Jeju Travel Tips
After years of exploring Jeju’s coastlines, markets, trails, and villages, we want to offer our Jeju travel tips for anyone coming to visit this stunning part of the world!
We hope these tips can help to make your trip planning easier, cheaper and more rewarding!
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a month, here are some important things to know know before you arrive on Jeju-do.
Costs to Travel Jeju Island
One of the best things about visiting Jeju is that exploring the island can fit into nearly any budget! While prices fluctuate by season and area, here is what you can expect to pay for things like accommodation, food, drink and transport, to help you work out your travel budget.
Accommodation
- Budget guesthouses: ₩30,000–₩50,000 /night
- Mid-range hotels: ₩80,000–₩150,000 /night
- Luxury resorts & private villas: ₩300,000 + /night in peak periods
Food & Drink
- Local meals or street food: ₩8,000–₩12,000
- Seafood BBQ or grill houses: ₩25,000–₩50,000
- Fine dining: ₩70,000 + per person
Transport
- Car rental: ₩50,000 +/ day including insurance
- Taxi fares: short rides (e.g. less than 15 to 20 mins) ₩4,000–₩10,000 – longer journeys can add up
- Public buses: ₩1,200–₩3,000 per ride
Attractions
- Beaches, trails, waterfalls: usually free or small entry fees
- Museums or parks: ₩3,000–₩10,000
Top Tip: Prices can rise significantly in peak periods like July and August (think 30–50%). It can also be expensive to travel to Jeju during major Korean holidays. Make sure you book accommodation early for better deals.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Jeju has its own unique culture and history. A few simple gestures of respect can go a long way:
- Temples & sacred sites: Dress modestly and keep voices low.
- Greetings: “Annyeonghaseyo” (hello) and “Gamsahamnida” (thank you) always bring a smile.
- Shoes off: Remove shoes before entering traditional homes, guesthouses, and some restaurants.
- Environmental care: Jeju is proud of its UNESCO heritage – use marked trail, don’t take rocks or coral and don’t leave any rubbish (take everything with you!).
- Public behaviour: Quiet manners are appreciated – loud conversation or displays of affection stand out.
Local insight: The Jeju dialect differs from mainland Korean, but most locals understand standard Korean. A friendly attitude matters more than perfect pronunciation.
Mobile SIM & Connectivity
It’s easy to stay connected on Jeju.
SIM cards: Pick up at Jeju Airport (KT, SKT, LG U+) or pre-order online for pickup.
eSIMS: Major Korean carriers such as SK Telecom, KT Corp. and LG U⁺ offer prepaid eSIM plans (for example: unlimited data + optional voice/SMS for 1–90 days) for tourists.
Pocket Wi-Fi: Best for families or groups – usually ₩5,000–₩10,000 /day for multiple devices – available from Jeju Airport.
Coverage: 4G and 5G signals reach nearly everywhere, even rural areas.
Wi-Fi: Free in most cafés, hotels, and public facilities.
Top Tip: Use an eSIM and organise it before you arrive from a company like ByteSIM. It’ll be cheaper and avoid airport queues.
Safety & Health Tips
Jeju is one of South Korea’s safest regions, ideal for solo travellers and families.
- Crime: Very low – walking at night is generally safe.
- Emergency numbers: Police 112, Fire/Ambulance 119, Tourist Hotline 1330 (English service).
- Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics are modern and English-friendly. Pharmacies (yakguk) are in every town and many pharmacists speak at least basic English.
- Water: Safe to drink, though many Koreans prefer bottled or filtered.
- Nature safety: Slippery rocks near waterfalls, sudden weather changes on Hallasan. Pack sturdy shoes and check forecasts.
- Cash tip: Small cafés and markets may not take cards – carry some cash.
Weather & What to Pack
Jeju’s four seasons each offer something special – but the island’s coastal climate can change quickly.
| Season | Months | What to Expect | What to Pack |
| Spring | Mar–May | Cherry blossoms, rapeseed flowers, mild days | Light jacket, layers |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | Hot, humid, beach season | Light clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | Clear skies, foliage, great hiking | Jumper for cool nights |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | Crisp air, occasional snow | Warm coat, sturdy shoes |
Tip: Even in summer, coastal winds can be cool after sunset – keep a light jacket handy.
Jeju Travel Tips – Our Packing Essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Reusable water bottle (many cafés offer refills)
- Portable charger for long drives or hikes
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Travel adapter (Korea uses 220 V, two-round-pin plugs)
