HazelDiary

One of the biggest questions I received after my Jeju self-drive trip was whether it’s better to rent an electric vehicle (EV) or a petrol car. Having experienced driving around Jeju myself, I can honestly say that both have their own advantages. It really depends on your travel style.

Jeju is one of the easiest places in South Korea to drive. The roads are wide, traffic is relatively light outside the city areas, and attractions are spread across the island, making a rental car the most convenient way to explore.

Read more: EV vs Petrol Car in Jeju: Which Should You Rent?

TIPS: Recommend to rent your car in advance especially during peak periods. You can select the providers via KLOOK or rent from LOTTE Car Rental which may cost slightly higher.

Quote ” HAZELOFFKLOOK” to enjoy 5% discount when you book KLOOK activities.

Why Many Travellers Choose an EV

Jeju has one of the highest numbers of EV charging stations in Korea, so finding a charger is generally not difficult. Charging costs are also significantly lower than refuelling a petrol car, making it an attractive option for travellers looking to save on transport costs.

If you’re planning a relaxed itinerary with plenty of café stops or sightseeing breaks, charging the car can easily fit into your schedule. Many hotels, attractions and public car parks also offer charging facilities, so you can top up the battery while exploring nearby.

That said, driving an EV does require a little more planning. It’s worth checking your remaining battery level before heading to more remote parts of the island and familiarising yourself with nearby charging stations.

Why a Petrol Car May Be Easier

For first-time visitors to Jeju, a petrol car remains the simplest and most straightforward option.

Refuelling only takes a few minutes, petrol stations are widely available, and there’s no need to think about charging times. If your itinerary involves covering long distances in a single day or visiting multiple attractions from morning until night, a petrol car offers greater flexibility and convenience.

Although fuel costs are generally higher than charging an EV, some travellers may find the added convenience worthwhile, especially for shorter holidays.

So… Which One Would I Recommend?

If you’re comfortable with a little planning and want to enjoy lower running costs, an EV is a great choice in Jeju. The island is well prepared for electric vehicles, and the charging infrastructure makes the experience surprisingly hassle-free.

However, if this is your first self-drive holiday in Korea or you simply prefer the easiest option, renting a petrol car can offer greater peace of mind.

Personally, after experiencing both options, I would happily rent an EV again for a leisurely Jeju road trip. The charging process was much easier than I expected, and the savings on energy costs were a nice bonus. But if I had a packed itinerary with long driving days and limited time, I’d probably choose a petrol car instead.

At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong choice. It’s simply about choosing the option that best matches your itinerary, driving confidence and travel style.

If you’re still deciding, I’ve summarised the key differences, charging tips, fuel costs and practical considerations in my Instagram carousel to help make your decision a little easier before your Jeju adventure.

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If you’re looking for fun things to do in Jeju besides café hopping and admiring coastal views, 9.81 Park Jeju deserves a spot on your itinerary.

I honestly didn’t expect this attraction to become one of the highlights of our Jeju self-drive trip. I initially thought it would simply be another go-kart experience, but after spending a few hours here, I realized it’s much more than that. Imagine racing downhill powered purely by gravity, competing against your friends, having every ride automatically recorded on an app, and enjoying beautiful views of Jeju all at the same time.

Read more: 9.81 Park Jeju Review : Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Korea’s Gravity Racing Theme Park

Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or your partner, here’s everything you need to know before visiting 9.81 Park Jeju.

Where is 9.81 Park Jeju?

Located in Aewol, on the northwestern side of Jeju Island, 9.81 Park sits between the beautiful Aewol coastline and Hallasan Mountain. The location makes it an ideal stop if you’re exploring western Jeju.

It pairs perfectly with nearby attractions like:

• Aewol Coastal Road
• Handam Coastal Walk
• Bomnal Café
• Café Knotted Jeju
• Various seaside cafés overlooking the ocean

If you’re doing a self-drive itinerary, you can easily spend half a day here before continuing towards Aewol for cafés or sunset by the coast.

