About Jeju

Jeju Island (or “Jeju-do” in Korean) is the kind of place that shows up in postcards with impossibly blue sea and volcanic peaks, but when you step off the plane, it feels like stepping into a dream that’s also lived-in. Think: humid salt air, pine-scented hills, ancient lava tubes, little black volcanic rocks under bare feet, and the steady lull of waves that never quite let go. Jeju has this “island within an island” feel. Although it’s part of South Korea, it’s culturally and ecologically unique. Locals say the island’s identity is tied tightly to its geology: Hallasan, the dormant volcano that towers over the center, is the highest mountain in South Korea, and its slopes bleed into forests, waterfalls, crater lakes, and winding trails. Around it, the coastline is full of dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, black basalt beaches, and rugged inlets. The mild climate; subtropical in many parts means winters are soft, summers are warm (with humidity), and the shoulder seasons are downright dreamy.

For travelers, Jeju is a playground. You can spend mornings hiking Olle trails, afternoons exploring lava tubes, evenings watching twilight dance on the sea, and nights in a hotel room that feels like an art gallery. The food is another draw: fresh seafood (abalone, sea urchin), the local black pork, seafood stews, and markets that buzz with life. The local diver-women, Haenyeo, still collect shellfish barefoot from the sea in some parts, and there’s a slow, poetic rhythm to island life you’ll catch if you quiet your mind a bit. Because Jeju leans on tourism, the selection of hotels in Jeju is tremendous: from ultra-luxury, five-star resort escapes perched on coastal cliffs to quirky guesthouses tucked into green hills, to hotel apartments in Jeju for longer stays. Whether you’re hunting for a cheap hotel in Jeju option or seeking the best hotels in Jeju (or the Jeju hotel price comparison for your budget), there’s something for everyone.

Plan your trip to this beautiful yet unique island with our mesmerizing Jeju tour packages at the best rates. 

Jeju airport Address

• Name: Jeju International Airport (제주국제공항)
• Address: 2 Gonghang-ro, Jeju City (Jeju-si), Jeju-do, South Korea
• Phone / Contact: +82 (0)64‑797‑2114
• Email / Website: info@jeju.airport.co.kr ; official site via Korea Airports Corporation

Because Jeju airport is fairly small (for an international airport) and efficient, it doesn’t take eons to get through arrivals. But always allow buffer time, especially if your hotel check-in is late.

The Best Time to Visit Jeju

• Spring (April to June): One of the best times. Blooming landscapes, pleasantly warm days (not scorching), and the island begins to green.
• Autumn (September to early November): Cooler winds, golden light, fewer crowds. Magical.
• Summer (July–August): Hot, humid, sometimes stormy (typhoon risk). But also beach season.
• Winter (December to February): Quiet, sometimes cold, occasional snow on Hallasan, but the lower parts remain mild. If you don’t mind the chilly wind, you’ll get discounts on Jeju hotels.

If I were you, I’d aim for late April – early June, or mid-September through October. The weather is kind, and the Jeju hotel price tends to be friendlier than peak summer.

How to reach Jeju

By air:

This is the main route. Jeju International Airport connects to many Korean mainland cities (Seoul–Gimpo, Busan, etc.) and some regional international routes. From your arrival city, you’ll hop on a short domestic (or regional) flight to Jeju.

By rail:

There is no direct rail to Jeju (since it’s an island). But you can take trains on the mainland to ports like Busan, Mokpo, Wando, and then take a ferry. The ferry route is long (4–5+ hours in some cases) and subject to weather, but scenic.

By road:

This is partial: you drive to a Korean port (Mokpo, Wando) and then ferry across. Your car / bus becomes a ferry load. It’s slower but adventurous if time is generous.

If you’re coming from Seoul, the fastest is plane + hotel transfer; if you’re on a cross-Korea trip, ferry + drive can be a segment.

Things to do in Jeju

1. Hike Hallasan (e.g. Seongsan route or Yeongsil trail)
2. Explore Manjanggul Lava Tube
3. Walk Olle Trail segments
4. Visit Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
5. Swim or relax at Hyeopjae Beach
6. Check out Jeongbang Falls & Cheonjiyeon Falls
7. Visit Seongeup Folk Village
8. Ride the ropeways in Jeju’s mountain areas
9. Tour Jeju’s museums and gardens (e.g. Teddy Bear Museum, Spirited Garden)
10. Visit Udo Island by ferry
11. Snorkel / scuba in coastal reef zones
12. Go to the O’sulloc Tea Museum / Green Tea Fields
13. Traverse lava coast cliffs (Jusangjeolli)
14. Do a local cooking class (seafood, black pork)
15. Stargaze / catch sunset at coastal cliffs (especially west coast)

These are the staples. Depending on where your hotel in Jeju is, some will be steps away, others will require a drive.

