Where to Stay in Jeju Island: Best Hotels, Resorts & Areas for Every Budget
Last Updated on March 25, 2026
Jeju Island might look small on a map, but once you start planning a trip, you realize very quickly that choosing the right area to stay matters a lot. This is not the kind of place where you’ll pick a hotel and everything will be within 20 minutes of it. It won’t.
If you want beach cafes, waterfalls, resort stays, Udo Island access, or an easy airport base, where you stay in Jeju will shape your entire trip. Jeju Island has been called the Hawaii of Korea and it is gorgeous. There is a ton to do whether you want to visit Jeju in the winter or the summer. Just don’t even think you can see the whole island in one weekend.
This guide covers the six main areas of Jeju Island: Jeju City, Northwest, Northeast, Seogwipo, Southwest, and Southeast, with specific hotel, resort, guesthouse, and Airbnb recommendations in each. Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort in the southwest, a beach front stay near Hamdeok, or something budget-friendly in Jeju City, you’ll find it here.
- Quick Answer: Best Areas to Stay in Jeju
- Jeju City or Seogwipo: Which is Better?
- Getting Around Jeju Island
- Where To Stay In Jeju
- FAQ
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Quick Answer: Best Areas to Stay in Jeju
| Area | Best for | Atmosphere | Beaches | Need a Car? | Distance from Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeju City | Short stays, first time visitors | Busy city | Limited | Optional | 10-15 min |
| Northwest | Coastal cafes, sunsets | Relaxed seaside | Good | Recommended | 25-40 min |
| Northeast | Beach towns, photography | Laid-back coastal villages | Excellent | Recommended | 35-50 min |
| Seogwipo | Waterfalls, markets | Smaller scenic city | Moderate | Helpful | ~1 hour |
| Southwest | Resorts and luxury stays | Tourist resort area | Good | Helpful | 45-60 min |
| Southeast | Sunrise peak and quiet nature | Peaceful countryside | Good | Recommended | 1-1.2 hours |
- Jeju City is the main city on the north side of the island and is where the airport is located. Seogwipo City is the main city on the south side of the island. This is important to note as most directions are told via these two cities.
- If you’ll only be able to get to Jeju for a weekend, stay on the northern coast near the airport such as on the seaside at Hamdeok Beach. Hamdeok which is just a 30-minute taxi ride from the airport.
- If you want to get around the island at all, you really need to rent a car in Jeju. There is public transportation but you’ll just be waiting around for so long that you’ll quickly realize that wasn’t the best plan. If that’s not possible, you can also hire taxis for a day. They are capped at charging only W150,000 as a day rate.
- If you plan to hike Hallasan, make sure to leave yourself plenty of time in the day as it will take longer than you might expect though is completely a must have experience on the island. Mt. Halla is in the center of the island so you can reach it from pretty much every region in about the same amount of time. If you want to actually hike though, make sure you know where the trailhead you want is.
- Jeju Island is the first place that blooms come spring so if you want to see the cherry blossoms in Korea first, this is the place to go.
Jeju City or Seogwipo: Which is Better?
| Feature | Jeju City | Seogwipo City |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Short stays, first-time visitors, airport convenience | Nature lovers, waterfalls, and scenic coastal views |
| Distance from airport | 10-15 minutes | About 1 hour |
| Atmosphere | Busy city with shopping, restaurants, nightlife | Smaller city with a more relaxed coastal feel |
| Nearby attractions | Dongmun Market, Yongduam Rock, coastal walks | Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, Jeongbang Waterfall, Seogiwpo Olle Market |
| Beaches | Limited nearby beaches | Closer to scenic southern coastline |
| Public transportation | Best bus connections on the island | Good bus connections in the south |
| Best for without a car | Yes | Possible, slightly harder than Jeju City |
| Best for resorts | Few resort options | More resort areas nearby |
| Overall recommendations | Best for convenience and quick trips | Best for scenery and exploring southern Jeju |
Getting To & Around Jeju Island
Jeju Island is NOT the easiest to get around if you’re trying to travel via public transportation. This is why choosing where you want to stay and what you want to see before you go is oh so important. It’s easy to get to, but once you’re there, you’ll probably want to rent a car if you want to see and do more.
