Jeju Island · South Korea

How Much Does Jeju Island Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips

Jeju Island offers a diverse cost spectrum, ranging from affordable volcanic hiking to high-end luxury resorts in the Jungmun area. It is generally more affordable than island counterparts like Maui or the Maldives, with daily budgets spanning from $53 / ₩76,924 to $442 / ₩640,978. Travelers can enjoy Jeju's natural wonders, like the UNESCO-listed lava tubes, for as little as $2.72 / ₩3,941 for admission. While rental cars are the most efficient way to see the island, the extensive bus network provides a budget alternative with fares starting at $0.78 / ₩1,126. Overall, the island provides exceptional value for nature lovers, though dining on premium local specialties like black pork can quickly increase the daily spend.

Is Jeju Island expensive to visit?

Jeju Island is a moderately priced destination—expect to spend between $53 / ₩76,924 and $442 / ₩640,978 per day depending on whether you choose a simple guesthouse or a five-star luxury resort.

Currency: South Korean Won (KRW) (1 $ ≈ 1,449 ₩)
On This Page

Daily Budget

How much to budget per person per day in Jeju Island

Budget

$53

per person /day

Mid-Range

$146

per person /day

Luxury

$442

per person /day

Trip Costs by Duration

Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights

Trip Costs by Duration Budget Mid-Range Luxury
3-Day Trip $159 $439 $1,326
5-Day Trip $265 $731 $2,212
7-Day Trip $372 $1,024 $3,096

per person — Excludes international flights

Budget Buffer

Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses

It is wise to include a 15% buffer for hidden costs such as the $2.72 / ₩3,941 T-money card fee or potential 10% hotel service charges at luxury resorts. Additionally, ensure funds are set aside for the mandatory International Driving Permit and proposed environmental fees of approximately $3.4 / ₩4,930 per car rental day.

How Does It Compare?

See how Jeju Island stacks up against other popular destinations

Seoul Jeju is slightly more expensive for transport due to the reliance on rental cars ($44 / ₩64,094/day), but it offers cheaper unique food like pork noodle soup for $6.12 / ₩8,871.
Okinawa Jeju is generally more affordable for dining and entry fees; for example, a UNESCO site like Manjanggul Cave is only $2.72 / ₩3,941 compared to higher Japanese castle fees.

What Things Cost

Real prices for common tourist expenses in Jeju Island

Food & Drink (3)
Item Price
Black Pork BBQ (per portion) Expect to order at least 2 portions for a table of two (~$15 / ₩21,700/portion). $15 ₩21,700
Pork Noodle Soup (Gogi-guksu) Jeju's signature local comfort food meal (~$6.12 / ₩8,871). $6.12 ₩8,871
Iced Americano (Cafe Average) Themed cafes and ocean-view spots often charge ~$3.77–$4.71 / ₩5,459–₩6,824. $3.74 ₩5,425
Transport (4)
Item Price
Airport Limousine Bus No. 600 (to Seogwipo) Flat fare to final destination (KAL Hotel). Jungmun stops cost ~$3.06 / ₩4,436. $3.74 ₩5,425
Standard Taxi Base Fare Covers first 2km. Additional ~$0.07 / ₩102 per 126m (~$2.25 / ₩3,258 base). $2.25 ₩3,258
Jeju City/Green Bus Fare (T-Money) Using a T-money card provides a discount compared to the 1,200 KRW cash fare (~$0.78 / ₩1,126). $0.78 ₩1,126
Compact Rental Car (Daily Rate) Essential for island travel. Includes basic insurance. Peak summer can double this (~$44 / ₩64,094). $44 ₩64,094
Accommodation (3)
Item Price
Halla Guest House (Budget Solo/Dorm) Budget dormitory or basic private room for solo travelers. $19 ₩27,125
SUM Guesthouse Jeju Airport (Mid-range Guesthouse) High-quality guesthouse near the airport. $40 ₩57,782
Grand Hyatt Jeju (Luxury Resort) Premium landmark hotel in Jeju City. Prices for standard king rooms (~$289 / ₩419,096). $289 ₩419,096
Activities (3)
Item Price
Seongsan Ilchulbong Summit Trail The coastal side-trail is free, but the summit hike requires a ticket (~$3.4 / ₩4,930). $3.4 ₩4,930
Manjanggul Cave Entrance Fee Admission to the UNESCO World Heritage lava tube (~$2.72 / ₩3,941). $2.72 ₩3,941
Jeju Haenyeo Museum Highly affordable museum documenting the island's women divers (~$0.75 / ₩1,092). $0.75 ₩1,092
Connectivity (1)
Item Price
Prepaid eSIM (Daily Unlimited) Book online for a ~$0.75 / ₩1,092 discount per day (~$2.99 / ₩4,333). $2.99 ₩4,333
Other (1)
Item Price
K-ETA Application Fee One-time fee for visa-free entry. Some nationalities are currently exempt (~$6.8 / ₩9,861). $6.8 ₩9,861

