How to Get Around Jeju: Island Transportation Guide

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea’s island paradise, you might be wondering how to get around Jeju and what transportation on the island is really like. Unlike Seoul, Jeju doesn’t have a subway system, so it’s important to plan how you’ll explore before you arrive.

There are several ways to travel around Jeju, from public buses to car rentals, taxis, and scooters. Each option comes with its own advantages, depending on your travel style and budget.

In this Jeju transportation guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying the beaches, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes that make this island so special.

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How to Get Around Jeju: A Brief Intro

Jeju Island is one of South Korea’s most unique destinations, famous for its lava caves, waterfalls, and seaside cliffs. While the island is relatively small, many attractions are spread out, making it essential to plan how to get around Jeju before you visit.

Before we dive into all of the options for getting around Jeju though, let's go over some of the basics for visiting the islad.

 How to Get to Jeju Island

Looking at the map, Jeju Island might seem a bit remote, but getting there is actually very easy. The island sits off South Korea’s southern coast and is accessible by both air and sea.

Here are the different ways of getting to Jeju:

• Flying to Jeju
• Taking a ferry to Jeju
• Joining a domestic tour that includes Jeju

 Want the full details for each option? Check out our complete guide on how to get to Jeju, which goes over everything you need to know.

 What Is the Best Base for Exploring Jeju?

The best area to stay in Jeju depends on what kind of trip you’re planning and how you prefer to get around. Here are some of the most popular areas to base yourself:

• Jeju City: Perfect for first-time visitors, it’s close to the airport, has plenty of restaurants and hotels, and makes it easy to explore the island’s northern attractions.

• Seogwipo: Ideal for nature lovers, this southern area offers easy access to waterfalls, beaches, and coastal trails, along with a relaxed local vibe.

• Jungmun: Great for families and those looking for resorts, this area has luxury hotels, beaches, and attractions like Yeomiji Botanical Garden and Teddy Bear Museum.

• Aewol: A trendy coastal area known for its cafés and ocean views, perfect for a quieter stay while still being close to Jeju City.

 How Do Tourists Get Around Jeju?

Here are the main options for how to get around Jeju, South Korea:

• Renting a car
• Taking public buses
• Using taxis or rideshare apps
• Joining organized tours
• Renting a scooter or bike
• Walking in smaller areas or coastal towns

How to Get from the Airport to the City

Jeju International Airport (CJU) is the island’s main gateway and is located just a few minutes from Jeju City. Depending on where you’re staying, you can reach your hotel by bus, taxi, or rental car in less than 20–40 minutes.

Take the Airport Bus

The airport limousine buses connect the airport with major areas like Seogwipo, Jungmun, and Hamdeok. Routes are divided into different numbers, and digital screens show schedules in English. Tickets can be purchased inside the terminal or directly from the driver.

Take a Taxi or Ride Share

Taxis are easy to find outside the airport. A ride to Jeju City takes about 10 minutes and costs around ₩5,000–₩8,000 ($4–$6), while trips to Seogwipo or the southern coast take about an hour and cost ₩35,000–₩45,000 ($26–$34).

Apart from traditional taxis, you can also download one of the Ride Share apps like Uber and Cab It.

 Private Transfer/Driver

If you want the most convenience, you can sign up for a private shuttle ahead of time, so that your driver can pick you straight up from the airport or ferry terminal. This is great not only for getting your straight to the airport, but you can organize a private driver to take you around if you're visiting you on a cruise.

Rent a Car at the Airport

Most major rental agencies have desks at Jeju Airport. Renting a car upon arrival is one of the best ways to explore the island freely. You’ll need your passport, international driver’s permit (IDP), and physical driver’s license.

Transportation in Jeju: The Different Options for Getting Around

Now that you know how to get from the airport, let’s explore the main ways to travel around Jeju Island.

Renting a Car in Jeju

Renting a car is by far the easiest and most popular way to get around Jeju. Attractions like Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong, and Jeongbang Waterfall are spread across the island, and having your own vehicle allows you to explore at your own pace.

Car rentals start at around ₩40,000–₩60,000 ($30–$45) per day, depending on the car type and season. Gas stations are easy to find, and parking is widely available at most tourist sites.

Tip: Make sure you bring your physical IDP, as digital versions are not accepted.

