Most people who visit Jeju Island rent a car. This South Korean Island is over double the size of Singapore, and there is no train or subway system. In fact, many travellers who have already visited attest that it’s impossible to travel around Jeju Island without a car.
Well… My partner and I spent an entire month on Jeju Island (based in Seogwipo). I can assure you, we did not spend all our time sitting indoors!
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We absolutely fell in love with this magical island. Jeju is a volcanic island with rugged natural landscapes, beaches, waterfalls and super nice cafes. It’s the perfect adventurous side trip after exploring Seoul’s bustling city streets.
There are many reasons why you might want or need to visit Jeju sans car (not having an international driving license was ours). And yes, while having a car does make it easier to travel around the island, there’s no reason for you to miss out.
This guide will show you exactly how to get around Jeju Island without getting behind the wheel. It includes all the cool places you can visit and things to do in Jeju Island without a car, too!
Getting Around Jeju Island Without a Car
Buses are the backbone of Jeju public transport – cheap at ₩1,250, reliable, and surprisingly extensive if you’re patient. They usually start around 6:00 AM and run until about 10:00 PM. However, more rural routes are less frequent, so planning is essential.
Use Naver Maps for schedules and live timings. Pick up a T-money card (a rechargeable transport card sold at convenience stores) to tap in and out easily.
If you’d rather skip the wait, the Kakao T app works like Korea’s version of Uber, letting you hail taxis directly from your phone. It’s simple and widely used, but costs much more than the buses.
For those who want to cover more ground without driving, booking Jeju Island tours is another option, especially for visiting remote attractions in one day.
12 Things To Do & Places To Visit on Jeju Island By Bus
1. Cheonjiyeon & Jeongbang Falls
Seogwipo has two of Jeju’s most famous waterfalls. Cheonjiyeon, or ‘Pond of the Gods’, is easy to reach via a lit pathway, open until 10:00 PM (₩2,000 entry). Jeongbang is rarer – one of only a handful in the world that drops straight into the sea.
Come in the late afternoon and you’ll often see haenyeo (female divers) selling fresh seafood at the base. Both are bus-accessible, making them a great double stop.
2. Cheonjeyeon Falls
Not to be confused with Cheonjiyeon, Cheonjeyeon is a series of three cascades tucked inside a leafy park near Jungmun. The short walk between each fall is well-marked, and spring visitors get the bonus of blooming subtropical plants.
Entrance is ₩2,500, and buses on the west coast stop right outside.
3. Oedolgae
This sea stack off Jeju’s southern coast is said to resemble a lone giant. The surrounding coastal path is part of the Olle Route 7, so it’s a lovely place to stretch your legs.
Golden hour here is magical, with the rock glowing against the waves. Best of all, it’s free and just a short bus ride from central Seogwipo.
4. Jusangjeolli Cliff
Think Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, but with the waves of Jeju crashing against it. Jusangjeolli is a stretch of dramatic hexagonal lava columns formed by Hallasan’s ancient eruptions.
There’s an observation deck (₩2,000 entry) with sweeping views of the coast. It’s popular, so try mornings for fewer crowds.
5. Soesokkak
A calm, scenic river estuary where turquoise water meets black volcanic cliffs. Rent a transparent kayak or paddleboard (around ₩20,000) and drift along the crystal-clear channel, or simply dangle your feet from the stepping stones.
6. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
A UNESCO site and one of Jeju’s icons. The short stair hike to the crater rim takes about 30 minutes, but the views at sunrise are worth the early wake-up. Tickets are ₩2,000, and don’t miss the daily haenyeo show at 2:00 PM on the nearby shore.
7. Hallasan (Korea’s Highest Peak)
At 1,947m, Hallasan is Korea’s tallest mountain, set inside Hallasan National Park. The full summit hikes (Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa) take 8–10 hours and require starting early – entry closes at 10:00 AM.
Reservations are needed during peak seasons. Only attempt if you have plenty of time in your Jeju travel itinerary!
8. Jeju Olle Trail
This coastal walking path circles the whole island and is broken into 26 segments. Route 7, from Seogwipo past Oedolgae, is especially beautiful and a fantastic hiking area for those without cars.
The trails are free, well-marked, and buses connect the start and end points.
