Getting Around Jeju

Getting around Jeju Island is all part of the adventure!

You can explore scenic coastal roads, lush countryside, and dramatic volcanic landscapes – and get lost on the tiny, winding roads that make up this stunning island.

While Jeju’s transport network is efficient, deciding what’s best for you will come down to what you plan to see on your visit to Jeju.

Choose between independent discovery by car, slow travel by bus, or short rides between must-see Jeju attractions by taxi.

Car Rental on Jeju Island

For most visitors, renting a car in Jeju is the easiest and most flexible way to explore the island. That’s because most of Jeju’s top attractions – including waterfalls, hiking trails, beaches, and volcanic peaks – are spread across the island. And unfortunately public transport doesn’t always reach the more remote areas.

You can collect a car rental when you arrive at Jeju International Airport. Or get a quote and organise one ahead of time (Booking.com is an easy site to navigate and gives you lots of options, as does Kayak). Major agencies such as Lotte Rent-A-Car, Hertz, and Jeju Rent Car are available offering English-language services, but it’s a good idea to pre-book, especially if you’re coming during busy periods. You’ll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP), your passport, and a credit card for the deposit.

Expect prices to start around ₩50,000–₩80,000 per day, depending on the season and type of car you choose. If you’re on your own, or travelling as a couple, compact cars are a great budget-friendly choice. For families, we recommend SUVs or vans, especially if you have luggage. Fuel costs are reasonable and petrol stations are easy to find throughout the island. Many still offer old-fashioned service – filling your car up for you!

Driving tips:

• Roads are well maintained, but mountain and coastal routes can be narrow and winding. They can often only be enough for a single car so go slowly.
• You need to download either KakaoMap or Naver Map for navigation – Google Maps doesn’t work properly in Korea. You can set both up in English, and they are easy to follow.
• Parking is free at some beaches and tourist sites, but we’re seeing more paid parking coming in. Your license plate will usually be scanned on arrival and you can pay by card or cash when exiting. Some tourist sites will require you to pay for parking when you purchase an entry ticket to must-see destinations on Jeju.
• Be mindful on roundabouts. There are no roundabouts on mainland Korea, and with so many Korean tourists hiring or bringing cars when they travel there is a LOT of confusion about roundabouts. Many cars stop on the roundabout and give way to entering cars, and it can be dangerous. Trucks and buses will not stop – so keep your wits about you when driving through each and every roundabout on the island!

*If you want to travel confidently without the stress of navigating unfamiliar apps and remote routes yourself, you may want to consider partnering with a local tour guide or jumping on a one day Jeju tour, where all the scheduling and driving is done for you.

Public Transport in Jeju

Jeju’s public bus network connects main towns and popular attractions such as Seogwipo, Jeju City, and Hallasan National Park. It’s an affordable option, though travel times are longer and you can’t always get exactly where you want to go completely by public transport. It’s a good option though if you prefer slow travel or if you’re staying in one region. 

There are four main types of buses:

• Express buses (red) for longer intercity routes.
• Tourist buses (blue/green) connecting major attractions.
• Local village buses (yellow) for shorter community routes.
• Airport Limousine buses linking Jeju City, Seogwipo, and resort areas.

You can pay with a T-money card (used across Korea and easy to purchase and top-up from any convenience store) or with cash. Bus stops display route numbers in English, and KakaoMap provides accurate real-time schedules.

Jeju Bus (Jejudo Busro) is an app available on Android that offers real-time bus arrival info. It supports English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. You can also visit the official bus system website (Jeju Bus Information System) where you can switch languages and use their stop/route search.

Public transport is a good option if you’re staying near Jeju City or Seogwipo and want to avoid driving, but expect longer travel times – especially in rural areas where services may run only once or twice per hour.

Top Tip: You can also use the Naver Map for accurate directions and real-time public transport updates. It’s a great option for tracking buses and getting around Jeju easily.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Taxis are reliable and widely available, especially in urban areas. The Kakao T app is the easiest way to book rides – so make sure you’ve installed the Kakao app. Fares start at around ₩3,300, with longer trips costing significantly more, especially to remote areas.

You don’t need a Korean ID to set up your Kakao account, you can just sign in with your email or phone number and select cash payment. It’s the easiest way to book a ride and share your destination with drivers, even if you don’t speak Korean.

For day trips, consider hiring a private taxi tour – a convenient option for small groups or families who prefer not to rent a car. And if you’re seeking an airport transfer you can organise a private pick up easily – giving you a stress-free transition from the airport straight to your accommodation.

Top Tip: Depending on where in Jeju you’re travelling, it can sometimes be challenging to get a taxi. For example, if you’re in a more remote location and there are limited taxis available, it can mean your request doesn’t get picked up. This can happen in smaller villages or at the end of Olle trails if you’re not near a bigger city. Try to have a backup (e.g. find out where the nearest bus stop is) if you will be travelling to areas a little off the beaten path.

Biking Around Jeju

For slow travelers or active visitors, cycling around Jeju Island offers a completely different experience. The Jeju Olle Bike Trail and coastal cycling routes circle much of the island, with breathtaking sea views, fishing villages, and volcanic cliffs along the way.

Bike rentals are available in Jeju City, Seogwipo, and near major beaches. You can choose between standard bikes, road bikes, or electric bikes for longer distances.

Keep in mind that Jeju’s weather can change quickly – bring rain gear and plenty of water, and avoid busy highways. Cycling is best from March to June and September to November, when temperatures are milder.

Our Top Tips for Getting Around

• Download local apps early: KakaoMap, Naver Map, and Kakao T will make your trip far easier. Set them up in English so you’re good to go on arrival.
• Fuel stations close early in smaller towns – plan ahead for long drives.
• Bus routes can change seasonally, especially near tourist areas. Always double-check schedules before heading out.
• Navigation tip: Many addresses in Korea use building numbers rather than street names, so it’s easiest to search destinations by name rather than address.
• Plan for how to pay: No matter how you plan to get around, think about how you’re going to pay for your transport before you arrive and plan accordingly. You don’t want to be caught out having issues accessing money when you’re here.

Recommended Transport Options