Shopping in Jeju

1. Dongmun Market (Jeju City)
2. NANTA Jeju (performance + goods)
3. Jeju Jungang Underground Shopping Center
4. Jeju Premium Outlets
5. Tangerine / Citrus farms shops
6. O’sulloc store (tea & souvenirs)
7. Haenyeo shops (seafood, dried goods)
8. Jeju Folk Craft Shop
9. Jeju Department Stores (Lotte, Shinsegae)
10. Local art galleries with handicrafts
11. Jewelry / gem shops (Jeju’s local stones)
12. Local ceramics / pottery shops
13. Local cosmetics / skincare shops (K‑beauty)
14. Night markets near beaches
15. Souvenir stands near major tourist attractions

If you stay near Jeju City or along tourist corridors, many are walkable or a short taxi/bus away.

Famous Restaurants in Jeju

1. Black pork BBQ joints (local specialty)
2. Haenyeo seafood stews
3. Abalone porridge restaurants
4. Grilled mackerel by the coast
5. Raw fish (hoe) restaurants near harbors
6. Jeju tangerine desserts / cafés
7. Korean-style seafood pancake houses
8. Gamjatang (pork bone soup)
9. Bibimbap with local greens
10. Fresh sashimi & sushi spots
11. Local bakeries (sweet potato breads)
12. Korean BBQ fusion in Jeju City
13. Cafés with sea view (for sunset tea)
14. Traditional Korean “dosirak” lunch boxes
15. Street food stalls – tteokbokki, fish cakes, hoeddeng (Korean hot dogs)

Popular Hotels in Jeju

1. The Shilla Jeju 
2. Lotte Hotel Jeju
3. Jeju Sun Hotel & Casino
4. Ramada Plaza Jeju Hotel
5. Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju
6. Jungmun Resort 
7. Maison Glad Jeju
8. Grand Hyatt Jeju
9. Ocean Palace Hotel
10. Hotel Nanta Jeju
11. Jeju Oriental Hotel & Casino
12. Hotel RegentMarine The Blue
13. Yeha Guesthouse / Pensions
14. Bijou Guesthouse Jeju City
15. Jeju KAL Hotel

Popular Resorts in Jeju

1. Shilla Jeju Resort
2. Haevichi Resort Jeju
3. Kumho Jeju Resort
4. Lotte Resort Jeju
5. Ocean Suites Jeju Hotel
6. Seogwipo KAL Hotel Resort
7. Hidden Cliff Resort & Spa
8. Jeju Sun & Blue Hotel & Resort
9. The Seaes Hotel & Resort Jeju
10. We Hotel Jeju
11. Camellia Hills Resort
12. Bella Vista Hotel Jeju
13. Pearl Hotel & Resort Jeju
14. Conrad Jeju Resort
15. Merryhotel Jeju Resort

Stay in a resort if you want most meals on-site, spa days, view from your bed, and less commuting.

Where to Stay in Jeju

• Jeju City / Airport Area: Good for first/last night, logistical ease, and hotels in Jeju near airport
• West Coast (Pyoseon, Hallim, Aewol): great for beaches, less crowded shores
• East / Seongsan / Seopjikoji: sunrise, more rural, near natural attractions
• South Coast / Seogwipo: for falls, waterfalls, waterfalls, and relaxed evenings
• Central / Up in the hills (Hallasan foothills): for nature, hiking, quiet escapes

So when you pick your Jeju hotel, pick based on which side of the island you’ll explore most.

Places to Stay in Jeju near Popular Attractions

• Near Seongsan Ilchulbong: stay in Seongsan or eastern side
• Near Hallasan: mountain lodges, Jeju City hillside hotels
• Near Jeju City’s Dongmun Market: central Jeju City hotels
• Near Waterfalls in Seogwipo (Jeongbang, Cheonjiyeon): stay in Seogwipo area
• Near Beaches (west coast): in Aewol, Hallim, or western resorts
• Near Airport: hotels in Jeju City near the airport

Mapping it out: if your plan is waterfall in morning, beach in afternoon, food markets in evening, try combining central + south coast stays.

Budget Hotels in Jeju

• Guesthouses and hostels in Jeju City: small, clean, dorm or private
• Pensions / guesthouses in rural east or around trails
• Two-star hotels in Jeju: basic, clean rooms, no frills
• Business hotels near the airport: basic but convenient
• Off-season bargains in bigger hotels

In many places, you can find rooms under ₩50,000–₩80,000 KRW (or equivalent) if you book early or in off-peak. These are your “cheap hotels in Jeju” options.

Jeju Hotels by Star Rating 

• 5 star hotels in Jeju / Jeju 5 star hotel / luxury hotels in Jeju: Shilla, Lotte, Grand Hyatt, certain parts of Jungmun and oceanfront resorts
• 4 star hotels in Jeju: nicer city hotels, mid-tier resorts
• 3 star hotels / boutique hotels: local standards, clean, good value
• 2 star hotel Jeju / cheapest hotel in Jeju: basic stays, often further from main tourist roads or in quieter zones
• Hotel apartments in Jeju: for stays of multiple nights – kitchenette, more space

When you do Jeju hotel price comparison, you’ll see gaps between star classes.