If you don’t plan on renting a car, make sure you stay near the sites you want to see because buses are few and far between and you could potentially spend a ton of time just waiting. On the note of buses, roads, and transportation, make sure you download KakaoMap or Naver Map to help with GPS and maps.
Get To Jeju: First you’ll have to get to Jeju Island. Did you know you can get there by plane OR by ferry? Here are all of the different ways you can get to the Hawaii of Korea.
Rent A Car: Renting does not have to be a hassle. If you don’t want to go directly with a local shop, check out Klook which offers a great deal on rental cars and works really well for tourists. It’s fast and efficient and you’ll land and be on the road in no time. If you want more information or options, check out this guide to how to rent a car in Jeju.
Airport Transfer: If you won’t be renting a car, make sure to plan your airport transfer. If you’re headed somewhere in Jeju City, you can book a transfer here. If you’re headed to the Seogwipo area, you can book a transfer here.
Private Car & Tour: If you’d rather not drive but have someone drive you and your group around, then check out booking a driver to take you around. Klook has a great option that has three itinerary, OR customize your own. You can take the car around from 9:00am to 5:00pm and see so much. Check out this private car and tour option for Jeju Island on Klook.
Where To Stay In Jeju
There are a lot of choices when it comes to spots to stay in Jeju but I wanted to keep it fairly simple and straight-forward so for each area and the two main cities on the island I’ll point out some of the best, most unique, and budget friendly places to stay along with what’s nearby to see and do. Where you choose to stay will have a huge effect on what experiences you’ll be able to have especially if you’ll be traveling via bus.
Jeju City
Quick Guide
- Distance: About 10-15 minutes from Jeju International Airport, making it the easiest area for short stays or late arrivals
- Best for: Airport convenience, short stays
- Good if you want: Restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and easier bus access to different parts of the island
- Less ideal if you want: Quiet island atmosphere, beach towns, or a more relaxed coastal atmosphere
Jeju City is similar to many other cities in Korea so staying here won’t be extremely inspiring or more beautiful than what you’d see on mainland Korea. It is a hub for transportation on the island which means there’s always a bus that will end there. The city has a ton of restaurants and cafes and pretty much everything you could want for an easy stay, except you’ll want to leave to find beaches.
What you can see in the area:
- Yongduam Rock & Coastal Walk
- Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest
- Jeju Museum of Art
- Gwaneumsa Buddhist Temple
- The Arario Museum Collection
- Jeju Horse Pastureland
- Jeju Loveland
- Halla Arboretum
Where To Stay In Jeju City
A luxury Stay: Maison GLAD Jeju
Stay in an elegant room with all of the chic necessities. This brand is one of my personal favorites. Rooms are spacious and there is a large outdoor swimming pool. The property is beautiful and the staff are friendly and helpful If you want to stay right in the city in the best spot in town, this is where you should stay. Find industrial architecture and lush interiors here. Perfect for a vacation in Korea.
Find your room here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
A Mid-Range Stay: Lotte City Hotel
Lotte City Hotel is a 4-star hotel with an outdoor pool with beautiful views of the surrounding area and a sauna. The hotel is in a great convenient location and is comfortable for couples and families looking for a spot near restaurants, cafes, and shopping. Don’t wait.
Reserve your room here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
A Budget Friendly Stay: Jeju Mon Dieu Hotel
If you want to stay in the convenient Jeju City area but still want to be near the coast, check out this great budget stay. Every room at the Jeju Mon Dieu Hotel features a balcony with a view and staff speak English, Korea, and Chinese. The hotel is just 7 kilometers from the airport but sits on the calm and gorgeous coast of Jeju. Take in the sunset on a budget at this hotel.
Make a reservation on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
An Airbnb: Jeju Sea View Pension
Just 10 minutes from the airport but on the coast with all of the sunset views. Lie in a bed that faces the ocean. The owners have built the space with relaxation in mind. There is a communal kitchen on the second floor and barbecue grills available too. If you want to find a spot, stick around, and just get away easily and quickly, check in to the jeju Sea View Pension.
