Jeju Island Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip
Jeju is a volcanic island off Korea's south coast, and it feels like a different country from the mainland. Black lava walls divide tangerine orchards, cone-shaped hills called oreum rise from open grassland, and Hallasan, South Korea's highest mountain, anchors the center. Add white-sand beaches, sea-dropping waterfalls and a food culture built on black pork and abalone, and you have Korea's favorite holiday island.
The island divides into eight areas. Jeju City is the arrival point, with the airport and Dongmun Market & Night Market. Aewol & Hallim is the north-west, with Hyeopjae Beach and sea-view cafes. Hallasan & Saebyeol Oreum is the mountain interior, with hiking trails and a famous autumn hill. Jungmun & Andeok offers resort beaches, cliffs and Camellia Hill. Seogwipo & Namwon is a relaxed southern town with waterfalls and an old market. Seongsan & Seopjikoji is the east, home to Seongsan Ilchulbong and the ferry to Udo. Hamdeok & Gujwa is the north-east, with calm beaches and forests. Seongeup & Gyorae covers central-east villages, oreum and native-chicken restaurants.
Most visitors see Jeju by rental car, because sights are spread across a large island and buses can be infrequent outside the main towns. Most foreign drivers need an International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention plus their home license, so check the rules before you travel. Google Maps has limited directions in Korea, so use Naver Map or Kakao Map, and Kakao T for taxis. A translation app such as Papago helps with Korean-only menus.
Late March and April bring rapeseed flowers and cherry blossoms, summer is for beaches, autumn turns the oreum silver with grass, and winter brings camellias and snow on Hallasan. Typhoons can disrupt flights and ferries in late summer, so leave some slack in your plans. Opening hours, ticket prices and bus routes change, so verify them close to your travel date.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Jeju?
Three days covers the highlights if you choose two or three areas, such as the east coast with Seongsan Ilchulbong, the south with Seogwipo and Jungmun, and the west with Hyeopjae. Four or five days lets you add Hallasan, Udo and a slower pace. Because driving times between areas are long, spending one day per region works best.
Do I need a car and an International Driving Permit in Jeju?
A rental car is the easiest way to cover the island, since the sights are spread out and buses are infrequent. Most foreign drivers need an International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention, plus their home license, and rental companies may set their own age and license-history rules. Check your country's requirements and the rental company's conditions before booking.
How do I get to Jeju from Seoul?
The fastest way is a flight from Gimpo Airport (or Incheon) to Jeju International Airport, which takes about an hour and runs very frequently. Fares are often low if booked in advance, but peak holidays sell out, so book early. There are also flights from other Korean cities, and the airport is in Jeju City, about 10 to 20 minutes from downtown.
Is it better to stay on the east side or the west side?
The east has Seongsan Ilchulbong, Udo and quiet beaches, while the west has sunsets at Hyeopjae, cafes in Aewol and gardens. Many travelers split their stay, with a night in each area to cut driving. If you only have time for one base, Jeju City or Seogwipo is a flexible choice, though you will still drive.
Can I get around Jeju without a car, and what about weather and typhoons?
You can use buses and taxis, but distances are long and routes are sparse. City buses and intercity routes cover the main towns, and taxis can be hired by the hour for sightseeing, which is more expensive. Typhoon season runs from roughly late summer into autumn, and strong winds can cancel flights and ferries, so keep a flexible schedule and check forecasts.