Jeju: Bus or Rental Car?
Last checked: October 2026
You can see Jeju's main sights by bus, but a car saves hours, especially in the east and west. The choice comes down to your license, your budget, and how many areas you want to cover.
- Bus fare
- 1,150 won with a card
- To rent, you need
- An International Driving Permit
- Bus works best
- Jeju City + Seogwipo
- Car works best
- East + west coasts
| Bus | Rental car | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 1,150 won a ride (express 2,000–3,000 won) | Daily rental plus insurance and fuel; prices vary a lot by season |
| Paperwork | None. Tap T-money, or a Visa card on city buses | International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva, 1968 Vienna, or a bilateral agreement such as Taiwan's), home license, passport |
| Reach | Main sights, but rural routes run less often | Everywhere, on your schedule |
| Udo island | Fine: take the ferry and the island bus | Most rental cars can't go to Udo (electric cars and some passengers are exempt) |
| Can't use it if | – | Your license is from mainland China |
Take the bus if
- You're staying in Jeju City and Seogwipo and focusing on those areas plus Seongsan.
- You don't have an International Driving Permit.
- You're happy with fewer sights a day. Sleep in two places to cut bus time.
Rent a car if
- You want the east and west coasts, the oreum hills, and rural restaurants that close early.
- You're traveling as a family or group, where one rental costs less than many bus fares.
Renting? Get full insurance. Choose collision cover with no excess, compare the final total, and photograph the car at pickup.
Next steps
FAQ
Can I get around Jeju without a car?
Yes. Buses reach the main sights, and Visa cards and T-money both work. Plan routes with Kakao Map, Naver Map, or bus.jeju.go.kr.
What do I need to rent a car on Jeju as a foreigner?
An International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna convention (or a bilateral agreement, as for Taiwan), your home license, and your passport.