First-Time Jeju Guide: Everything You Need Before You Visit (2026)

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Hello Jeju welcome sign at Jeju International Airport
The Hello Jeju sign greets you right after you land · Photo © sunny

Welcome to Jeju! If this is your first visit, planning your trip can feel overwhelming. Should you rent a car or rely on buses? Where should you stay? Do you need cash? This guide walks you through the essentials in the same order I'd plan them myself, with links to more detailed guides along the way.

☀️ Sunny's Tip Bookmark this page before your trip — I'll continue updating it whenever I publish new guides for first-time visitors.
📖 Table of Contents

Follow these steps to plan your first trip to Jeju.

1. Choose the Best Time to Visit Jeju
2. Planning Your Korea Trip
3. Getting to Jeju
4. Stay Connected & Get Your Money Ready
5. Choose Your Transportation
6. Choose Where to Stay
7. Money & Shopping

Illustrated map of Jeju Island showing regions and major routes
Jeju's regions and major routes at a glance

1. Choose the Best Time to Visit Jeju

Before booking anything, think about when you want to visit. Jeju feels like a completely different island depending on the season. Spring brings cherry blossoms and canola flowers, summer is perfect for beaches and water activities, autumn offers clear skies and colorful foliage, while winter is the best time to experience Hallasan covered in snow.

There isn't one "perfect" season — it really depends on what kind of trip you're hoping to have. Choosing the right time first will make planning everything else much easier.

2. Planning Your Korea Trip

Many first-time visitors don't spend their entire vacation in Jeju. A popular option is to combine Seoul and Jeju in one trip, giving you the chance to experience both Korea's vibrant capital and its beautiful island.

If you're wondering how many days to spend in each destination or which order makes the most sense, this itinerary can help you plan a smoother trip.

3. Getting to Jeju

Most international travelers arrive in Korea through Incheon International Airport, but Jeju is a separate island, so you'll need one more flight to get there. Fortunately, domestic flights between Incheon (or Gimpo) and Jeju are frequent and easy to book.

If you're visiting Jeju for the first time, it's helpful to understand how the transfer works before you arrive in Korea.

4. Stay Connected & Get Your Money Ready

Once you arrive in Jeju, getting online should be one of your first priorities. You'll need internet access for navigation, translation apps, restaurant searches, and booking taxis. These days, an eSIM is often the easiest option since you can set it up before your flight and start using data as soon as you land.

It's also a good idea to carry a small amount of Korean won. While credit cards are widely accepted across Jeju, cash can still be useful at traditional markets, small local shops, or when using certain transportation services.

5. Choose Your Transportation

How you get around Jeju will shape your entire trip. Unlike Seoul, public transportation is more limited, so it's worth deciding early whether you'll rent a car or rely on buses and taxis.

If you prefer a relaxed trip with easy access to beaches, cafés, and hidden attractions, renting a car offers the most flexibility. On the other hand, if you're staying in major tourist areas and don't mind planning ahead, traveling without a car is entirely possible.

Driving along Jeju's coastal road with the ocean in view
Cruising along Jeju's coastal road · Photo © sunny

If You're Skipping the Rental Car

Many travelers explore Jeju using a combination of buses and taxis. It takes a bit more planning, but it's an affordable option and works well for many popular destinations.

Not sure which option is right for you? Start with my guide to exploring Jeju without a car, then decide whether renting a car fits your travel style.

If You're Renting a Car

Renting a car is the most popular choice for visitors who want the freedom to explore Jeju at their own pace. Before booking, it's worth comparing rental companies, understanding the insurance options, and deciding whether an electric vehicle is the right fit for your trip.

6. Choose Where to Stay

Where you stay can have a bigger impact on your trip than many first-time visitors expect. Each part of Jeju has its own atmosphere, and the best location depends on what you want to see and how you plan to travel.

Whether you're looking for convenient access to the airport, beautiful beaches, scenic coastal drives, or a quieter base in Seogwipo, choosing the right area will help you make the most of your time on the island.

7. Money & Shopping

Before you leave Jeju, it's worth knowing where to shop and how to save money. From duty-free stores and tax refunds to popular beauty products at Olive Young, a little planning can help you make the most of your shopping budget.

Whether you're buying Korean skincare, snacks, or souvenirs to take home, these guides cover the basics you'll want to know before you start shopping.

Entrance to Jeju Duty Free at the airport
Jeju Airport's duty-free entrance · Photo © sunny

You're ready for Jeju!

Now that you've covered the essentials, it's time to enjoy the island like a local. Whether you're looking for scenic coastal drives, hidden beaches, seasonal flowers, traditional markets, or unforgettable local restaurants, you'll find plenty of ideas throughout this blog.

Happy travels, and enjoy your time in Jeju!