Renting a Car in Jeju: Everything You Need to Know (Tourist and Resident)
Last Updated on June 22, 2026
Jeju Island comes with a strong recommendation to rent a car attached to almost every guide you’ll read, including this one. Public transportation on the island does exist, and if you’re planning to stay in one area, like Hamdeok Beach, you don’t necessarily need one. But if you want to move freely between different parts of the island, cover multiple areas or villages, or stay anywhere even slightly remote, a car makes the trip significantly better. Jeju looks small on a map. It is not small when you’re trying to get from one side to the other though, trust me… as a resident of the island.
The main thing to sort out before booking: where you’re staying and what you want to see. Get that decided first, then figure out whether you need a car. If the answer is yes, here’s everything you need.
Once you’ve decided where you’ll stay and what you want to see, here’s what you need to know to rent a car on Jeju Island.
- Quick Answer: Do I Need a Car in Jeju?
- Where to Book a Rental Car in Jeju
- How Much Does It Cost?
- Tourist vs. Resident: The Rules Are Different
- Documents Required
- Where to Pick Up Your Car
- Tips for Driving in Jeju
- General Tips for Driving in Korea
- Korean Navigation Apps
- Additional Driver and Child Seats
- FAQ
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Quick Answer: Do I Need a Car in Jeju?
While I don’t recommend renting a car in Seoul, to see the rest of the country with flexibility and the ability to hunt out the hidden gems, a car is super helpful. Check out this guide for a general overview for renting a car in Korea. This article is all about Jeju specifically. So keep reading if that’s where you’re headed.
Look at the following questions and if you answer “yes” to any of them, then you’ll want to rent a car in Jeju when you plan to visit.
- Do you want to be able to see more and travel faster between places and experiences?
- Will you be seeing multiple areas or villages on the island? (Jeju might look small on a map, but if you plan to go from up to down or side to side, it’s more than you realize.)
- Will you be traveling with kids or a lot of stuff?
- Will you be staying in a more remote area?
Where to Book a Rental Car in Jeju
There are a ton of rental companies in Jeju, so take advantage of the aggregate sites to compare fully. During high season, make sure you book your car earlier rather than waiting. There are numerous rental car companies but they are in high demand during high travel seasons.
RentalCars: RentalCars has a great selection of rental car options and provides competitive pricing. You can very quickly and easily compare the various companies and availability and booking through them is super easy. You can get all of the necessary information you need regarding pricing, car details, insurance included and cancellation policies.
QEEQ: This popular rental car website has great competitive rates and similarly to RentalCars, provides all of the necessary information on pricing, car details, insurance included, and cancellation policies. They’re a popular Hong Kong based company that now has offices worldwide.
Klook: If you’re already booking your day trips and tours on Klook, then also look into their car rental options. Also founded in Hong Kong, Klook started for tours and packages, but now has rental car companies like Hertz, Avis, and Alamo available.
Lotte Rent-a-Car: Lotte owns just about everything including Korea’s largest rental car company. Lotte is the local Hertz partner as well FYI.
How Much Does It Cost?
This really depends on what kind of car you go for. You can choose from electric cars too which tend to be a bit more expensive. On average, expect to spend between W30,000 and W60,000 a day.
It’s important to know that the prices do rise during peak seasons and high travel periods in July, August, and October. Book early for travel during those months to get the best deals.
Tourist vs. Resident: The Rules Are Different
This is the part most guides gloss over, and it matters.
If you’re a tourist (no Korean ARC): You need a valid driver’s license plus a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in the same country as your license. You must also be at least 21 years old and have held a license for at least one year.
If you’re a long-term resident (holding an ARC): Technically, an IDP is not valid for residents, you need a Korean driver’s license. You can either exchange your foreign license or go through the Korean licensing process. Some rental companies aren’t fully aware of this distinction and may let you slide with an IDP and a foreign license, but if you’re in an accident, using the wrong license as a resident is your problem, not theirs.
The practical wrinkle: when I recently showed up at a rental desk with just my ARC (domestic Jeju travel doesn’t require a passport), staff were briefly confused and had to call their manager to confirm I didn’t need to show a passport. This is common, they’re just used to seeing foreigners as tourists. A resident with an ARC is fine; you don’t need your passport.
Documents Required
| Required | Tourists | Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Driver’s License | Valid home country license | Korean driver’s license |
| Permit | International Driving Permit (same country as license) | Not applicable (Korean license only) |
| ID | Passport | ARC (passport not required for domestic Jeju travel) |
| Payment | Credit card only | Credit card only |
Where to Pick Up Your Car
Nearly all rental car depots are a short shuttle bus ride from Jeju International Airport. When you book, the company will provide shuttle bus information by email, or there will be a desk at the airport you can check in with.
At the airport, head out of Exit 3 or Exit 5, cross the street, and follow signs to the shuttle bus parking area. Check the information board for your company’s bus, or just ask a driver, they’re generally helpful. The same process runs in reverse when returning: drop the car at the depot and board the shuttle back to the airport. Shuttles typically run every 15-20 minutes throughout the day.
