Jeju guesthouses are just one type of accommodation option you might want to consider if you’re a family planning a trip to Jeju Island.
While Jeju hotels are easy to book, they can quickly become expensive when you’re travelling as a family. And often if you’re a large family (even more than one child can constitute large in South Korea!), getting enough space so you’re all comfortable can be a little challenging!
After living on Jeju Island, we found guesthouses to be the best budget-friendly option for families. Not only are they usually cheaper than hotels, but many offer family-style sleeping arrangements that actually work better if you’re travelling with kids (of all ages).
Here’s why guesthouses are a great choice when visiting Jeju as a family.
1. Flexible Sleeping Arrangements That Work for Families
One of the biggest challenges when travelling with children in South Korea (and other parts of South East Asia) is finding a room that fits everyone comfortably.
Many hotels in Korea are only designed for two guests, which means families often need to book multiple rooms (which can be a hassle) or pay extra for additional beds. (Though you can find some decent family rooms in hotels – they’re just a lot rarer!)
Jeju guesthouses give you more flexibility. It’s common to find rooms that include:
- Rollaway beds
- Extra mattresses
- Traditional Korean floor bedding (yo mats)
These floor bedding setups are part of traditional Korean sleeping culture and are surprisingly comfortable. Your kids will probably love the novelty of sleeping on mats (ours did!), and rooms can usually accommodate more people than a typical hotel. You roll away mats during the day so you have a huge space for kids to play, eat and relax.
If you’re travelling as a family, this setup is not only budget-friendly (many rooms at guesthouses are as little as USD$50 per night), but also much easier than trying to squeeze into a standard hotel room. The only issue? Most are just one room. So if you have kids with multiple bed times, it can be a little challenging.
2. Much More Affordable Than Hotels
Accommodation prices on Jeju have increased in recent years, especially in popular areas like Jeju City and Seogwipo.
Guesthouses are often significantly cheaper than hotels because they:
- Have simpler facilities
- Offer smaller rooms
- Offer practical comfort rather than luxury
For families, this can make a big difference. Instead of booking two hotel rooms, you can stay together in one larger guesthouse room. Often these rooms also offer a small table (traditional low table), with a small fridge and kettle – so you can make up ramen for dinner!
You can use your savings on hotels for other activities and sights around the island.
3. A More Authentic Korean Experience
Staying in a guesthouse can also give families a more authentic experience of Korean culture.
Local families and offer traditional features run many guesthouses on Jeju such as:
- Ondol heated floors (underfloor heating used throughout Korea – a must in winter!)
- Korean-style bedding
- Communal kitchen or dining spaces
For kids especially, this can make the trip feel more memorable than staying in a standard hotel chain. Getting them to roll out their bedding and pack it up each night is also a fun experience.
4. Kitchen Access Is a Huge Bonus for Families
Another advantage of many guesthouses is access to shared kitchens or small cooking areas.
Although you won’t be able to cook gourmet meals, it is still incredibly useful when travelling with kids because you can:
- Prepare simple breakfasts (fridges for milk, bowls for cereal)
- Store snacks and local street-food
- Make ramen (instant noodles) or simple meals
- Keep drinks and fruit in the fridge
If you’ve travelled with kids before, you’ll know how helpful it is to have somewhere to prepare food without eating out for every meal (which adds up and doesn’t always suit picky eaters).
5. Guesthouses Are Often in Beautiful Locations
Many guesthouses in Jeju are located in quieter parts of the island, often surrounded by nature with great views and access to some of the best sights.
Some of the most scenic stays are found around:
- the coastal areas near Seogwipo
- rural villages near Hallasan
- areas close to beaches or hiking trails
This can make them feel far more relaxing than staying in busy city hotels. And mean less travel time required to see all the sights (which is also another bonus with young kids).
6. Hosts Often Provide Local Tips
Many guesthouse owners are usually happy to help you explore the island and discover what makes it so special. Although English may be a challenge, it’s always worth asking for local recommendations for:
- local restaurants
- hidden beaches
- hiking routes
- scenic drives
Be sure to download the Papago translate app to help you communicate.
This kind of local advice can be incredibly valuable when exploring somewhere like Jeju, where some of the best spots are definitely off the beaten path (especially hidden cafes and restaurants you’d never find without a local recommendation).
Tips for Booking Guesthouses in Jeju
When booking a guesthouse in Jeju Island, here are our top tips for getting the best value:
Check the bedding configuration
Look for listings that mention extra mats or family rooms. This gives you lots more flexibility and if your kids are young, they can also share mats which gives you more options.
Confirm the number of guests allowed
Some guesthouses are very flexible, while others have strict limits.
Read reviews carefully
Checking what other families say is always a good idea – and it helps you work out whether the space will be comfortable for families, rather than just couples or solo travellers.
Choose your location wisely
Staying near Jeju City is convenient for shorter stays, while Seogwipo is ideal for nature and waterfalls. Think about what sights you’re planning to see, how you’re going to get around (renting a car is highly recommended) and plan your stay accordingly.
Final Thoughts on Guesthouses
Jeju is one of the most beautiful places in South Korea, known for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, beaches and great hiking trails (many of which are very kid-friendly).
For families visiting the island, guesthouses give you a good combination of affordability, flexibility and local charm – which you can’t always get at standard hotels.
If you’re travelling with kids and want somewhere comfortable without breaking the budget, a guesthouse could be one of the best accommodation choices you make on your trip.
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