Where to Stay in Jeju Island 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Jeju Island is South Korea's Hawaii - a volcanic UNESCO World Heritage island with beaches, waterfalls, and Hallasan mountain. Koreans honeymoon here, families vacation here, and foodies pilgrimage for black pork and seafood. Accommodation ranges from sleek design hotels in Jeju City to pension (Korean B&Bs) along the coasts to mega-resorts in Jungmun.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

Jeju City

Convenient to the airport, best restaurant and nightlife scene, major bus terminal for exploring all areas. The old town has character, markets are excellent, and you can reach any point on the island within 90 minutes.

First-Timers & Foodies

Jeju City

Nature & Hiking

Seogwipo

Luxury & Beach

Jungmun Resort

Cafés & Sunsets

Hallim / Aewol

Sunrise & Adventure

Seongsan / Udo

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Jeju City (North): Airport, old town, markets, nightlife, transport hub
Seogwipo (South): Waterfalls, Olle trails, mandarins, scenic coast, tourism hub
Jungmun Resort Complex: Luxury resorts, Jungmun Beach, museums, golf, family activities
Hallim / Aewol (West Coast): Cafés, sunsets, Hallim Park, Hyeopjae Beach, Instagram spots
Seongsan / Udo (East): Sunrise Peak, Udo Island, volcanic landscapes, rural beauty
Hallasan Mountain Area: Hallasan hiking, forest lodges, off-the-beaten-path, nature immersion

Things to Know

  • Don't underestimate distances - the island takes 2+ hours to cross, so stay in different areas if time is short
  • Many 'ocean view' pensions face parking lots - check photos carefully
  • Weekend and holiday prices spike significantly - book weekdays if possible
  • Some Jungmun resort hotels are dated - newer boutique options often better value

Understanding Jeju Island Geography

Jeju is an oval volcanic island with Hallasan mountain in the center. Jeju City (north) has the airport and main urban area. Seogwipo (south) is the scenic tourism hub. Jungmun resort complex sits on the southwest coast. The east (Seongsan) and west (Hallim/Aewol) coasts offer distinct characters. A ring road circles the island.

Main Districts North: Jeju City (airport, urban). South: Seogwipo (waterfalls, hiking), Jungmun (resorts). East: Seongsan (Sunrise Peak), Udo Island. West: Aewol, Hallim (cafés, beaches). Central: Hallasan mountain. Olle trails circle the entire coast.

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Jeju Island

Jeju City (North)

Best for: Airport, old town, markets, nightlife, transport hub

$43+ $108+ $270+
Mid-range
First-timers Foodies Convenience Nightlife

"Modern Korean city with excellent food scene and island gateway conveniences"

Bus hub to all island areas
Nearest Stations
Jeju International Airport Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal
Attractions
Dongmun Market Jeju Olle trails Yongduam (Dragon Head Rock) Black Pork Street
9
Transit
Moderate noise
Very safe. Standard city precautions apply.

Pros

  • Airport convenience
  • Best restaurants
  • Good nightlife
  • Transport hub

Cons

  • Less scenic
  • No beaches nearby
  • City atmosphere

Seogwipo (South)

Best for: Waterfalls, Olle trails, mandarins, scenic coast, tourism hub

$49+ $130+ $324+
Mid-range
Nature Couples Hiking Scenic

"Picturesque southern town with waterfalls, citrus groves, and dramatic coastline"

1 hour bus to Jeju City/Airport
Nearest Stations
Seogwipo Bus Terminal Jungmun Resort Complex
Attractions
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall Jeongbang Waterfall Oedolgae Rock Lee Jung-seop Street
7
Transit
Low noise
Very safe. Be careful on coastal trails.

Pros

  • Beautiful scenery
  • Waterfall access
  • Great hiking
  • Charming town

Cons

  • Far from airport (1 hour)
  • Less nightlife
  • Tourist crowds at sites

Jungmun Resort Complex

Best for: Luxury resorts, Jungmun Beach, museums, golf, family activities

$86+ $216+ $540+
Luxury
Luxury Families Beach Golf

"Korea's premier resort complex with beach, museums, and world-class hotels"

50 min bus to Jeju City
Nearest Stations
Jungmun bus stops Resort shuttles
Attractions
Jungmun Saekdal Beach Teddy Bear Museum Yeomiji Botanical Garden Jusangjeolli Cliffs
5
Transit
Low noise
Very safe resort area.

Pros

  • Best beach
  • World-class hotels
  • All-in-one resort area

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Isolated from local life
  • Touristy

Hallim / Aewol (West Coast)

Best for: Cafés, sunsets, Hallim Park, Hyeopjae Beach, Instagram spots

$54+ $140+ $378+
Mid-range
Couples Instagram Cafés Sunsets

"Trendy west coast with designer cafés, white sand beaches, and orange sunsets"

40 min to Jeju City
Nearest Stations
Hallim bus stop Aewol bus stop
Attractions
Hyeopjae Beach Hallim Park GD Café (Monsant) O'sulloc Tea Museum
5
Transit
Low noise
Very safe. Roads can be narrow.