Getting Around Jeju by Public Bus

If you prefer not to drive, Jeju’s public bus system is affordable and covers most areas of the island, although expect to spend a lot more time than if you were to drive. The Jeju City Bus and Seogwipo Bus networks connect major attractions, while intercity routes link the north and south.

Fares start at ₩1,200 ($1), and you can pay with cash or a T-Money card. Bus schedules can be checked on Naver Map or Kakao Map, which also show estimated arrival times.

Buses are reliable but less frequent in rural areas, so you'll need to plan ahead if you’re visiting spots like the east coast or the island’s waterfalls.

Getting Around Jeju by Taxi or Rideshare

Taxis are readily available in Jeju City, at airports, and near popular attractions. Some can be flagged down, while other places have designated taxi stands. They’re comfortable and metered, though they can get expensive if you plan to explore long distances.

Expect to pay around ₩4,800 ($3.50) for short rides within Jeju City and ₩30,000–₩50,000 ($22–$37) for cross-island trips.

If you prefer to book in advance or don’t speak Korean, use the Kakao T or Cab It app, which works just like Uber and allows you to pay by card.

Scooters and Bikes in Jeju

For adventurous travelers, renting a scooter is a fun and scenic way to explore Jeju’s coastal roads. Scooter rentals are available in Jeju City and Seogwipo, usually requiring an international motorcycle permit.

Alternatively, electric bike rentals are available in many beach areas and near Hallim Park or Aewol. They’re perfect for shorter rides and exploring local cafés along the coast.

Tip: Always wear a helmet and avoid riding during strong winds, which are common on the island.

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Exploring Jeju on Foot

While Jeju is large, some of its best spots can be explored on foot once you arrive. The island’s coastal trails, known as the Jeju Olle Trails, are a network of scenic walking paths that circle the entire island.

If you love hiking, don’t miss Hallasan National Park, where trails lead to South Korea’s highest peak and breathtaking crater views.

Organized Tours Around Jeju

If you prefer a stress-free way to explore, joining a group or private tour is a great option. Many tours include hotel pickup and cover the island’s main highlights like Seongsan Sunrise Peak, Manjanggul Cave, and Oedolgae Rock.

You can book day tours focusing on the east or west coast, or full-island experiences with English-speaking guides.

How to Get Around Jeju: FAQ

Now you have all of the information you need for getting around Jeju! In case you missed anything though, here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions that we've seen across the web.

How to Get Around Jeju: Final Tips for Getting Around & What's Next

Now that you know all of the ways to get around the island, it's time for the final part of our Jeju transportation guide, sharing helpful tips for getting around, info for visiting, and some related reads.

 Tips for Getting Around Jeju Island

Now that you know all of the different options for getting around Jeju, here are a few quick tips to help you navigate the island like a pro:

 Other Things to Know About Visiting Jeju

Now that you know how to get around Jeju, here are some other things you'll probably want to know about visiting!

 Getting There: The easiest option is to fly to Jeju, but you can also take a ferry there.

 Where to Stay: Most travelers stay in Jeju City for convenience and proximity to the airport, or in Seogwipo for easy access to waterfalls, beaches, and scenic coastal spots. Both areas offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts to fit every budget.

 Language: Korean is the language of Jeju Island.

 Currency: South Korea uses the Korean Won. $1 USD = 1,400 Won.

 Safety: Jeju is a very safe island, and the locals are really welcoming!

 Weather: Jeju experiences 4 seasons, with extremely hot and humid summers, and cold winters.

What's Next?

Now that you know all about how to get around Jeju and a bit about the islands, you'll probably want to know more details about visiting. We have a lot of Jeju guides coming up, and also other South Korea guides we've written.

Here are a few other travel guides we have about South Korea:

 How to get to Jeju Island

 How to get to Seoul

 Seoul transportation guide

 Things to do and see in Seoul

 Korean scalp massage review

 Seoul food guide

 Seoul complete travel guide

We're going to also be having new articles each Thursday, so stay tuned!

So are you ready to explore Jeju, South Korea? We hope our guide about how to get around Jeju has helped you figure out how to navigate the island in the best way possible. Have questions? Feel free to drop them in the comments!

Want to learn more about traveling around Jeju and South Korea? We a lot of other South Korea Travel Guides coming up for you each week. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you can stay up to date with our most recent guides, as well as get special discounts on our shop.

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