How to Buy Tickets

You can purchase tickets:

• Directly through the official 9.81 Park website
• Through travel platforms like Klook ( There is early bird package price which is slightly cheaper). You can use my quote” HAZELOFFKLOOK” for additional 5% discount.
• On-site (subject to availability)

If you’re visiting during weekends, school holidays or peak travel seasons, I’d recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

My Experience at 9.81 Park Jeju

The moment we arrived, we were impressed by how modern the entire park looked. Everything feels digital. From ticketing to race tracking. After checking in, we downloaded the official 9.81 Park App, which automatically synced with our wristbands.

Every race records:

• Lap timings
• Speed
• Rankings
• Personal records
• Race videos

Yes…you’ll even receive your driving videos after the ride!

Gravity Racing : The Highlight of the Park

After a short briefing, we headed to the starting platform.

The race begins from the top of a hill overlooking Jeju’s beautiful landscape.

Once released…You’re off! The feeling is surprisingly exhilarating.

Since there’s no engine noise, you can actually enjoy the surrounding scenery while focusing on navigating each bend. The downhill route has enough twists and turns to keep things exciting without feeling intimidating.

At the finish point, your kart is automatically transported back uphill while you sit back and enjoy another scenic ride.

It’s honestly one of the coolest transport systems I’ve experienced at any theme park.

Indoor Activities

If you think the park is only about kart racing, think again. There’s an entire indoor activity zone packed with games suitable for all ages.

Some of the activities include:

• Ringgo futuristic bumper cars
• Interactive sports games
• Basketball challenges
• Laser tag
• Digital gaming experiences
• Relaxation lounges
• Café and dining spaces

Even if it rains, you’ll still have plenty to do indoors.

Heal Swing 360

One attraction I highly recommend trying is the Heal Swing 360. Unlike a typical giant swing, this one lets you soar high above Jeju’s landscape while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

It gives you just enough adrenaline without being overly scary.

If you’re visiting with friends, it’s also a great spot for photos and videos.

Useful Tips Before Visiting

1. Download the Official App

Do this before your race. The app stores your:

• Race timings
• Rankings
• Driving videos
• Personal records

It makes the whole experience much more interactive.

2. Wear Comfortable Clothing

You’ll be walking around the park between activities, so sneakers are definitely recommended.

3. Secure Loose Items

Free lockers are available before racing, and you’ll need to store bags and loose belongings before getting into the kart.

4. Visit Earlier in the Day

Queues tend to become longer later in the afternoon.

Morning visits usually give you more flexibility to enjoy multiple rides and indoor attractions.

5. Allow Enough Time

I’d recommend setting aside at least 3–4 hours.

If you’re planning to try multiple races and indoor games, you could easily spend half a day here.

9.81 Park Jeju Information

Address : 880-24 Cheondeok-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening Hours : Daily. Approximately 9:00 AM – 6:20 PM (subject to seasonal changes)

Best Way to Visit:
Self-drive (ample parking available) with no parking fee applicable.

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Jeju Island (제주도, 濟州島), located off the southern coast of South Korea, is a scenic paradise known for its stunning landscapes and unique attractions. While Jeju may be an island, don’t be deceived by its size—exploring every corner can take time, making renting a car one of the best ways to get around.

Read more: [JEJU TRAVELS] A Guide to Driving in Jeju Island and Renting a Car

Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process of renting a car and driving in Jeju.

Why Renting a Car is the Best Option

While public transport and cycling are available on Jeju Island, nothing beats the convenience of driving. Renting a car allows you the freedom to explore Jeju’s natural wonders at your own pace, from the famous Hallasan Mountain to the stunning Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). Additionally, many attractions are located far apart, making driving a quicker and more convenient option compared to public transport.

Step 1: Book Your Rental Car

There are several car rental companies on Jeju Island, with LOTTE Rent-a-Car being a popular choice due to its affordability and reliable service. You can easily book a car online before your trip, and LOTTE offers both domestic and international rental services.

