If you’re visiting Jeju, renting a car is definitely the easiest way to fully explore the island. The bus network exists, but the best spots (hidden waterfalls, volcanic craters, remote coastal roads) are spread out – so if you want to see the best Jeju must-see attractions, a car is your best bet.
We’ve driven all over Jeju Island, so here’s exactly what you need to sort before you pick up the keys – along with a few things the rental desk won’t warn you about.
What You Need to Rent a Car on Jeju Island
Here are things you’ll need before you can rent a car to explore Jeju Island.
Drivers Licence
To rent a car from any agency on Jeju Island you’ll need one of the following:
- South Korean driving licence – you’re good to go.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – if you hold a foreign licence, make sure you arrange this before you leave home – you can’t get it on arrival. South Korea recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, and you’ll need to present your original home-country licence alongside it – so always carry both.
Note for some nationalities: Holders of licences from certain countries including China and the Philippines may face additional requirements at some agencies. Check when you’re making your booking to confirm you have everything you need and won’t face any issues.
Age Requirements
Most agencies set the minimum age at 21, with at least 1 year of driving experience. Some raise this to 26 for larger or premium vehicles.
A Credit or Debit Card
You’ll need a card for payment and for the deposit. Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere. Budget around ₩100,000–₩300,000 as a hold for a standard car – you’ll get this back when you return the vehicle undamaged.
Your Passport
All foreign visitors need to show their passport at the counter alongside the IDP and home licence.
Do You Need to Organise Insurance for Car Rentals on Jeju?
When you rent a car on Jeju, basic third-party liability is usually bundled into the rental price. But when you pick up your car at the counter you’ll also be offered:
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – this reduces your liability if the car is damaged
- Super CDW / Full Coverage – gives you zero liability on damage
- Personal Accident Insurance
Based on our driving experiences on Jeju we recommend you take at least CDW. Jeju’s roads around the coastal highway and up into the mountain areas can be narrow, and parking at popular tourist spots is often very tight. It’s worth having some peace of mind. Read the excess carefully before declining anything.
Tips for Booking a Rental Car on Jeju
Here are our top recommendations for booking a rental car so you don’t have any issues on arrival.
Book Early
Jeju is South Korea’s most-visited domestic destination, and rental cars genuinely sell out during peak periods, especially if you’re visiting Jeju in summer or during public holidays like Chuseok and Lunar New Year.
Major agencies with desks at Jeju International Airport include Lotte Rent-a-Car, SK Rent-a-Car, AJ Rent-a-Car, and Jeju Car. Local agencies sometimes offer lower rates but vary more in vehicle condition and English-language support.
Electric Vehicles on Jeju
Jeju has become something of a test-bed for South Korea’s EV infrastructure, so electric vehicle options are widely available. If you go for one, make sure you know where the charging stations are before heading to more remote parts of the island – coverage is good but not everywhere.
Driving Info for Jeju the Rental Desk Won’t Tell You
Here are some of the things we’ve learnt about driving on Jeju over the years, and that can save you a lot of headaches!
Roundabouts. Jeju is the only place in South Korea with roundabouts. That means many Korean tourists arriving from the mainland have never encountered one before. Don’t be surprised to see cars stop in the middle of a roundabout, hesitate at the entry point when they have right of way, or generally behave unpredictably. Drive cautiously through every roundabout, even when you’re confident you have priority. Don’t assume the car ahead knows what it’s doing.
Tailgating. It’s common. Leave more space in front of you than you think you need, because the car behind you definitely isn’t leaving much.
Navigation. Don’t rely on Google Maps. Due to South Korea’s mapping data restrictions, it’s significantly less accurate here. Download Kakao Maps or Naver Maps before you arrive (both have English options) and use those instead.
Fuel and returns. Most rentals are full-to-full – you pick up with a full tank and return it full. Confirm before you drive away. There are no toll roads on Jeju, which at least keeps things simple.
Quick Checklist Before You Go
- ✅ Home-country driving licence
- ✅ International Driving Permit (arranged before you travel – not available on arrival)
- ✅ Passport (foreign visitors)
- ✅ Credit or debit card
- ✅ Booking confirmation
- ✅ Kakao Maps or Naver Maps downloaded
- ✅ Decision made on insurance
Jeju is genuinely one of the most enjoyable islands to drive around with dramatic coastal roads, mountain passes, and the kind of scenery that makes you want to pull over every 10 minutes. Get the paperwork sorted in advance, give roundabout traffic a very wide berth if you can help it (especially the one near the O’Sulloc Tea Museum), and you’ll have the freedom to explore the island properly.