 100+ daily flights combined: Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju Air, Jin Air, T’way Air, Air Busan, and Eastar Jet. Flight time is 65 minutes. Round-trip fares range from 40,000 KRW (US$30) on budget carriers in off-peak months to 180,000 KRW (US$135) during summer holidays and cherry blossom season. International flights connect CJU to major Asian hubs: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), Tokyo Narita (NRT), Osaka Kansai (KIX), and Taipei Taoyuan (TPE), plus seasonal charter flights from other Chinese and Japanese cities. For more, see the events and festivals calendar. For more, see the where to stay guide.
Jeju City Travel Tips: Getting Around the Island
Jeju has no subway or train system. Your options are rental car, public bus, taxi, or organized tour. Renting a car is the most flexible option and what most Korean visitors do. International Driving Permits (IDP) are accepted; you need the 1949 Geneva Convention version (the one recognized in South Korea). Major rental companies (Lotte Rent-a-Car, Jeju Rent-a-Car, AJ Rent-a-Car) have desks at the airport. Compact cars (Kia Morning or similar) rent for 30,000-50,000 KRW (US$22-38) per day including basic insurance. Book ahead: rental cars sell out during peak seasons. Navigation apps: Naver Map or Kakao Map work best in Korea (Google Maps has limited functionality due to Korean data export restrictions). Speed limits are 30-50 km/h in towns, 60-80 km/h on highways.
Public buses are comprehensive but slow. The main intercity bus terminal is in Jeju City, with routes numbered by area: 100-series buses serve Jeju City, 200-series serve the west, 300-series the east, and 600-series the south. Fares start at 1,200 KRW (US$0.90) with a T-money card (buy at any convenience store, load with cash). Express buses (red color) connect major centers faster. The downside: buses run infrequently (every 20-40 minutes on most routes) and stop running early (last bus around 8:00-9:00pm on most rural routes). If you’re relying on buses, plan your return trip before you head out and budget for a taxi as backup. For comprehensive transport planning, check the https://theweather.guide/south-korea/jeju/jeju-city/jeju-city-neighborhoods/ guide for area-specific bus routes.
Jeju City Travel Tips: Money, SIM Cards, and Connectivity
South Korean won (KRW). Cash is still used at traditional markets and small restaurants, though cards are widely accepted. ATMs at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) accept international cards. Tipping is not practiced in Korea and can cause confusion; don’t tip at restaurants, hotels, or in taxis. SIM cards and portable WiFi routers can be picked up at the airport arrival hall: KT and SK Telecom both have desks. A 5-day unlimited data SIM costs roughly 25,000-35,000 KRW (US$19-26). Portable WiFi routers rent for 3,000-5,000 KRW (US$2-4) per day. Book online before arrival for better rates than walk-up prices.
Jeju City Travel Tips: Food and Drink
Jeju’s signature dishes: heuk dwaeji (black pork) grilled over charcoal, often served with anchovy sauce and wrapped in perilla leaves (15,000-25,000 KRW / US$11-19 per person); galchi jorim (braised beltfish with radish in a spicy soy sauce, 20,000-30,000 KRW / US$15-22); abalone porridge (jeonbok-juk, 10,000-15,000 KRW / US$8-11); and haemul ttukbaegi (seafood hot pot). For street food, Dongmun Market in Jeju City and Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market both have stalls selling hotteok (stuffed pancakes, 1,000-2,000 KRW), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes, 3,000 KRW), and freshly grilled seafood. Tap water is safe to drink in Jeju but most Koreans drink bottled or filtered water. Coffee culture is intense: Jeju has more cafes per capita than almost anywhere in Korea, with prices around 4,500-6,500 KRW (US$3.50-5) for an Americano.
Jeju City Travel Tips: Safety and Practical Matters
Jeju is extremely safe. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent and petty theft is rare. The biggest safety concern is weather-related: typhoons from July through September can ground flights and create dangerous swimming conditions. Always check flags at beaches (red = no swimming) and respect them. Hallasan hiking requires preparation: the mountain creates its own weather, and summit temperatures can be 15°C (27°F) colder than the coast with wind chill that makes it dangerous without proper layers even in summer. Emergency numbers: 112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. The Korea Travel Hotline (1330) provides 24/7 interpretation services in English. For climate-specific safety advice, the https://theweather.guide/south-korea/jeju/jeju-city/jeju-city-weather-by-month/ guide has detailed seasonal hazards.
Jeju City Travel Tips: Visa Information
Jeju Island has a special visa-free policy separate from mainland South Korea. Citizens of most countries (except roughly 25 including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, and several others) can enter Jeju visa-free for up to 30 days, provided they arrive directly at Jeju International Airport (CJU) or Jeju Seogwipo Cruise Terminal and do not travel to mainland South Korea. If you plan to visit Seoul or other mainland cities, you need a standard Korean visa or K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). The K-ETA costs 10,000 KRW (US$8) and is valid for 3 years. Citizens of visa-waiver countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU nations) do not need a visa for tourism stays up to 90 days in mainland Korea. The visa-free Jeju policy does not apply if you transit through Seoul Incheon (ICN) and then fly to Jeju without passing immigration in Seoul: in that case, you’re still entering Korea at ICN and need the appropriate mainland visa or K-ETA. Always check the latest K-ETA website before travel as the eligible country list changes periodically.
Suggested Hotels in Jeju City
The Shilla Jeju (Luxury)
Jeju’s flagship 5-star resort in Jungmun with private beach access, six restaurants, cliffside gardens, and a full-service spa with Korean bathhouse facilities. The ocean-view rooms face the Pacific and sunsets for which the south coast is known. Best for couples and honeymooners. Check rates and availability
Lotte City Hotel Jeju (Mid-Range)
A 4-star hotel in Jeju City’s Yeondong business district with a fitness center, sauna, and rooftop pool (seasonal June-September). Rooms are clean, modern, and 10 minutes from the airport by taxi. Best for business travelers and couples who want a central Jeju City base. Check rates and availability
Hotel Leo (Budget-Friendly Mid-Range)
A design boutique in Shinjeju with an art gallery lobby, wood-floored rooms, complimentary evening wine, and a short walk to the restaurant street. Good value in central Jeju City. Best for solo travelers and couples looking for style without resort prices. Check rates and availability
