Where To Stay On Jeju Island – My Ultimate Guide
Ah, Jeju Island, with its turquoise waters, relaxing atmosphere, and beautiful sunsets: who hasn’t dreamed of spending a few days there to live like an islander and discover its many charms?
And while the island isn’t that big, there are still a few places to choose from, ranging from the most remote to the most easily accessible.
So if you’re wondering where to stay in Jeju, I’ve got you covered! From budget hostels and places easily accessible even without a car to mid-range hotels centrally located, here are some of my favorite addresses to stay on Jeju-do.
This post contains affiliate links. Whenever you buy something through one of these, I get a small commission, without any extra cost to you. Thank you!
Save it for later!
Jeju: between volcanic craters and crystal clear waters
First of all, let’s start by talking about the general vibe and what awaits you during a stay in Jeju.
If you like to “slow travel”, coastal walks, and stunning landscapes, a getaway to Jeju Island is definitely the ideal destination for you.
The island’s more leisurely pace of life will be a real breath of fresh air after spending time in the busiest, noisiest cities. Here you can forget about crammed subways and enjoy a moment of healing and relaxation while resting on a beach or at the edge of a volcanic crater.
How big Jeju actually is?
Jeju-do is actually the biggest island of South Korea with an area of 1,846 km² (a little more than twice the size of Singapore, though I’m not sure if that helps) and a population of less than 600,000.
If numbers aren’t your strong suit (like me), let me explain it in simpler terms: you can cross the island by bus in less than 2 hours; so it’s not a small island, but it’s not the largest either, if you know what I mean.
There are pretty much two major cities on the island: Jeju City and Seogwipo, one in the north and the other in the south, which makes it easy to explore the island (especially if you don’t have a car) as you can split your itinerary in two and conveniently base yourself near these two cities.
Anyway, if you love breathtaking scenery, culture, hiking, beaches…, you won’t regret choosing the island of Jeju, or, as like to call it, “South Korea’s little paradise”.
↪ See also: already planning your trip to South Korea but not sure what to pack and what to leave behind? Check out: What You Really Need To Pack For South Korea – From A Minimalist Traveler!
Choosing your accommodation: things to consider
Since you’ll be on an island, the question of public transportation or renting a car always comes up. I know a lot of people tend to rent a car in Jeju but if you choose your accommodations wisely, you won’t need one, trust me.
So if you’re not comfortable driving or if it’s beyond your budget, don’t worry, you can get by without one!
In any case, and as is true everywhere, here are a few things to consider before choosing your accommodation:
- Location: like I said, it’s even more important in Jeju, especially if you don’t want to have to change buses three times or walk 40 minutes in the middle of nowhere.
- Budget: location is key but so is your budget. Accommodations in popular areas, near the beach, for example, are certainly dreamy, but they’re also often more expensive; so remember to set your priorities straight and book at least one or two months in advance.
- Transportation: prioritize a hotel near a bus stop so you don’t have to walk for kilometers before finding one.
- Strong Wi-Fi: especially if you’re working during your vacation or if you’re traveling for an extended period.
- Reviews: good or bad, take the time to read more than a few before making your choice to avoid bad surprises.
- Parking: if you intend to rent a car, try to choose a place to stay with parking, if it’s included in the price, even better.
- Luggage storage: try to opt for a place that can keep your luggage for a few hours before your arrival or after you check-out: it can really be a lifesaver!
- Cancellation policy: some places offer free cancellation up to a few days before your stay, because you never know when plans might change.
↪ See also: How To See The Best Of Jeju Solo And Without A Car!
Where to stay in Jeju
Let’s focus on the two main parts of the island I previously mentioned to make your stay easier, and ideal for those who don’t plan to rent a car and are on a tighter budget.
Jeju City (Jeju-si) – Best to get around
Why choose Jeju City?
It’s literally the closest place to the city center where you can stay, it’s the perfect location for easy access to public transportation, just a stone’s throw from your accommodation.
And even though downtown is usually synonymous with noise, that’s not really the case on Jeju Island, where even the city center can quickly become quiet and peaceful.
Beyond its bus network, it’s also the wide variety of restaurants and shops that make it the ideal place to stay in Jeju.