Food & Dining

What to eat and what it costs

Dining on the island ranges from budget-friendly pork noodle soup at $6.12 / ₩8,871 to premium black pork BBQ costing around $15 / ₩21,700 per portion. Coastal cafes with ocean views are a highlight, typically charging $3.74–$4.71 / ₩5,425–₩6,824 for an iced americano. Seafood enthusiasts should visit local markets like Dongmun for the best value on fresh abalone and seasonal sashimi.

Cheap Eats

Where locals eat — real places, real prices

Sister's Noodles (Jamae Guksu)

$6.12–$7.49 / ₩8,871–₩10,850

Jeju City · Local chain

The most famous spot for pork noodles; expect a ~$0–$5.89 / ₩0–₩8,530 wait time during lunch.

Dongmun Market Street Food

$3.4–$8.17 / ₩4,930–₩11,840

Jeju City · Street market

Visit after 19:00 for the vibrant night market atmosphere and giant blowtorched pork skewers (~$6.12 / ₩8,871).

Myeongjin Jeonbok

$10–$20 / ₩14,791–₩29,582

Guwa-eup · Local chain

Legendary abalone rice served in stone pots. The porridge is a great budget-to-mid value (~$10 / ₩14,791).

Gashiri Sikdang

$6.12–$10 / ₩8,871–₩14,791

Pyoseon · Local chain

Known for generous portions of stir-fried pork with bean sprouts and radish (~$6.12 / ₩8,871).

Deulre-in

$6.8–$12 / ₩9,861–₩17,742

Seogwipo · Street food area

Perfect for a healthy breakfast. Sea urchin soup is a Jeju specialty (~$8.17 / ₩11,840).

Scenic view of Seongsan Ilchulbong UNESCO volcanic tuff cone, Jeju Island, South Korea

Getting Around

Transport costs and the smartest ways to move

A rental car is the most practical choice for exploring Jeju’s dispersed attractions, with daily rates for compact models starting at $44 / ₩64,094. For those on a budget, the local green bus system is highly affordable at $0.78 / ₩1,126 per trip with a T-money card. The Airport Limousine Bus No. 600 provides a reliable connection to the southern resorts in Seogwipo for just $3.74 / ₩5,425.

Airport Limousine Bus No. 600 (to Seogwipo) $3.74 ₩5,425
Standard Taxi Base Fare $2.25 ₩3,258
Jeju City/Green Bus Fare (T-Money) $0.78 ₩1,126
Compact Rental Car (Daily Rate) $44 ₩64,094

Accommodation Overview

Lodging options are plentiful, with budget dormitories like Halla Guest House available for approximately $19 / ₩27,125 per night. Mid-range travelers can find high-quality guesthouses near the airport for $40 / ₩57,782, while luxury seekers may opt for the Grand Hyatt Jeju at $289 / ₩419,096. The Jungmun Resort Complex serves as the primary hub for upscale, all-inclusive beach stays.

Halla Guest House (Budget Solo/Dorm) $19 ₩27,125
SUM Guesthouse Jeju Airport (Mid-range Guesthouse) $40 ₩57,782
Grand Hyatt Jeju (Luxury Resort) $289 ₩419,096

Accommodation Budget in Jeju Island

Budget

$38 /night
Typical Range: $29 – $41

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$89 /night
Typical Range: $77 – $100

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$188 /night
Typical Range: $159 – $218

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Jeju Island – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Money-Saving Tips