Pros

  • Best sunsets
  • Trendy cafés
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Instagram-worthy

Cons

  • Far from airport
  • Need car/taxi
  • Crowded on weekends

Seongsan / Udo (East)

Best for: Sunrise Peak, Udo Island, volcanic landscapes, rural beauty

$38+ $97+ $216+
Budget
Nature Photography Hiking Off-beaten-path

"Dramatic volcanic landscapes with Korea's best sunrise and charming Udo Island"

1.5 hours from Jeju City
Nearest Stations
Seongsan bus stop Udo Ferry Terminal
Attractions
Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) Udo Island Seopjikoji Aqua Planet
4
Transit
Low noise
Very safe. Sunrise Peak hike is steep but manageable.

Pros

  • Iconic Sunrise Peak
  • Udo Island access
  • Dramatic scenery

Cons

  • Very far from airport
  • Limited accommodation
  • Weather dependent

Hallasan Mountain Area

Best for: Hallasan hiking, forest lodges, off-the-beaten-path, nature immersion

$54+ $130+ $302+
Mid-range
Hiking Nature Adventure Peace seekers

"Volcanic mountain wilderness with forest trails and UNESCO World Heritage landscapes"

40 min drive to both coasts
Nearest Stations
Hallasan trailheads 1100 Altitude Wetland
Attractions
Hallasan (South Korea's highest peak) Gwaneumsa Trail Eorimok Trail 1100 Wetland
2
Transit
Low noise
Safe but mountain weather changes rapidly. Register for hikes, bring layers.

Pros

  • Incredible hiking
  • Peaceful nature
  • Unique experience

Cons

  • No restaurants/services
  • Need car
  • Weather changes fast

Accommodation Budget in Jeju Island

Budget

$35 /night
Typical Range: $27 – $38

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$82 /night
Typical Range: $70 – $92

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$173 /night
Typical Range: $146 – $200

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

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

Our Top Hotel Picks

Best Budget Hotels

Jeju R Hotel

Jeju City

8.2

Clean, modern business hotel near old town with excellent value. Walking distance to Dongmun Market and black pork restaurants.

Budget travelersFoodiesCentral location
Check Availability

Playce Camp Jeju

Seogwipo

8.5

Design-forward hostel with private rooms and dorms, communal kitchen, and excellent location near Seogwipo attractions.

Solo travelersYoung travelersBudget-conscious
Check Availability

€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

Maison Glad Jeju

Jeju City

8.9

Stylish urban hotel with rooftop pool, excellent breakfast, and contemporary Korean design. Best city hotel option.

CouplesDesign loversCity base
Check Availability

Hidden Cliff Hotel & Nature

Seogwipo (Jungmun)

9

Cliff-top boutique hotel with dramatic ocean views, infinity pool, and intimate atmosphere away from the mega-resorts.

CouplesViewsBoutique experience
Check Availability

Lotte Hotel Jeju

Jungmun Resort

8.7

Massive family resort with Hello Kitty rooms, water park, and every amenity imaginable. Korean family vacation central.

FamiliesKidsAll-inclusive experience
Check Availability

Nine Tree Premier Hotel

Aewol

8.8

Minimalist design hotel near the famous Aewol cafés with ocean views and stylish Korean aesthetics.

CouplesCafé hoppersDesign lovers
Check Availability

€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

The Shilla Jeju

Jungmun Resort

9.4

Korea's top luxury resort with world-class spa, fine dining, and impeccable service. The Korean vacation gold standard.

Luxury seekersSpa loversSpecial occasions
Check Availability

Grand Hyatt Jeju

Jungmun Resort

9.2

Sleek modern luxury with ocean views, multiple pools, and excellent restaurants. International luxury standards on Jeju.

Business travelersLuxury seekersInternational comfort
Check Availability

Unique & Boutique Stays

PODO Hotel

Seogwipo

9.1

Famous architectural hotel by Itami Jun with organic cave-like design inspired by Jeju volcanic landscape. A design pilgrimage.

Architecture loversDesign pilgrimageUnique stays
Check Availability

Smart Booking Tips for Jeju Island

  • 1 Book 1-2 months ahead for cherry blossom (April), summer holidays, and fall foliage
  • 2 Rental car almost essential - bus system exists but limits flexibility significantly
  • 3 Korean holidays (Seollal, Chuseok) see 50-100% price increases
  • 4 Many pensions have minimum 2-night stays, especially weekends
  • 5 Winter (Dec-Feb) offers 30-40% discounts but can be cold and windy
  • 6 Look for packages including car rental + hotel for best value

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Jeju Island?
Jeju City. Convenient to the airport, best restaurant and nightlife scene, major bus terminal for exploring all areas. The old town has character, markets are excellent, and you can reach any point on the island within 90 minutes.
How much does a hotel cost in Jeju Island?
Hotels in Jeju Island range from $35 per night for budget accommodation to $82 for mid-range and $173 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Jeju Island?
Jeju City (North) (Airport, old town, markets, nightlife, transport hub); Seogwipo (South) (Waterfalls, Olle trails, mandarins, scenic coast, tourism hub); Jungmun Resort Complex (Luxury resorts, Jungmun Beach, museums, golf, family activities); Hallim / Aewol (West Coast) (Cafés, sunsets, Hallim Park, Hyeopjae Beach, Instagram spots)
Are there areas to avoid in Jeju Island?
Don't underestimate distances - the island takes 2+ hours to cross, so stay in different areas if time is short Many 'ocean view' pensions face parking lots - check photos carefully
When should I book a hotel in Jeju Island?
Book 1-2 months ahead for cherry blossom (April), summer holidays, and fall foliage