Not to mention that if you don’t want to be right in the city center itself, it’s fairly easy to get away from the main roads, and feel like you’re no longer in the city.
Between museums, coastal trails, and shopping, Jeju City offers the perfect blend of urban living and natural attractions.
Pros of Jeju City
- Closest to the airport: although it takes just other an hour to get from one side of the island to the other, being close to the airport takes away any stress if you have an early morning flight.
- Near the harbor as well.
- Excellent bus network.
- Many great restaurants, a delicious market, and a wide selection of shops nearby.
- Culture, history, and natural beauty right at your fingertips.
- Plenty of accommodations to choose from.
- You’ll also find pubs and bars in the surrounding area.
Cons of Jeju City
- Count at least an hour to reach the most popular beaches.
- Not the prettiest city center, but it gets better as soon as you head away from the center.
Accommodation options in Jeju City
Here are three solid options if you decide to stay in Jeju-si!
Ganderak Guesthouse
For a simple yet comfortable stay, right in the heart of Jeju City.
Pros
- great for backpackers and budget travelers
- beautiful café/library area on the ground floor
- right next to bus stops
- lovely neighborhood
- lots of good restaurants around
Cons
- too far from the city’s main attractions for some
Mir Guesthouse
If you’re looking for a unique, comfortable accommodation close to the city center, this is the right place for you.
Pros
- convenient location
- designed in a unique way
- free breakfast included
- near the coast
Cons
- rooms are a bit small
Ventimo Hotel & Residence Jeju
Located near the airport and downtown, this is the ideal place to stay on Jeju Island if you want something cozy and with great amenities.
Pros
- very close to the airport
- free valet parking
- shops and cafés within walking distance
- bus stop nearby
Cons
- a bit pricey
Things to do nearby
🖼️ Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum
🏦 Jejumok Gwana
🛍️ Chilseonglo
🌳 Halla Arboretum
Seogwipo – Coastal scenery and natural beauty
Also a city, though smaller than Jeju-si, Seogwipo offers the best compromise between urban and countryside life. This is, in my opinion, the best area to stay on Jeju if you’re looking for something cultural while also wanting to be amazed by the nearby waterfalls and volcanic coastlines.
Why choose Seogwipo?
Seogwipo is a charming city that provides easy access to some of the best sights of the island, even without a car, which makes it even more ideal for first-time visitors.
Its traditional market, hidden gems, and Olle trails make it the perfect city for exploring Jeju with ease.
Whether you want to hike oreums (or volcanic cones: don’t worry, they’re extinct), admire a beautiful temple by the sea, kayak on an estuary with vibrant blue-green waters, or simply relax on the beach, you can’t go wrong here.
Pros of Seogwipo
- More laid-back and quaint than Jeju City.
- Good bus network.
- Restaurants all around.
- Breathtaking natural attractions, easily accessible even on foot.
Cons of Seogwipo
- Downtown isn’t actually that big.
- It feels a bit more “isolated”.
↪ See also: Jeju Itinerary: 7 Amazing Days On South Korea’s Paradise Island!
Accommodation options in Seogwipo
There are plenty of options here, but I’m going to share just my two favorites!
Slow Citi Guest House -슬로시티게스트하우스
For a place that will make you feel right at home thanks to its amazing hospitality!
Pros
- excellent location, close to many attractions as well as Olle trails
- free breakfast
- the hosts make you feel at home, and gives you a lot of great recommendations
- free bicycle parking
- social atmopshere
- sun terrace
Cons
- the budget single room is a bit small
Seogwiporto
If you’re looking for a cozy single room at a very affordable price, ideally located in Seogwipo.
Pros
- spacious rooms
- right by the sea
- a 30-minute walk from the city center
Cons
- the location near the port can be noisy (with windows open)
Things to do nearby
🌳 Jaguri Park
💦 Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
🌊 Oedolgae
🛶 Soesokkak Estuary
👟 Olle Trails
And that’s a wrap on my favorite areas to stay on Jeju island if you’re visiting for a few days. Which city do you think you’d prefer? Let me know in the comments!
3 Weeks in South Korea
Do you have three weeks of vacation in South Korea? Here’s my carefully planned 3-week itinerary!
