Jeju Without a Car: Realistic Travel Tips From a Korean Local
Whenever foreigners ask me about Jeju Island, the first question is almost always the same. Do I really need to rent a car? As a Korean living here, my honest answer is usually yes, but that does not mean visiting Jeju without a car is impossible. It simply requires the right expectations and a slightly different mindset.
Jeju without a car is not about covering the entire island. It is about choosing your base carefully, moving slowly, and understanding how locals actually get around when we do not drive.
Is Jeju Without a Car Actually Doable?
Yes, but with limits. Jeju is much larger than it looks on a map, and public transportation is functional rather than fast. Buses run on time, but routes are long and transfers are common.
If you imagine hopping between hidden beaches and remote cafes all day, you may feel frustrated. If you are comfortable focusing on a few areas and enjoying them deeply, traveling without a car can be surprisingly pleasant.
Choose the Right Base: Location Matters More Than Anything
This is the most important decision you will make.
For car-free travelers, I strongly recommend staying in Jeju City or Seogwipo City. These areas have the best bus connections, walkable neighborhoods, and easy access to markets and restaurants.
Jeju City works well if you arrive late or leave early because it is close to the airport. Seogwipo feels calmer and more scenic, especially near the coast.
Avoid countryside guesthouses unless you are fully prepared for long walks and limited bus schedules.
How Public Transportation Really Works in Jeju
Jeju buses are clean, affordable, and reliable, but they are not designed for fast sightseeing. Express buses connect major areas, while local buses stop frequently.
Expect longer travel times than Google Maps suggests. A destination that looks 20 kilometers away can easily take over an hour.
Use Naver Maps or Kakao Maps, not Google Maps. Koreans rely on these apps because they reflect real-time bus data much more accurately.
Taxis Are Not the Enemy
Many travelers assume taxis will be expensive. In Jeju, taxis are relatively affordable and often the most practical solution for short distances.
Locals frequently combine buses and taxis. Take a bus to a main area, then use a taxi for the last few kilometers. This hybrid approach saves time and energy.
Drivers are usually friendly, but having your destination written in Korean helps a lot.
What You Can Easily See Without a Car
Some places are genuinely accessible without driving.
Dongmun Traditional Market, Yongduam Rock, Seongsan Ilchulbong, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, and parts of Hallasan National Park are all reachable by bus.
Beaches like Hyeopjae and Hamdeok are possible, but plan carefully and avoid tight schedules.
Remote cafes, lesser-known coastlines, and small villages are much harder without a car.
Food and Cafes: Stay Local
One advantage of not driving is discovering everyday local places. Areas near bus terminals and markets often have excellent food that tourists miss.
Jeju is not about chasing famous restaurants. Locals eat where it is convenient and consistent. Follow that logic and you will eat very well.
When Traveling Without a Car Makes Sense
Jeju without a car works best for solo travelers, short stays, and visitors who enjoy walking and observing daily life.
It is less ideal for families, tight itineraries, or travelers who want to explore every corner of the island.
Koreans often say Jeju teaches patience. Traveling without a car reinforces that lesson.
A Local Reality Check
If you leave Jeju wishing you had seen more, that is normal. Most Koreans feel the same way, even with a car. Jeju is not meant to be completed.
If you leave feeling rested, curious, and slightly attached to the island, then you did it right.