Best Hotels in Jeju based on Location

• Near the airport: convenience, less travel stress
• By the beach: wake up, swim in 5 minutes
• Near waterfalls / scenic zone: you can walk to morning views
• Central / Jeju City: good for markets, transport hubs
• Upslope / hillside: quieter, green, views

So if your priority is “swim first, travel later,” choose a luxury hotel in Jeju by the coastline. If your priority is ease of arrival/departure, check out hotels in Jeju near airport.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Jeju 

• Kids’ pools / shallow splash zones
• Family rooms / suites (2 rooms, connecting)
• Easy access to friendly beaches
• On‑site dining with kid options
• Proximity to attractions (so less long drives with little legs)
• Safe grounds, gardens to roam

Many Jeju hotels provide these, often the resorts do best.

Jeju Hotels Tariff

• Cheapest hotel in Jeju / 2 star hotel Jeju: ₩30,000–₩80,000 KRW (≈ USD 20–60)
• 3-star / boutique: ₩80,000–₩150,000 KRW
• 4-star hotels in Jeju: ₩150,000–₩300,000 KRW
• 5 star hotels in Jeju / luxury hotels in Jeju: ₩300,000–₩600,000+ KRW (or more in resort zones)

Your Jeju hotel price comparison should always include location, views, and what’s included (meals, shuttle, access). Sometimes a “cheaper” hotel ends up costing more in commuting, so factor that in.

Jeju Travel Tips

1. Rent a Car: Jeju’s public buses are clean and honest, but if you want to see sunrise on one side and sunset on the other without sprinting like a maniac, renting a car is the move. Especially if your hotel isn’t slap-bang in Jeju City.
2. Book Flights Early: Jeju does have its own airport – Jeju International Airport (CJU), right in Jeju City. No train access, no ferry required unless you’re adventurous. But here’s the real tea: to get the best fares, it’s often cheaper to book cheap flights to Seoul (like Incheon or Gimpo) first, then grab a budget domestic flight to Jeju.
3. Hotels Near the Airport Are Lifesavers for Late Arrivals / Early Departures: That midnight flight will feel less evil if your Jeju hotel near the airport is 5 minutes away. Book one for your arrival/departure day to skip dragging luggage across the island at ungodly hours.
4. Pack Layers – Island Weather Is Unpredictable: Jeju is all sea breeze and sun until it’s suddenly not. A lightweight jacket or hoodie goes a long way.
5. Off-Season = Cheaper Hotels + Zero Crowds: Traveling in late autumn or early spring? You’ll score better Jeju hotel prices, more room to breathe at attractions, and local restaurants without wait times. Plus, Hallasan in snow? Chef’s kiss.
6. Use KakaoMap or Naver Map, Not Google Maps: Google Maps in Korea is like that clueless tourist at a crosswalk, it looks confident but lost. Local apps have better directions, especially for buses and hidden trailheads.
7. Try a Hanok-Style Stay (Just Once): You haven’t truly soaked in Jeju until you’ve fallen asleep on a heated floor in a guesthouse made of stone and wood. Trust me, your back will either hate it or love it, either way, it’s a vibe.
8. Get a T-Money Card and Recharge It Often: This little card is your magic pass to local buses. Load it with ₩10,000–20,000 KRW at convenience stores. Keep it handy even if you’re driving, parking fees and ferry tickets sometimes accept it too.
9. Cash Is Still King in Some Spots: Especially in local markets, tiny restaurants, or that one grandpa selling tangerines on a roadside stall. Always have about ₩50,000 in cash for emergencies or impulse buys.
10. Seafood Isn’t Optional, It’s a Lifestyle: If you’re squeamish about octopus still squirming, fair. But at least try abalone porridge or grilled mackerel. Some of the freshest seafood of your life is just a walk from your Jeju Island hotel.
11. Book Hotels Based on Your Itinerary, Not Just Stars: A 5-star hotel on the wrong side of the island means 3 hours of driving. Always match your hotel to your plans. Want waterfalls? Stay in Seogwipo. Sunrise hike? Eastern coast.
12. Coffee Shops Are Everywhere, Some Are Just Unreal: Jeju’s café game is so strong it hurts. There are coffee shops inside shipping containers, overlooking cliffs, surrounded by lava fields. Don’t settle for boring hotel coffee.
13. Sunrise Is an Event And Totally Worth the 5 AM Alarm: Especially from Seongsan Ilchulbong. Bring a flashlight, climb in silence, watch the sun spill over the sea. Go back to your Jeju hotel and nap. After all, you’ve earned it.
14. Bring Comfortable Shoes. I’m Not Kidding: The Olle Trails are scenic and romantic until you’ve done 10km in flimsy sandals. Jeju is best explored on foot, even if you’re beach-hopping. Your feet deserve some cushion.
15. Don’t Try to Do the Whole Island in One Trip: Jeju looks small on the map, but once you’re there, everything takes time. Choose 2–3 zones and take your time to explore, linger, sip tea in hidden cafés, and talk to locals. Your Instagram can wait.

Before booking your flights or hotels in Jeju, be sure to apply for your South Korea visa online to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry.