Jeju Island for First-Timers: Where Should You Stay and Go?

Jeju is Korea’s largest island, a volcanic landscape of coastal cliffs, beaches, lava tubes and the Hallasan mountain at its center. Three to five days is enough for first-time visitors to see the main highlights. Stay in Jeju City or Seogwipo, and choose between a rental car and the island’s bus network.

Key takeaways

• Jeju City, in the north, is convenient for the airport. Seogwipo, in the south, is closer to waterfalls and southern coastal walks.
• Hallasan National Park is free to enter, but the summit trails need advance reservation and have strict cut-off times.
• To rent a car, foreign visitors generally need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) plus their home license and passport. Confirm the exact requirements with the rental company.

Where to stay and what to see

Jeju City. Close to the airport, with northern beaches and easy bus links.

Seogwipo. On the south coast, near waterfalls such as Jeongbang and Cheonjiyeon, and close to coastal walking trails.

Many visitors split their nights between the two.

Highlights around the island

• Hallasan. The central volcano, part of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
• Seongsan Ilchulbong. A crater-shaped peak on the east coast, also known as Sunrise Peak.
• Lava tubes. Part of the same UNESCO listing.
• Beaches. Black-sand and white-sand beaches along the coast.

Check opening hours and any temporary closures on official pages the day before. Wind and weather can affect some sites.

Hallasan National Park

Entry to the park is free. Rules for the main trails:

• The two trails that reach the summit require an online reservation in advance through the official Hallasan system.
• All trails have cut-off times for starting and for leaving the summit area, and these change with the season.
• Weather on the mountain changes quickly, so bring layers, water and proper shoes, and check the forecast.

Getting around: car or bus

Rental car. Jeju is spread out, so many visitors rent a car. According to KTO, foreign visitors need either a valid IDP or a Korean license. In general:

• The IDP must be issued in the same country as your home license and must be the paper booklet.
• Rental companies usually also ask for your original home license, your passport and a credit card in the driver’s name.
• Age and driving-experience requirements vary by company and vehicle.

Confirm every requirement with your rental company before you travel, because counters can refuse a rental if any document is missing.

Buses. Buses link Jeju City, Seogwipo and many sights. Journeys are slower than by car and may need transfers. T-money and other national transit cards work on Jeju buses. Some buses also accept certain foreign contactless cards; check the current Jeju bus information. Taxis are available but get expensive over long distances.

Sample pace for a first visit

• Day 1: Arrive, settle in Jeju City, then visit a northern beach or nearby sight.
• Day 2: Hike Hallasan (book the summit trails in advance), or visit Seongsan Ilchulbong and the east coast.
• Day 3: Move south to Seogwipo for waterfalls and coastal walks.
• Day 4: Spare day for missed sights or rest before you leave.

For seasonal advice, see best time to travel to Korea. For booking trains on the mainland, see the 7-day Korea itinerary.

Common mistakes

• Going to the rental counter without the paper IDP, your original home license and your passport.
• Assuming a foreign license alone is enough to drive in Korea.
• Planning a Hallasan summit hike without a reservation, or without checking cut-off times.
• Underestimating bus journey times and missing the last bus back.

FAQ

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Jeju?

For most foreign visitors, yes. KTO lists a valid IDP or a Korean license as the requirement. Rental companies also usually ask for your home license and passport, so confirm with yours.

Can I visit Jeju without a car?

Yes. Buses connect the main towns and many sights. Journeys take longer and some remote places are harder to reach, but a slower bus-based trip is very doable.

Is Hallasan free to enter?

Yes, park entry is free. Summit trails require an advance reservation and have strict cut-off times. Parking is charged separately.

How many days do first-timers need in Jeju?

Three to five days covers the main highlights at a comfortable pace.

Sources

• Korea Tourism Organization, Rental Cars: https://english1.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TP_ENG_8_3.jsp
• Hallasan National Park, official reservation site: https://visithalla.jeju.go.kr/
• Visit Jeju, official tourism site: https://www.visitjeju.net/en
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1264/

Last checked: 2026-10-10