Island, South Korea
Jeju
Korea's volcanic island: sea cliffs, hiking, coffee shops and coastal cycling, with easy flights from Seoul. Best with a car; Jeju City is the practical base. Typhoons and tour crowds are the downsides.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,630–2,520Comfortable, one person · ₩2.2M–3.4MDetails
- Value for money51/100Better value than 50% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 28°CDetails
- Air quality19.1 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · PollutedDetails
- Internet251 MbpsFixed broadband, South Korea medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilJeju's volcanic spring water is excellent and treated, but locals still filter; restaurants serve free filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$11–37Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundKakao TYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work in most places; carry cash for rural shops, tangerine stalls and some ferries.Details
Where to stay in Jeju
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Jeju City (Ido and Yeondong) | Base with airport, food, shops, cheapest rents and buses |
| Aewol | Cafés, coast road and relaxed stays on the northwest |
| Hallim–Hyeopjae | Beach and quiet northwest living |
| Seongsan | Sunrise peak and eastern coast with guesthouses |
Apps that work in Jeju
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kakao T | Works in Jeju City; fewer taxis available in rural areas |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Baemin | Covers Jeju City and larger towns |
| Coupang Eats | Limited coverage in Jeju City |
- Maps: Naver Map or Kakao Map (Google Maps is limited)
- Messaging: KakaoTalk
- Papago: Translation, including photos of menus
- T-money: Subway, buses and convenience stores
- Korail Talk: KTX and intercity train tickets
- Taxis: Book taxis early outside Jeju City, or arrange a taxi tour by the day. Rural areas may have no cars at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in South Korea.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work in most places; carry cash for rural shops, tangerine stalls and some ferries.
- Currency: Won (KRW). US$1 ≈ ₩1,347.39 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use 'Global ATM' machines at banks, airports and convenience stores; fees of a few thousand won per withdrawal are common.
- Tipping: Not expected anywhere; upscale hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge.
- Paying by phone: Foreign chip cards work widely; Apple Pay only at NFC terminals; Alipay+ wallets at many shops; WOWPASS card for visitors.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt visitors need a K-ETA (about KRW 10,000), but many nationalities are excused until 31 Dec 2026.
- Without a K-ETA, file the free e-Arrival Card online from 3 days before landing.
- Apply only on k-eta.go.kr; look-alike sites charge extra fees.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 1330
Plugs
Type C, F · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Carrier counters at Incheon and Gimpo airports sell prepaid data SIMs and eSIMs; passport required; convenience stores sell some too. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in South Korea
Going to Jeju solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.