9. Socheonji
One of Jeju’s hidden gems, Socheonji is a natural rock pool sheltered from the waves. It feels enclosed and peaceful, ideal for a dip or a quiet wander. Best of all, you may have the place to yourself. Take a bus toward Seongsan and hop off nearby.
10. Hyeopjae Beach
This west coast beach is postcard-perfect, with turquoise shallows and soft white sand. It’s family-friendly and has food stalls and showers close by.
On clear days, you can see Biyangdo Island just offshore. Easily reached by bus, it’s one of Jeju’s most photogenic spots.
11. Osulloc Green Tea Museum + Innisfree Jeju House
Here you can sip green tea lattes, try matcha desserts, and wander through tea fields. The Innisfree House next door lets you DIY natural soap using Jeju ingredients. Be warned, the café gets crowded on weekends.
12. E-Bike Along the Coast
Rent an e-bike in Seogwipo (₩20,000–30,000/day) for a different kind of adventure. The flat coastal roads are perfect, and you can link Soesokkak, Honeymoon Cafe, Socheonji, and Jeongbang Falls in one loop. It’s a fun way to see more without a car or bus schedule.
Places To Eat & Cute Cafés in Jeju Island
- Osulloc Tea Store & Cafe: The go-to for green tea everything – from lattes to cakes – plus you can browse Jeju’s famous tea products.
- Cafe Gyulkkot Darak: A charming spot celebrating Jeju’s mandarins, with citrus-inspired drinks and desserts that are as pretty as they are tasty.
- Honeymoon House Cafe: A seaside café with sweeping ocean views, perfect for coffee dates or just soaking up Jeju’s breezy charm.
- Comma Cafe: Minimalist interiors, strong coffee, and a laid-back vibe that makes you want to linger a little longer.
- BERYL Coffee Shop: Known for its gorgeous latte art and cosy corners – a lovely hideout for café hoppers.
- Lavarr Coffee Shop: A modern café with sleek design and excellent pastries. Great for a mid-morning recharge!
- Black Pork BBQ (Seogwipo): The place to try Jeju’s signature black pork, sizzling on the grill right at your table.
- Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market: Street food heaven – hotteok, seafood skewers, and piles of tangerines make this market a must-visit.
- Pasta Studio Jeju: Homemade pasta with a Korean twist, served in a stylish, intimate space that feels surprisingly Italian.
- MANGWOO makgeolli Bistro & Pub: Rustic yet trendy, serving up house-made makgeolli alongside delicious anju (drinking snacks).
- 춘천명동닭갈비 (Dak Galbi on Myeongdong-ro in Seogwipo): Stir-fried chicken, spicy gochujang sauce, and plenty of veggies – a fiery local favourite.
Where To Stay in Jeju Island Without a Car
If you plan on booking lots of tours, stay in Jeju City. It’s the capital of the province and also the biggest city, acting as the tour starting point for most organised day trips.
For a calmer pace and more nature on your doorstep, stay in Seogwipo instead. It’s the second-largest city in Jeju and is situated on the rocky southern coast. We chose to stay here and absolutely loved it! It was the perfect change of pace from Seoul.
Don’t Miss Jeju Island on Your South Korea Trip
Of course, if flexibility is your priority, a Jeju car rental is still the easiest way to get around – but it’s by no means the only way. You can’t let a minor inconvenience like not wanting or being unable to drive stop you from visiting Jeju Island without a car!
Luckily, my experience proves you don’t have to. Use a mix of the available Jeju transport (both public and private) and your own two feet to explore this unmissable island with stunning natural beauty.
FAQs
How walkable is Jeju Island?
Jeju Island is very walkable, especially due to the Jeju Olle trails, but its large size means that using public transport or a car to get around is essential.
Is it safe to travel alone on Jeju Island?
Yes, Jeju Island is considered very safe for solo travellers. South Korea has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but use common sense and take usual precautions.
How many days are enough for Jeju Island?
Plan at least three days in Jeju. The island is three times as big as Seoul, so one day isn’t enough!
What is the best way to travel from Seoul to Jeju?
Flying from Seoul to Jeju is the most popular and efficient way to travel.
How many hours does it take to travel from Seoul to Jeju Island?
It takes 75 minutes by plane and between 6 – 10 hours to travel from Seoul to Jeju Island by train, car, bus and ferry.
