Where To Stay On Jeju Island in Korea
Jeju Island has been called the Hawai’i of Korea and it is gorgeous. There is a ton to do too whether you want to visit Jeju in the winter or the summer. The problem is, it’s definitely bigger than you might think so it’s super important to choose the right spot to stay to see exactly what you want. Don’t even think you can see the whole island in one weekend. You really need to think of the island as four quadrants and then stick to that one area when you visit and see what you can see there.
Jeju Island is an absolute must visit if you’ll be spending some time in Korea. I have been three times and I still want to go back if there’s an opportunity. If you’re living here for a year, go go go! If you’re here for a week and can manage another flight, then go go go! It’s really just a magnificent island in Korea and it is so different from mainland Korea. They literally have their own language!
I have family coming this summer and we’re thinking of heading to Jeju Island for a few days. I quickly realized while talking to the travelers that have never been here before that I should really have a guide to explain exactly what can be seen where and where you can stay in mind because the island is just too big and I don’t want to be driving them all around to see what there is to see.
With that in mind, I’ve separated this post into the two cities: Jeju City and Seogwipo City and the four quadrants outside of the cities: northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast and listed where to stay in Jeju and what you can see in each area as well. Are you getting excited for your trip to Jeju? Then make sure you’ve got everything planned precisely for the best trip possible. There are some great unique places to stay in Jeju and some gorgeous resorts and hotels too so, let’s dig in!
Here’s what you’ll find in this post:
- Jeju Quick Tips
- Getting Around Jeju Island
- Where To Stay In Jeju
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Jeju Quick Tips
- Jeju City is the main city on the north side of the island and is where the airport is located and 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. However, if you really want to enjoy Jeju, I wouldn’t recommend staying IN the cities though I’ve added them so you have a choice.
- If you’ll only be able to get to Jeju for a weekend, stay on the northern coast near the airport like 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. 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. Rent rent rent. I don’t want to have to say, “I told you so.”
- 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 trail head 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.
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 to help with GPS and maps. Google does not really work in Korea and it absolutely won’t help you on Jeju Island.
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.
Jeju City Bus: There is a hop on hop off bus on Jeju Island if you can’t rent a car and want to get around via public transportation. The double decker bus starts at Jeju Airport or you can get on at the Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal. They make stops at Sarabong Peak, Dongmun Traditional Market, Eoyeong Coast Road, Dodubong Peak and some more awesome spots. Look into the Jeju City Bus if you don’t want to rent a car on your trip.
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.
What To Know About Jeju City
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 an easy place to stay as it’s near the airport and that’s why I have a section for it here. If you’re flying in late, for example, and just want to get some place quickly and easily, stay here for a night and then move on the next day if you want. Or if you have a really early flight out, stay here the night before. One great thing about Jeju City is that it is a hub for transportation on the island and every bus will likely get you here. The city has a ton of restaurants and cafes and pretty much everything you could want for an easy stay.
What you can see in the area:
- Yongduam Rock & Coastal Walk
- Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest
- Jeju Horse Pastureland
- Jeju Loveland
- Jeju Museum of Art
- Gwaneumsa Buddhist Temple
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 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 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
What To Know About Northwest Jeju
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
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
What To Know About Northeast Jeju
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
- Mazeland
- Jeju Haenyeo Museum
- Gimnyeong Mural Village
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.
What To Know About Seogwipo City
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
- Jeju Glass Museum
- Yakcheonsa Buddhist Temple
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 o a budget but want to travel travel travel.
Check out the Mido Hostel here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
What To Know About Southwest Jeju
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
- Bonte Museum
- Jusangjeolli Cliff
- Gapado Island
- Marado Island
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 advantae 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 and are comfortable spaces to recharge. 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
What To Know About Southeast Jeju
This might be the quietest area on the island and for some, 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
- Hanwha Aqua Planet
- Udo Maritime Park
Where To Stay In Southeast Jeju
A luxury Stay: Haevichi Hotel & Resort
Haevichi Hotel and Resort is known forgiving 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 Shinevillle 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.
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, mountains, and more. Take a vacation
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14 Comments
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. ^^