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Jeju Island

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Nature's Island Paradise

Jeju Island sits in the East China Sea off South Korea’s southern coast. Volcanic peaks rise above lush forests and black sand beaches shaped by ancient eruptions. The island enjoys mild weather most of the year, making outdoor activities possible any season. Local culture values fishing traditions alongside modern tourism. Visitors explore lava tubes, waterfalls and coastal trails while tasting fresh seafood at markets. Jeju’s mix of natural beauty and cultural sites creates a relaxed atmosphere for travelers seeking both adventure and calm.

Island in South Korea
Climate zone: Humid subtropical

Humid subtropical: Warm temperate climates with hot, humid summers, mild winters and evenly distributed rainfall, common on eastern continental margins.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
See price details
Safety: 8.6
General Safety:9
Health & medical:8
Accessibility:7
Tap water:9
Read details
Tourist English: 3/5
English is moderately understood in tourist areas, especially at hotels, restaurants, and major attractions. However, outside of these areas, communication may be more challenging, so learning some basic Korean phrases or using translation apps can help.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Jeju Island Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work
Excellent for volcanic nature and coastal scenery. Hike to crater peaks, explore lava caves, walk seaside trails and relax on beaches.
Place score
8.6
Best at:
Islands
10
Sea
9
Local cuisine
9
Natural sites
9
Spotless
8
Personal score
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Log in to see how this place matches your personal travel interests.
Suited for
👶 8
Families
🧓 7
Seniors
❤️ 9
Couples
💻 9
Digital Nomads
South Korea – Quick facts
Power Grid: 220 V, 60 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type F:
Diagram of a Type F power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
£1 ≈ ₩1,766
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in South Korea. Credit cards are commonly used in most establishments, including smaller businesses.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in South Korea. However, small tips are appreciated in hotels and for exceptional service.
Public drinking: Public drinking is allowed in South Korea, though drinking in public spaces like parks and streets may attract attention. Alcohol is also served in many convenience stores.
Public smoking: Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available in some outdoor locations.
Seollal
(January/February)
Celebrated in January or February with family gatherings
Chuseok
(September/October)
Celebrated in September or October
Emergency contact: Emergency Numbers: 112 (Police), 119 (Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Kakao T, T Map Taxi
Other: South Korea offers a blend of traditional culture and modern technology, with historical sites, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Jeju Island, South Korea
🌤️
Jan
🌤️
Feb
🌦️
Mar
🌦️
Apr
🌦️
May
⛈️
Jun
⛈️
Jul
⛈️
Aug
🌦️
Sep
🌤️
Oct
🌤️
Nov
🌤️
Dec
High season: April - May, Aug., Oct.
Shoulder season: March, June - July, Sep., Nov.
Crowdedness: 8 (Very crowded)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Typhoon season July to September, flights and ferries are often cancelled
Canola flowers and cherry blossoms late March to mid April, the most popular time to visit
Hallasan summit trails need advance reservations and close in heavy snow or storms

Why travel to Jeju Island?

Whether you're hiking up the iconic Hallasan Volcano, lounging on its beautiful beaches or exploring the Jeju Loveland sculpture park, this island has something for everyone. It’s a place where nature, culture and leisure meet, although the weather can be unpredictable at times. Be prepared for occasional rain or wind, especially during the off-season.

🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Teddy Bear Museum
  • 2 Manjanggul Cave Park
  • 3 Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
  • 4 Jeju Folk Village
  • 5 Seopjikoji
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 JeongBang Waterfall
  • 2 Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
  • 3 Jeju Olle Trail 11 Course (Moseulpo - Mureung Olle)
  • 4 Hallasan
  • 5 Seongsan Ilchulbong
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 Dongmun Traditional Market
  • 2 Jeju Shinhwa World
🎈Events
  • Jeju Fire Festival
  • Jeju International Wind Music Festival
  • Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
  • Jeju Olle Walking Festival

Knowledge before you go

  • Choose your season wisely; spring and autumn offer mild weather and clearer views.
  • Rent a car to explore landmarks like Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbang and Jeju Olle Trails.
  • Respect local etiquette at villages and temples; dress modestly and remove shoes where required.
  • Try fresh black pork and Jeju mandarin oranges; plan meals around local markets for authentic flavors.

How to travel to Jeju Island

Jeju is accessible via Jeju International Airport, which has direct flights from Seoul, Busan and other major cities in South Korea. International travelers can fly into Seoul first, then take a domestic flight to Jeju. Ferries from the mainland also operate, but flights are faster.

Access summary

  • From Jeju Airport (CJU): City or limousine buses to Jeju City, 10–30 minutes.
  • From Seoul (Gimpo/Incheon): Frequent flights typically about 1–1.5 hours.
  • From Busan: Overnight ferries generally around 10–12 hours sailing time.

Where to stay in Jeju Island

Jeju offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury resorts by the coast to more budget-friendly guesthouses in the city center. Many visitors prefer staying near the beaches or Hallasan National Park to enjoy the island's natural beauty.

How to get around Jeju Island

Getting around Jeju is easiest by renting a car, as public transportation is limited. Buses are available but can be slow and less convenient for tourists. Taxis and rental bikes are also popular for shorter distances or day trips.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-40 %
Daily expenses in Jeju Island are around 40% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-8 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to KRW) is 8% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£50
£107
£293
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£26
£60
£150
🍝 Food per day
£21
£43
£132
🚕 Transportation per day
£3
£4
£11
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£16
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£6
🍟 Fast food combo
£5
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£8
☕ Cappuccino
£2.90
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£3.50
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£0.65
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£6.50
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£0.85
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£8
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£31
🤧 Cold medication
£3.70
💇 Basic haircut
£5.50

Safety information overview

General safety
9
Jeju is a very safe destination with a low crime rate. However, always be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded tourist spots. Additionally, always check the weather before outdoor activities to avoid strong winds or storms.
Health & Medical
8
Medical facilities on Jeju are good, with hospitals and clinics available in major towns. For more specialized care, it's best to visit mainland South Korea. It’s always recommended to have travel insurance for medical emergencies.
Accessi­bility
7
Jeju is moderately accessible for people with disabilities, though some attractions like hiking trails may not be fully accessible. Public transport options are limited, so it's recommended to rent a car for easier mobility.
Tap water
9
Tap water in Jeju is safe to drink and public drinking fountains are available. Bottled water is also widely available at stores and supermarkets.

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