Jeju Travel Guide: Getting There and Getting Around

Jeju is Korea’s volcanic island: black-stone coastlines, Hallasan mountain in the middle, waterfalls, beaches and café roads. It is bigger than it looks, so how you get around matters more than anywhere else in Korea. Here is how to get there, the options for moving around the island, the main areas and what the weather is like.

Getting there

Almost everyone flies. Jeju International Airport, on the north coast next to Jeju City, has frequent domestic flights from Seoul (mostly Gimpo), Busan and other cities, plus some international routes. Ferries also run from a few southern mainland ports — slower, but you can bring a car. Entry rules for flights straight to Jeju can differ from the mainland, so check your country’s rules on the official visa portal before you book.

Official source: Visit Jeju (official) · Jeju International Airport · Korea Visa Portal

Getting around the island

• Rental car: the most flexible way to see the coast and the countryside. Read the documents section below before you book.
• Buses: island buses link the airport, Jeju City, Seogwipo and the main sights. They are cheap and work with transit cards, but countryside buses are far apart — check times in Naver Map or Kakao Map.
• Taxis: plentiful in Jeju City and Seogwipo, fewer in the countryside. Some drivers can be hired for the day; agree on the plan and price first.
• Tours: day tours of the east or west side are an easy option if you don’t drive.

Renting a car: what you need

According to the Korean government’s guide for foreigners, rental companies ask for an International Driving Permit issued by a Geneva or Vienna Convention country, your valid home licence and your passport. Rules depend on where your licence was issued, so confirm with the rental company before you fly.

Source (Korean Culture and Information Service): Driving and renting a car in Korea

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Areas at a glance

• Jeju City (north): next to the airport, with markets, hotels and the most flight-friendly base.
• West coast (Aewol, Hallim): sea-view cafés, sunsets and pale-sand beaches.
• Seogwipo and Jungmun (south): waterfalls, coastal walks and resort hotels.
• East coast (Seongsan): Seongsan Ilchulbong sunrise peak and the ferry to Udo island.
• Hallasan (centre): Korea’s highest mountain. Some summit trails have used advance reservations — check the official rules before you hike.

Weather notes

Jeju is windier than the mainland and the weather changes fast: sun on one coast, rain on the other. Summer is humid with typhoon risk later in the season, and the mountain is much colder than the coast all year. Pack a wind jacket in any season and check forecasts before ferries and hikes. More in Korea weather and what to pack.

Tips

• Split your stay between two sides of the island to cut driving time.
• Flights on holiday weekends fill early — book ahead.
• Plan with the Korea trip budget calculator and add your car or tour on top.
• Combining Jeju with the mainland? See the Busan travel guide.

Last checked: October 2026. Shops, services and rules change — check the official source or ask staff before you rely on them.

FAQ

Can foreigners rent a car in Jeju?

Yes, with an International Driving Permit from a Geneva or Vienna Convention country, a valid home licence and a passport. Confirm with the rental company for your licence.

Is Jeju easy to get around without a car?

Yes, but slower. Buses reach the main areas and sights; taxis and day tours fill the gaps.

How do I get to Jeju from Seoul?

Most people take a domestic flight, mostly from Gimpo Airport, to Jeju International Airport.

What is the weather like in Jeju?

Windier and more changeable than the mainland, with rain that can come and go quickly. The mountain is colder than the coast.

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