Heading to Jeju? You’re in for a treat!
This place is packed with stunning nature, interesting culture, and tasty food.
You are viewing: Where To Stay In Jeju Island
But before you get swept up in the excitement, there’s one thing you’ve got to sort out – where to stay.
Jeju is massive, and even if you have a rental car, you could be driving for hours to reach different sights. That’s why picking the right spot to stay is key.
This guide is here to help you find the best place to stay in Jeju, tailored to your interests. Whether you’re in the mood for lounging on sun-kissed beaches, tasting the local cuisine, or exploring the lush hiking trails, I’ve got you covered.
Now, I’m all for being spontaneous on trips and stumbling upon places you didn’t plan to visit. However, given the size of Jeju, that might be tricky unless you’re planning to stay longer than a week. So, having a well-thought-out plan can really make a difference.
As your trusty guide, I’m here to provide handy tips and information to make your trip the best it can be. So, let’s start planning your Jeju Island holiday together!
Here are quick recommendations to help you choose your base in Jeju.
- If you’re only staying for a night or two, stay in Jeju City. As the main gateway to the island, this city serves as the perfect starting point for your adventure. It’s filled with cool shops and markets, interesting historical sites, and delicious food. Plus, many day tours around the island depart from here, making it ideal for quick trips. There are also beaches and hiking spots nearby, so even with a short stay, you’re sure to have an action-packed visit.
- Staying for over three nights? Make the most of it by breaking up your stay. Spend your first couple of nights in Jeju City, then head down to Seogwipo City. This way, you can explore more without spending your whole day drivingand discover even more amazing sights. Plus, Seogwipo’s chill, laidback vibe is perfect for those who love the island life!
- Looking for a super chill and relaxed getaway? Check out the Jungmun Tourist Area. It’s full of fun attractions and beautiful beaches, perfect for chilling out and taking it easy. It’s great for big groups and laidback travelers. Some hotels even offer pick-ups from the airport or ferry and all-in tours, so you can just focus on having a fantastic time!
Plan your trip to Jeju with this handy PDF guide.
Map – essential landmarks in Jeju, South Korea
Use this Google map to plan your trip and get around in Jeju. Take note that Google maps won’t give you driving routes – you’ll have to use an alternative map like Naver or Waze (read more about driving in South Korea here).
If you love shopping, historic sightseeing, and food-tripping, stay in Jeju City
Whether you’re coming to the island by air or sea, you’ll be passing by Jeju City, the island’s northern and main city. The city houses the island’s airport and main ferry which connects it to South Korea’s mainland. Fun fact: the Seoul-Jeju air route is the busiest domestic route in the world, with 1.3 million seats in December 2023!
As the island’s main gateway, this bustling metropolis offers a delightful blend of shopping, history-steeped sightseeing, and mouthwatering food adventures. And guess what? You can still soak up Jeju’s breathtaking natural beauty without venturing far south!
In just a couple of days, you can lounge on stunning beaches, take on thrilling hikes, and create unforgettable memories. Plus, if you’d rather skip the driving and join organized day tours or charter a private car, Jeju City serves as the perfect launchpad for your island escapades.
If you plan to explore the island using public transportation, Jeju City is a great base. Bus terminals are close by, making it easy to travel. Just keep in mind that going from one side of the island to the other takes time, so plan ahead and enjoy your trip!
Best hotels in Jeju City
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★Top Pick: Hotel Leo, one of Jeju’s top hotels, is our number one choice in the city. Kick off your vacation with cozy, roomy spaces, an art gallery, and a fantastic restaurant – all in a prime central spot. Stay for 1-2 days and easily discover the city and nearby attractions.
For larger groups, check out holiday rentals around Jeju City. Sky Tari Pension is just a short drive from Jeju City center where you can enjoy spacious apartments and the sea right at your doorstep.
If you’re on a budget, check out Mir Guesthouse. You’ll enjoy bright rooms and modern amenities, plus an observation deck and an in-house restaurant. Beds start at USD 22.
Quick tips for exploring Jeju City
What to see and do:
- If you’re driving, park at Lotte Duty Free Shop (Navigate: 64-747-0283) and explore the markets nearby.
- If you like hiking, check out the Jeju Olle trails.
- Join a tour of Jeju’s top UNESCO sites. You’ll visit standout spots like Jusangjeolli Cliff, Cheonjiyeon Falls, and Manjang Cave. It’s an ideal way to experience the island’s natural beauty if you’re only on Jeju Island for a short trip.
- If you have an extra day, I highly recommend going on a day trip to Udo Island. You can explore the island and soak in a mini-Jeju experience all in one day. It was definitely the highlight of my Jeju trip!
Where to eat: When in Jeju, you have to eat seafood. Here are some of my favorites:
- Haejin Hoetjip Seafood Restaurant (Navigate: 64-722-4584)
- Myeongjin Jeonbok Abalone Restaurant (Navigate: 64-782-9944)
If you’re in the mood for traditional noodle soup, head to Ollae Guksu (Navigate: 64-742-7355).
If you love road trips, hiking, and the beach, stay in Seogwipo City
For a rustic and authentic island experience, make your way to Seogwipo City.
As Jeju Island’s second-largest city, Seogwipo is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The city center is perfect for exploring the south – from the stunning Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak’s volcanic cone to the east, to beautiful waterfalls and parks in the west.
If you’re arriving in Jeju on a morning flight or ferry, head straight to Seogwipo. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Jeju City. Choose one of the top hotels in Seogwipo as your base and dive into the wonders of southern Jeju.
Best hotels in Seogwipo
★Top Pick: Parksunshine Jeju is our top pick for staying in Seogwipo. Just steps from Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls and close to Seogwipo Port and Lee Jung Seop Street (perfect for foodie and artsy adventures), this hotel offers stunning greenery views, free WiFi, and on-site parking. With modern rooms, an on-site restaurant and café, it’s the perfect haven for exploring Seogwipo’s wonders.
If you want to be closer to the beach, stay at The Grand Sumorum. It’s the perfect spot for a beach holiday and enjoying gorgeous panoramic sunset views. You’ll also enjoy modern rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a terrace with sweeping sea views.
For a budget option, check out Gudeok Guesthouse. Relax in cozy, well-equipped rooms and take advantage of the shared kitchen and lounge. Double rooms start at USD 33.
Quick tips for exploring Seogwipo City
What to see and do: You’ll be very near to most of Jeju Island’s tourist destinations. Be sure to hop over to the Jungmun Tourist Area to check out the waterfalls and the quirky museums. I also highly recommend setting aside one day to go to Udo Island and trek up the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak.
Where to eat: Personally, I loved the food options in Seogwipo City a lot more than those in Jeju City. One of our favorites was a restaurant specializing in black pork meat, a local delicacy in Jeju.
- Make sure to visit Jeju Hukdon Saesang Suragan (Navigate: 64-762-8588) for one of the best BBQ experiences in South Korea.
- Try also the abalone soup in Jeju Halmang Ttukbaegi Restaurant along the Chilsimni Food Street (Navigate: 64-782-1089).
- While you’re in Chilsimni, explore the other restaurants for more seafood and BBQ options.
If you’re in the mood for total barefoot luxury, chill out at the Jungmun Tourist Area
For the ultimate chill and leisurely Jeju experience, choose the Jungmun Tourist Area. With tons of attractions right outside your door, you’ll hardly need to venture out.
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Indulge in top-notch resorts, perfect for escaping city life. Lounge on the beach, feast on fresh seafood, or treat yourself at hotel spas and wellness centers. Plus, enjoy convenient tour packages without needing to drive!
Keep in mind, luxury comes with a price tag. For more budget-friendly options, consider Seogwipo City’s downtown hotels. But if you’re up for a splurge or celebrating something special, check out Jeju’s finest luxury hotels below.
Best luxury hotels in Jeju – Jungmun Tourist Area
★Top Pick: Experience world-class service at the luxurious Parnas Hotel Jeju, where you’ll find spacious pools, a modern fitness center, and a soothing spa. Located just steps from Jungmun Beach and minutes from top attractions, this 5-star retreat offers elegant rooms with private terraces and stunning sea or mountain views. Indulge in diverse cuisine at their seven on-site restaurants for a truly unforgettable stay.
The Shilla Jeju is also a great option. It’s a 10-minute walk from the beautiful Jungmun Beach and a short drive to the island’s southern sights and natural landscapes. Of course, The Shilla pampers you with gorgeous rooms and luxury amenities, so you’re definitely in for a treat, island-style.
Quick tips for exploring Jeju’s Jungmun Tourist Area
What to see and do: Make the most of your luxury accommodations! Then check out the Yeomiji Botanical Garden and the Cheonjeyeon Falls. Complete your stay with a trip to Jeju’s beautiful coastlines – you may even spot some dolphins!
Where to eat: Definitely try Jeju’s specialty, the black pork. For a BBQ with a view, check out Hayeong, a hilltop Korean restaurant serving great food and stunning views. (Navigation: 64-738-6011).
Top tips for your holiday in Jeju
Ready to plan your trip? Here’s how to spend 5 days in Jeju.
Booking a hotel – If you’re staying only for 2-3 days, stay either in Jeju City or in the Jungmun Tourist Area. Both bases are great for exploring either the northern part of the city (Jeju City) or the southern parts (Jungmun Tourist Area).
If you’re staying for more than 3 days, though, you can break up your stay and spend half your stay in Jeju City, and the other half in Seogwipo. You’ll get to see more of the island without having to drive long distances each day.
Getting around – Driving with a rental car is the best way to get around Jeju Island. You’ll get to see more sights than if you used the buses that go around the island, plus the whole island makes for a pretty scenic road trip. Here’s my guide to driving in South Korea and here’s where you can reserve a rental car online in advance (highly recommended – book at least a month in advance).
If you don’t want to drive, though, you can also hire a chauffeured car to drive you according to your itinerary or use the Jeju City Bus.
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I hope this quick and handy guide helps you choose where to stay in Jeju! Get ready for a fun little holiday filled with breathtaking natural landscapes, quirky attractions, and lots of sun and sand.
If you have any questions about your trip to Jeju, get in touch, and I’ll do my best to help you out.
Happy travels to South Korea!
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