Check out this great spot here on Airbnb.com
Northwest Jeju
Quick Guide
- Distance: About 25-40 minutes from the airport by car
- Best for: Ocean views, sunset cafes, travelers who want a relaxed coastal vibe away from busier tourist areas
- Good if you want: Scenic drives, seaside walks, popular Jeju cafes, and access to beautiful beaches like Hyeopjae
- Less ideal if you want: Easy public transportation, to see tourist sites like Seongsan Ilchulbong on the southwest side of the island
Northwest Jeju features a lot of hidden gems. There are more popular areas for tourists to stay so the northwest area of the island is a bit quieter and relaxed though it features some amazing spots to check out as well as plenty of seaside to take a walk along.
What you can see in the area:
- Hyeopjae Beach
- Jeju Glass Castle
- Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art
- Suwolbong Peak
- Wild Flower Museum
- Chagwido Island Glass Yacht
- Arte Museum
Where To Stay In Northwest Jeju
A luxury Stay: Jeju Marevo Resort
The Jeju Marevo Resort is just 300 meters from the shore so you can sit seaside in the evenings and enjoy the views as the water laps against the shore. There is a seasonal outdoor pool and the rooms are extra spacious. If you want to enjoy walks along the shore, this is the perfect location. Wake up, step outside and just take it all in on your next vacation.
Book your stay at Jeju Marevo Resort on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
A Mid-Range Stay: Aguila Hotel Jeju
This beautiful hotel on the northwestern coast of Jeju features a rooftop terrace and infinity pool that has the best morning and evening views around. There’s also an art gallery on site if the ocean isn’t enough… though it is. It really is. All of the rooms feature floor to ceiling windows to get the best views of the ocean from practically anywhere you’re staying. Whether you’re in your room or up in the pool, all you’ll want to do is take in the view. The rooms are cozy and relaxing and so perfect for that getaway coming up.
Find out more about the hotel on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
A Unique Stay: Jeju Sorang N Farms Village
These vacation homes feature three bedrooms, a kitchen, a microwave, fridge, washing machine and are great for families and groups that want to be able to prep for themselves. The homes are cozy and calm and they feature a sea view which is a must when visiting Jeju. The homes are beautiful and modern.
Check out the homes on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
An Airbnb
This house with a view of the sea even from your bathtub is gorgeous. Wood flooring, ceilings, and doors have been lovingly installed to create a warm space perfect for families or travelers looking for a unique chic stay with an ocean view. The views are breathtaking and if you’re headed to Jeju, that’s exactly what you want in a stay.
Check out this Airbnb in northwest Jeju here on Airbnb.com
Northeast Jeju
Quick Guide
- Distance: Usually 35-50 minutes from the airport by car
- Best for: Beach lovers, photographers, travelers who want to stay near some of Jeju’s most beautiful turquoise beaches
- Good if you want: Relaxed seaside towns, cafes by the ocean
- Less ideal if you want: Major nightlife, large shopping areas, or frequent bus routes across the island
Though this area is near a lot of natural sites and manmade wonders like mazes, it’s relatively quiet. You should stay here if you want to get out to Udo Island and spend more time there than most tourists get to do with time constraints. You should probably rent a car if you want to stay in this area as well.
What you can see in the area:
- Hamdeok Seoubong Beach
- Eco Land Theme Park
- Woljeong-ri Beach
- Bijarim Forest
- Kimnyoung Maze Park
- Jeju Haenyeo Museum
Where To Stay In Northeast Jeju
A Mid-Range Stay: MJ Resort
MJ Resort is a great choice for the visitor that enjoys beach walks and coastal walks. The resort features a restaurant as well as a garden and terrace to enjoy on site. The units are practical and feature exactly what you need complete with a kitchenette and tub for a great vacation with a modern design. Definitely look into this gorgeous stay.
Find out more about MJ Resort here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
A Budget Friendly Stay: Utop Ubless Hotel
Located on one of my favorite beaches, Hamdeok Beach, Utop Ubless Hotel has amazing views. The rooms are lovely and modern and if you head out there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the vicinity. Head to the beach or enjoy the pool and jacuzzis on the roof. It’s a great stay.
Check out the hotel here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
A Unique Stay: Geomunoreum Hostel
While most people head to the seaside to stay while there in Jeju, there are spots on the interior too. The Geomunoreum Hostel is a colorful hostel that is great if you want to experience something different on Jeju Island. There’s a 24 hour front desk and a shuttle service and there are bicycles and a car for hire.
Reserve a room here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
An Airbnb
The owner of this property focused on creating a space that was perfect for relaxation and reflection and wanted to provide a place perfect for people that like to take photos. The space is entirely white and bright and provides views of fields and the ocean in the distance. The building the Airbnb is in houses a cafe as well where food and drinks can be purchased. It’s a beautiful space if you’re like me and like to take photos.
Seogwipo City
Quick Guide
- Distance: About 1 hour from the airport and works well as a southern base for waterfalls, markets, and nearby natural sights
- Best for: Travelers who want a convenient southern base close to waterfalls, markets, and many of Jeju’s natural attractions
- Good if you want: Local markets, restaurants, access to nearby waterfalls, and a lively city atmosphere with scenic surroundings
- Less ideal if you want: Quick airport access or a quiet beachside escape
Seogwipo is a great location to stay if you want to stay where the transportation hub is but also near a ton of the most popular sites to see. You can easily get out to waterfalls, seaside, and cliffs from this southern city in Jeju Island. It’s still a city though and there are four other regions that are filled with more island vibes so stay here if you like that city vibe but know there are other areas to stay.
What you can see in the area:
- Cheonjiyeon Falls
- Soesokkak Estuary
- Jeongbang Waterfall
- Oedolgae
- Seogwipo Chilsimni Park
Where To Stay In Seogwipo City
A luxury Stay: Seogwipo KAL Hotel
This beautiful hotel has views of Halla Mountain or the seas in the distance and boasts both an indoor and outdoor pool along with a sauna. There are 225 elegant guestrooms and two restaurants on the stunning property. Don’t miss a walk around the gardens too. If you’re headed to Jeju in the winter, this is a great stay so that you can still swim and enjoy the views.
Find out more about the property here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
A Mid-Range Stay: Casaloma Hotel
Casaloma Hotel features some very comfortable room that also have family rooms. Get a spacious room and the hotel also has a restaurant inside so you don’t have to go far for dinner if you don’t feel like it.
You can find out more about this hotel here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
A Budget Friendly Stay: Pino Hotel
This clean modern stay also has a business center if you need to do a bit of work on your trip. Sit on the terrace and enjoy the views of the ports and it’s got a great convenient location near bus stops, restaurants, and even in walking distance of nearby waterfalls. It’s a chic stay that’s perfect for the traveler on a budget.
Reserve your room at Pino Hotel here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
A Unique Stay: Mido Hostel
Are you headed to Jeju on your own? Or maybe you like to stay places where you can meet others and commune in a central area. If so, Mido Hostel is for you. There’s a bar on site and a garden for travelers to get together. There’s also a shared kitchen if you want to eat in. The rooms are clean and the bathrooms are larger than most in hostels. There’s also free breakfast with your stay. This is a great option if you’re on a budget but want to explore.
Check out the Mido Hostel here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
Southwest Jeju
Quick Guide
- Distance: About 45-60 minutes from the airport and is best for resorts and major tourist attractions
- Best for: Resort stays, luxury hotels, and travelers who want easy access to many major tourist attractions
- Good if you want: Beach resorts, museums, scenic cliffs, and popular attractions like the O’SULLOC Tea Museum
- Less ideal if you want: Budget accommodation, local village charm, or a quiet off-the-beaten-path experience
Southwest Jeju Island is also where the Jungmun Tourist Complex, an area with resorts and fancy hotels specifically for tourists, is. The town on Jeju Island has been renovated into quite the tourist area with resorts, quiet beaches, and there are attractions to see here too. If you want to visit beaches and take walks on the Olle Trail, then check out this area to stay.