Insider tricks to stretch your budget further

  • 1 Use a T-money card for all bus transfers to save on the cash fare and access the $0.78 / ₩1,126 discounted rate.
  • 2 Visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum for a deep cultural dive at the remarkably low cost of $0.75 / ₩1,092.
  • 3 Eat dinner at the Dongmun Market night stalls for affordable seafood and local snacks rather than sit-down restaurants.
  • 4 Rent a car for 3 or more days to secure lower daily rates than the standard $44 / ₩64,094 for short-term rentals.
  • 5 Stick to the free coastal side-trails of Seongsan Ilchulbong rather than paying $3.4 / ₩4,930 for the summit trail.
  • 6 Hike the Eorigok or Yeongshil trails on Mount Hallasan, which offer free access and stunning volcanic views.
  • 7 Purchase coffee at convenience stores like GS25 or CU for about $1.41 / ₩2,047 instead of paying $3.74 / ₩5,425 at themed cafes.
  • 8 Book an eSIM online in advance to save $0.75 / ₩1,092 daily compared to purchasing a physical SIM at the airport.
  • 9 Avoid the airport taxis and use the Airport Limousine Bus No. 600 for just $3.74 / ₩5,425 to reach Seogwipo or Jungmun.
  • 10 Refill water bottles at guesthouses or public facilities to avoid the $0.94–$1.41 / ₩1,365–₩2,047 cost of bottled water at tourist sites.

Hidden Costs

Surprise expenses that catch tourists off guard

Hidden Costs
Item Amount
Environmental Sustainability Fee (Proposed) Under final discussion; includes charges for accommodation (~$1.02 / ₩1,484) and car rentals (~$3.4 / ₩4,930). $5.56 / ₩8,052/day
International Driving Permit (IDP) Mandatory to rent a car. Must be obtained in your home country before arrival (~$18–$29 / ₩25,590–₩42,650 usually). $0 (one-time)
Hotel Service Charge Standard hotels include 10% VAT, but luxury resorts often add a 10% service charge (~$24–$47 / ₩34,120–₩68,240 extra/night). 10%
T-Money Card Purchase Non-refundable card fee. Essential for bus travel (~$2.72 / ₩3,941). $2.72 / ₩3,941 (one-time)

Common Scams & Ripoffs

Watch out for these tourist traps

  • Fake Black Pork: Some restaurants charge the premium $15 / ₩21,700 price but serve standard pork; verify the 'Jeju Black Pork' certification on the window.
  • Overpriced Seafood Sets: Establishments near Seongsan Ilchulbong often push 'tourist sets' for over $118 / ₩170,600 when individual dishes are much cheaper.
  • Black Deluxe Taxis: Avoid the black 'Mobeom' taxis parked at luxury hotels; they have significantly higher rates than the standard $2.25 / ₩3,258 base fare taxis.
  • Seasonal 'Parking Fees': Some private lots near beaches may try to charge informal fees during peak summer; always look for official municipal parking signs.

Seasonal Pricing

When prices rise and fall throughout the year

Peak Season

Jul, Aug, Oct

+40-60%

Cheapest

Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb

-30-50%

Best Value

May, Jun, Sep

Winter is windy and cold (~5–10°C / 41–50°F), but offers the best hotel deals. July-August is humid and overcrowded with domestic tourists.

Events to Watch

  • Chuseok (Late Sept/Oct): Flights +100%
  • Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb): High demand
  • Cherry Blossom (Late March): Hotels +30%
Spectacular sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong volcanic crater, Jeju Island, South Korea

Free Things to Do

The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing

  • 1 Walk various sections of the 422km Jeju Olle Trail for stunning coastal views.
  • 2 Relax on the white sands and turquoise waters of Hamdeok Beach.
  • 3 View the iconic red-and-white pony-shaped lighthouses at Iho Tewoo Beach.
  • 4 Explore the volcanic rock formations of Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock).
  • 5 Walk through the dense cedar trees and peaceful atmosphere of the Saryeoni Forest Path.
  • 6 Cross the Saeyeongyo Bridge, especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
  • 7 Watch the sunset over the ocean from the shores of Hyeopjae Beach.
  • 8 Visit the O'sulloc Tea Museum to explore the tea fields and museum exhibits for free.
  • 9 Drive or cycle along the scenic Sinpung Windmill Coastal Road.
  • 10 View the 20-meter high Oedolgae Rock and the surrounding coastal cliffs.
  • 11 Walk the boardwalk at Woljeongri Beach to see the famous colorful chairs and wind turbines.
  • 12 Visit the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park to learn about local history at no cost.