Do not rent a car on the mainland and take the car ferry to Jeju. It’s significantly more expensive. Rent on the island.
Tips for Driving in Jeju
- Most of the roads on the island are pretty wide and well paved and well-maintained.
- Because Jeju Island is a huge tourist draw, remember that most of the drivers on the road will also be tourists that don’t know the roads well just like you. These means that people are making some basic mistakes and last minute turning as they try to figure out where to go and how to get there.
- While most of the drivers on the road might be tourists, there are still local drivers. In my experience, they’re pretty laid back and used to the onslaught of tourists on the road.
- There isn’t usually any major traffic except for in parking lots near major tourist sites during high season.
- The major tourist sights that you’ll be looking for will likely have large signs that will help you find them. If you’re headed to more remote cafes or restaurants, just take it slow to find your way.
- Driving in Jeju is pretty relaxed, much more so than Seoul so if you’re starting there, just know it doesn’t compare at all.
- There are plenty of parking spots in Jeju and you’ll never be left waiting to pull in somewhere.
- There are a lot of speed bumps and average speed is pretty low compared to the mainland so just enjoy that island life and take is slow.
General Tips for Driving in Korea
- Koreans drive on the right hand side of the road.
- Road signs are generally in Korean and English so even if you don’t read Korean, you can still find your way.
- The roads on Jeju Island switch between being very well paved, wide, and offer a lot more space than the city of Seoul, but there are also dirt roads and turn offs between lava rock walls to watch out for. The roads are open and quite safe generally.
- There are speed cameras on the highways so don’t expect to get pulled over for speeding, but you will get caught if you are so keep that in mind. There are generally signs before you pass these cameras though so they really do try and help you NOT get fined.
- Most cars in Korea are automatic so don’t worry if you don’t drive manual.
- Koreans generally park by pulling in trunk first so don’t be surprised when you pull into the parking lots. Now is the time to practice that pull in backwards parking.
- All drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts by law.
- You’re not allowed to use a cell phone while driving.
- Koreans use their hazard lights for a lot of things. This took my by surprise as I don’t think I used mine once in my many years of driving in the US. Hazard lights can be used to warn fellow drivers of sudden stopping, to say thank you when someone lets you in, to say sorry if you take over another driver, and of course, in actual hazards.
- South Korea’s drunk driving blood alcohol limit is extremely low. At 0.03%, you really can’t have any alcohol to drive legally on the road. You really shouldn’t anyway, but just be aware that the legal limit is lower than you might expect.
Korean Navigation Apps
The rental cars I’ve used in Korea all had navigation systems built in and they can be changed to English if you ask your rental car staff before you drive away. Get them to do it before you drive away because doing it on your own will be tough if you don’t read Korean.
Naver Maps: Naver is the most popular navigation app in Korea. You need to have an active phone service in order set up the app so either download it and set it up when you’re still home, or do it once you’ve gotten to Korea and obtained a local Korea SIM card or a Korean eSIM.
Kakao Maps: Personally, I prefer Kakao Maps. To each their own really. Among Koreans, you have the Naver users and the Kakao users. You can download both apps and see which one you like better before getting on the road.
Google Maps: I don’t recommend using Google Maps in Korea. It can get you to general locations just fine but doesn’t have the detail you really need everywhere, especially if you plan to go off the beaten path and into the countryside.
Additional Driver and Child Seats
Additional driver: One additional driver can be added to your rental. Both drivers must be present at the rental company in person to register for insurance purposes. No extra fee.
Child seats: Rental companies can provide child seats on request. In Korea, all children under 6 are legally required to be in a car seat. Request one when booking to ensure availability.
FAQ
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Jeju?
Yes, if you’re a tourist. You’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit issued in the same country. If you’re a long-term resident with an ARC, you need a Korean driver’s license instead.
Do I need my passport to rent a car in Jeju?
Tourists yes, residents no. If you’re traveling from the Korean mainland to Jeju (domestic travel), you don’t need a passport and your ARC is sufficient. Some rental staff may not realize this initially — you don’t need to show a passport as an ARC holder.
Can I take a rental car from the mainland to Jeju by ferry?
Technically yes, but it’s expensive and not recommended. Renting a car directly on Jeju Island is significantly cheaper.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Jeju?
Roughly ₩30,000-₩60,000 per day, depending on vehicle type and season. Prices rise during July, August, and October. Book early during those periods.
Is driving in Jeju difficult?
No. The roads are wide, well-maintained, and significantly more relaxed than Seoul. The main adjustment is accounting for the number of other tourists who are also unfamiliar with the roads.
Do I really need a car in Jeju?
If you want to see multiple areas of the island or stay anywhere remote, yes. If you’re based in one coastal town for the duration of your trip, you can manage without.
Jeju rewards the spontaneous turn-off, the roadside cafe you spotted from a distance, the lesser-known beach a few minutes from the famous one. A car makes all of that possible. Once you’re in it, just take the speed bumps slowly and use your hazards when someone lets you in.
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