What you can see in the area:
- KJeju Sea Walking Experience
- Camellia Hill
- O’Sulloc Tea Museum
- Sanbangsan Mountain, Temple & Grotto
- Yongmeori Coast
- Moomin Magic
- Bonte Museum
- Jusangjeolli Cliff
- Gapado Island
- Marado Island
- Podo Museum
Where To Stay In Southwest Jeju
A Luxury Stay: The Seaes Hotel & Resort
There’s nothing better than a gorgeous resort that you don’t want to leave on vacation. You leave and you can see beauty but you stay and you’re still surrounded by beauty. That’s what Seaes Hotel and Resort is. Take advantage of the modern rooms and outdoor patios that overlook the seaside. Enjoy the ocean, but also take advantage of the spa and sauna facilities as well as the masseuses on staff.
Book this hotel here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
A Mid-Range Stay: Shinhwa Jeju
If you’re traveling with family and want to have options for all ages, this is definitely the spot for you. The hotel features a gorgeous garden, a casino, amazing pool and water park. Stay in the resort and have some fun or go out and see the sights on Jeju Island. It’s great to have options and this is definitely one of the best ones.
Check out this hotel here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
A Budget Friendly Stay: Jeju Yilin Pension
This pension is conveniently located near the Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal which is perfect for budget travelers using the public transportation. There are multiple restaurants and cafes within walking distance, too. There rooms feature a balcony with garden views. Enjoy the spacious rooms and friendly owners.
Check out this pension on Booking.com here or on Agoda.com
A Unique Stay: Jeju Dawa Pool & Pet Villa
Want to have an amazing vacation and take your pet with you? This well equipped accommodation is perfect and pet friendly. Rooms have private pools and are spacious and comfortable for every traveler and their little furry friend. Want an awesome room, with a pool, and on Jeju Island?
Look into booking it on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
Southeast Jeju
Quick Guide
- Distance: About 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes from the airport and suits travelers who want a quieter base near Udo Island and Sunrise Peak
- Best for: Nature lovers, sunrise views, and travelers who want a peaceful stay near Seongsan Ilchulbong and Udo Island
- Good if you want: Quiet coastal scenery, hiking, sunrise photography, and a slower paced countryside atmosphere
- Less ideal if you want: Nightlife, big hotel districts, quick access to the airport
This might be the quietest area on the island and for some travelers, that’s really the goal isn’t it? If you want to be removed from everything and plan to rent a car, stay in this region for off the beaten path rest and relaxation.
What you can see in the area:
- Hueree Natural Park
- Camellia Forest
- Seongeup Green Tea Village
- Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
- Gwangchigi Beach
Where To Stay In Southeast Jeju
A luxury Stay: Haevichi Hotel & Resort
Haevichi Hotel and Resort is known for giving guests the celebrity treatment and world-class treatment. If you want luxury on Jeju Island, look no further than Haevichi. Get those must have ocean views with modern guestrooms which come with everything you need. Summora Restaurant has all day dining available and there’s a fitness center, lounge, sauna, and game room too. What more could you need?
Learn more about the Haevichi Hotel & Resort here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
A Mid-Range Stay: Sono Calm Jeju
Sono Calm is located in the Daemyung Shineville Resort. The hotel is right next to the Olle Trail which is the walking path that follows the seaside and has amazing views and the hotel is beautiful with all of the amenities including a lovely swimming pool if swimming in the ocean isn’t your jam. The resort is a bit out of the way from the main city areas so best for people that really want to get away and see the southeastern side of Jeju specifically.
Find out more about the hotel here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
Budget Friendly Stay: Playce Camp Jeju
This super affordable stay is set up to be quite a community friendly space. Perfect for young adults (children 11 and under cannot stay here), rooms are stylish but won’t break the bank. There are scooters and bicycles to rent, a restaurant and cafe on the premises and great views. It’s a fun spot that would really suit students that want to get away and have some fun. You can do laundry for free and it’s an easy taxi ride to Seongsan Ilchulbong and Udo. They also have a large artisan market every Saturday morning.
Check out Playce Camp here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
A Wellness Stay: Chuidasun Resort
Chuidasun Resort is the newest addition to the list of official Wellness Travel Destinations recommended by the Korea Tourism Organization. Partake in a tea ceremony, yoga, and meditation classes and then visit the beach and other beautiful places nearby. Check out my review of the Chuidasun Resort.