Worth the Splurge

Premium experiences that justify the price tag

Premium Black Pork Omakase at Sukseongdo

Aged for 720 hours, this is considered the gold standard of Jeju's famous black pork (~$54 / ₩78,885).

$54 ₩78,885

Grand Hyatt Jeju 'Dinner Buffets' at Grand Kitchen

The largest buffet in Korea featuring unlimited fresh local seafood and Jeju beef (~$88 / ₩128,189).

$88 ₩128,189

Private Yacht Tour (Shangri-La)

Sail past the Jusangjeolli Cliff formations while enjoying wine and fishing (~$41 / ₩59,164).

$41 ₩59,164

Popular Activities

Top-rated tours and experiences in Jeju Island

View All Activities (opens in new tab)
Loading activities…

Day Trip Costs

Popular day trips from Jeju Island and what they cost

Udo Island (The Cow Island)

Getting Around

$7.14 / ₩10,355 by ferry

Entry

Free

Total Cost

$31 / ₩44,373

Marado Island (Southmost Point)

Getting Around

$13 / ₩18,732 by ferry

Entry

Free

Total Cost

$27 / ₩39,443

Payment & Money

How to pay and what to know about money

Currency

South Korean Won (KRW)

1 $ ≈ 1,449 ₩

Cash Needed

Yes

Card Acceptance

Excellent in nearly all stores, restaurants, and taxis. Cards are the primary payment method.

Tipping

Not practiced in South Korea. In high-end hotels, a ~$12 / ₩17,060 service charge is often already added to the bill.

ATM Tips

Use ATMs inside 7-Eleven or GS25 for international cards. Avoid bank ATMs late at night as some close after 23:00.

Connectivity

eSIM: $16–$29 for 10-20GB (opens in new tab)

Local SIM: $26 / ₩37,532 for 10 days unlimited data at Jeju Airport.

WiFi: Excellent. Available in every cafe, bus, and most public parks.

Get a local eSIM from SK Roaming or KT to avoid carrying a separate Wi-Fi egg, which requires charging.

Diverse natural landscapes of Jeju Island including Halla Mountain, beaches, and volcanic formations, South Korea

Why you can trust this guide

Headshot of Jan Křenek, founder of GoTripzi
Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

Methodology:
  • All neighborhoods verified by walking them
  • Curated locations based on walkability & safety
  • Real-time availability via live partner maps
  • Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages

Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Jeju Island.

Updated: February 16, 2026

Ready to Visit Jeju Island?

Book your flights, accommodation, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jeju Island expensive to visit?
Jeju Island is a moderately priced destination—expect to spend between $53 / ₩76,924 and $442 / ₩640,978 per day depending on whether you choose a simple guesthouse or a five-star luxury resort.
How much does Jeju Island cost per day?
A trip to Jeju Island costs $53 / ₩76,821 per day on a budget, $146 / ₩211,619 for mid-range, and $442 / ₩640,656 for luxury. These include accommodation, food, transport, and activities per person.
How much does a trip to Jeju Island cost?
A 7-day trip to Jeju Island costs approximately $372 / ₩539,195 (budget), $1,024 / ₩1,484,234 (mid-range), or $3,096 / ₩4,487,490 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
What is the cheapest month to visit Jeju Island?
The cheapest months to visit Jeju Island are November, December, January, February, with prices -30-50% lower than peak season. Winter is windy and cold (~5–10°C / 41–50°F), but offers the best hotel deals. July-August is humid and overcrowded with domestic tourists.
What are the hidden costs in Jeju Island?
Common hidden costs in Jeju Island include Environmental Sustainability Fee (Proposed), International Driving Permit (IDP), Hotel Service Charge ($0/night). It is wise to include a 15% buffer for hidden costs such as the $2.72 / ₩3,941 T-money card fee or potential 10% hotel service charges at luxury resorts. Additionally, ensure funds are set aside for the mandatory International Driving Permit and proposed environmental fees of approximately $3.4 / ₩4,930 per car rental day.
How can I save money in Jeju Island?
Top tips for saving money in Jeju Island: Use a T-money card for all bus transfers to save on the cash fare and access the $0.78 / ₩1,126 discounted rate. Visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum for a deep cultural dive at the remarkably low cost of $0.75 / ₩1,092. Eat dinner at the Dongmun Market night stalls for affordable seafood and local snacks rather than sit-down restaurants.