You can book a stay at Chuidasun Resort here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
An Airbnb: Unshared House
Stay near Seongsan Ilchulbong in a folk village in what can only be described as a dark writer’s nook. Adorned with unique vintage pieces and painted dark, this stay exudes cool. You might just want to stay in and relax if you stay here. Definitely a spot to check out if you love Airbnbs as much as we do.
FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Jeju for first-time visitors?
Jeju City is best for convenience, but if you want that real island experience, stay on the northern shores like in Aewol or in Hamdeok which still provides ease getting to and from the airport.
Is it better to stay in Jeju City or Seogwipo?
Jeju City is more practical for short stays and airport access. Seogwipo is better for waterfalls, coastal views, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Do you need a car in Jeju?
A car is highly recommended if you want to explore multiple parts of the island efficiently. Buses come few and far between so you either need to study the bus timetables diligently and plan accordingly, or just plan to be waiting a lot.
What is the best beach area to stay in Jeju?
Hamdeok in the northeast is one of the best beach areas to stay in, especially for beautiful water and easy seaside walks.
Where should I stay in Jeju without a car?
Jeju City and Seogwipo City are the easiest bases without a car because they have better bus connections and more services.
Jeju Island in Korea is a must-visit, especially if you want something totally different from mainland Korea and want to take in black sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, and incredible coastal scenery. Whether you choose a resort, a seaside guesthouse, or a quiet countryside stay, the right base will help you experience the best of Jeju Island.
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16 Comments
Jammy
Hey Hallie, great post! I’ll be heading to Jeju with a girl-friend for full 4 days (excluding arrival & departure days). I’m abit overwhelmed and not sure how to plan. We do not plan to drive but we can do so if need be. Any suggested itinerary and recommended places to stay & eat? Looking thru yr blog but still unsure which area to base ourselves at. We will fly in from seoul & arrival in the afternoon. Thanks for yr help if you happen to read this.
Hallie Bradley
Hey Jammy, Great questions. Jeju is a lot larger than people realize so it’s always better to stay in the side with the most you want to do. If it’s more about beaches and walks, Hamdeok is a popular place with visitors that’s easy to get to from the airport without much fuss. The beaches in that area are really nice with white sand emerald blue waters. If you want a few more options of things to do, the south east has Seongsan Ilchulbong which is beautiful, a black sand beach beneath that, you can take a daytrip out to Udo Island, there’s an aquarium and the Yumin Art Museum in Seopjikoji there too. I tend to prefer the east side myself. There are also gorgeous forests with huge trees and boardwalks going through them. FYI, if you want to, you can also ask a taxi driver to drive you around for a day to see various sites. They are restricted to only charging W150,000 as a day rate for 8 hours (I haven’t checked for this year, but I imagine it’s the same.), which makes for a good option if you want to spend a day seeing other sites. Hope you have a great time here.
Jeannie
Hi Hallie,
Your posts on Korea are a godsend. I love your photos as well as your insights/experiences on the regions you’ve covered. My husband, 14 yo, 12yo and I are spending 9 days starting in Seoul at the end of March. We wanted to make sure to explore all the fun and fascinating parts in and around Seoul-checking out one or two places perhaps as day trips to Busan, Nami Island (Alpaca World!!), Petite France, or Paju CIty (others?) Would it get a bit tiresome to do that for the whole 9 days or do you recommend we explore Seoul/outer areas closeby for 5 days and then head to an entirely different area/vibe and head to Jeju Island for 3 days?
My great thanks to you for your terrific website.
Warmly,
Jeannie
Hallie Bradley
Hi Jeannie, it really depends on your personalities. My daughter and husband are much more of slow travelers than I am and need more down time. That said, with them, I usually plan a day out out, a day near our hotel when we travel so we can head back to the hotel for a rest if anyone wants. You might consider doing it that way. If you’re in downtown Seoul, you can get all around and join a couple tours to get out to nearby regions easily too. Downtown Seoul, daytrip out, downtown Seoul, daytrip out, downtown Seoul, something like that. I wouldn’t do Busan as a daytrip though you definitely can, it’ll just be a long day. Possible, but not advisable. Jeju in the spring is gorgeous and might be a great way to wrap up your trip if you are keeping busy for the first five days in Seoul. Hope you have a great time!
Mel
I’m planning a father-son trip for my husband and 14 year olds on for 6 nights in end Oct…any suggestion on where to base themselves and any fun activities for the boys to do? Since they have 6 nights, then probably 3 nights at 2 places? They will rent a car since you said it’s highly recommended : )
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Hallie Bradley
Udo Island is a fun adventure from Jeju and that island is really bike friendly for exploring so if they stay for a few nights on the east side, they can get there easily. There are some other great spots on the southeast. If you search Udo on this site, a post will come up about that. Hamdeok Beach is another great area with things nearby but also a gorgeous beach. Might look into that area for the other three nights.
zullie
I love the way you break down the places to stay and things to see in your blog! I did have a question though, my friend and I are going to Jeju in may/ june for 3 days, there is so much to do im a bit overwhelmed! however, my biggest concerns is food – my friend is vegetarian and I want to make sure we stay near places that have those options.
What would you recommend?
Hallie Bradley
Thank you for the comment. Yeah I’ve never done a full guide for Jeju because it will be a lot to tackle when I do haha. Gotta get on that.
Do you guys live in Korea? If so, your friend probably has a good idea of what she can and can’t eat already. A lot of Jeju food is based around seafood and then of course their pork. It’s certainly not easy to be vegetarian in Korea, but there are always places with rice and tofu. When we are traveling in the countryside we tend to look for tofu restaurants because they have a ton of great vegetable side dishes and most dishes are based on veg instead of fish. You might search for those on the island as well.
Valerie Blezius
We will be going to Jeju Island for 6 days in April. We’re from Canada and English speaking only; although we’ve driven internationally we are quite concerned about driving in Jeju as we won’t understand the signs etc. On the other hand, we keep hearing it’s best to have a car. What are your thoughts?
Hallie Bradley
The signs are all or almost all in Korean and English and other road signs are pretty much same, stop sign, yield signs, etc. I wouldn’t say I noticed anything terribly different about driving in Korea and Jeju is even easier since it’s got big roads and less cars anyway. I don’t think you should worry. Just get your GPS switched to English before you depart from the rental shop. They can switch it for you.
Maria
Hi Hallie! So excited to have found you! My sister, niece, & I plan to visit SK in October 2023. We’ll be going to Seoul, Jeonju for a couple of nights, JeJu, and Busan, then back to Seoul. We’ll be in SK almost that whole month. I have a lot of reading homework of your blog! Right now trying to figure out how to get from Jeonju to a nearby airport to fly to JeJu. Also, where to stay in JeJu. I’m definitely digging into your blog! Thank you!
Hallie Bradley
That will be a great time to come and a great adventure! I hope you enjoy every moment.. even the planning which I find very fun myself haha.
Louis
I am planning to visit in late October and have 4 days and 4 nights. How would you plan the trip to be like? Splitting north and south? I am self driving and wonder where would be a good base to shoot out to the areas. Thinking of 2 hotels for 2 nights. Loved your blog by the way. Well written and good insights
Hallie Bradley
It really depends what you want to see. I think the southeastern side of Jeju is great for a couple of nights and you can take a daytrip out to Udo Island from there. Then maybe spend two nights on the north coast. Great beaches and orchards to pick fruit too. I’d break it down that way myself I think.
angel
hi hallie,
love your blog. i refer to your blog regularly for researching travel plans to Korea.
am planning to visit Korea since we can start travelling again, earliest trip could be in july.
can you advice if there are certain months to avoid travel to jeju or busan weatherwise? eg some sites say july-september is typhoon season?
thanks
Hallie Bradley
Hii! July is pretty hot and humid, and there can be monsoons. Some years are better than others. Some years it’s rain constantly for weeks and other years, we get barely any rain. We’ve been in Jeju for two typhoons and they weren’t bad. A day of rain or so and then they usually pass by. That’s my experience and can’t say if it’ll be the same this year. If I were you, I’d go ahead and plan a trip. ^^