Upon arriving at Jeju International Airport, head to LOTTE Rent-a-Car’s desk near Gate 2 in the Domestic Arrival Hall to confirm your booking. Then, follow the signs to “Rental Cars Shuttle” located near Gate 5. Free shuttle buses to LOTTE’s Auto House run every 8-10 minutes and can be found at Bay 1 to Bay 4.

Step 2: Register and Collect Your Car

Once you arrive at the LOTTE Rent-a-Car Jeju Auto House, take a queue number and wait for your registration at the dedicated foreigner desk. You’ll need to present the following documents:

• Passport
• Driving License
• International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Credit Card

For peace of mind, it’s recommended to purchase the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance for additional fee, which covers damages like scratches. You can also add up to two drivers for free. We paid for KRW263,200 (approx. SGD255) for 3 days.

TIPS: If the driver is below 26 years old, you will required to pay additional insurance coverage.

Step 3: Pick Up Your Rental Car

After registration, head to the Pick-Up Zone where staff will help locate your car. Make sure to check the vehicle number, car key, and fuel level before driving off. Ask the staff to switch the car’s built-in GPS to English for easier navigation. However, as Google Maps doesn’t work well in South Korea, it’s a good idea to download Naver or Kakao Maps for reliable navigation.

Before you hit the road, remember that Jeju follows left-hand drive, unlike Singapore where drivers are on the right. It may take some getting used to, so drive with caution—especially in parking lots and narrow roads.

Step 4: Navigating Jeju’s Roads

Jeju’s roads are generally safe and well-maintained. Speed limits are usually between 30km/h and 50km/h, which can be both a blessing and a challenge, especially if you’re accustomed to faster speeds. One thing to note is that many coastal roads, such as Dodu-Dong Coastal Road, have frequent speed bumps, which can be annoying but are helpful for safety. The GPS will alert you to these speed bumps, so be prepared for frequent warnings.

Over the course of three days driving around Jeju, we only used half a tank of fuel. Before returning our car, we need to top up the fuel. The fuel top-up cost was about KRW36,999.00 (approx. SGD35.84) and we thought the price is still reasonable.

Step 5: Returning Your Rental Car

When it’s time to return your car, head back to LOTTE Rent-a-Car Jeju Auto House. Stop at the drop-off point, where staff will inspect the car for any damages and check the fuel level. After that, simply board the shuttle bus back to Jeju International Airport.

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Key Tips for Driving in Jeju:

• Always carry your International Driving Permit and other required documents.
• Use Naver or Kakao Maps for reliable navigation.
• Be cautious when adjusting to left-hand driving if you’re used to right-hand driving.
• Drive slowly, as most roads have a speed limit of 30km/h to 50km/h.
• Consider purchasing Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance for added protection.

You can use a credit card to pay at both car parks and petrol stations. For a better exchange rate, consider using a YouTrip card for your transactions. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can do so using the link here.

Driving in Jeju gives you the freedom to explore its beautiful landscapes without the constraints of public transport schedules. Renting a car ensures you can experience everything the island has to offer, from hidden waterfalls to breathtaking volcanic formations.

For more travel tips and guides, check out Hazeldiary.com. Safe travels!

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If you’re planning a trip to Jeju, you may want to indulge in some local comfort food. Just a short distance away from Jeju airport, there is 안녕,전복 Hi, Abalone 你好鮑魚, a modern and sleek restaurant offering a delicious and comforting dining experience with a great view of planes landing and departing from Jeju Airport.

Read more: [JEJU EATS] 안녕,전복 Hi, Abalone 你好鮑魚 – A Must-Visit Restaurant in Jeju Island For Abalone Porridge

This spot is perfect if you’re looking for fresh abalone dishes, along with other local favorites like porridge, bibimbap, and grilled fish. What’s particularly welcoming is that they’ve incorporated a user-friendly, computerized ordering system at each table, with menus available in English and Chinese, ensuring an easy and stress-free experience for tourists.

We ordered the set meal for three persons (81,000 KRW) to share, and it turned out to be the perfect amount of food. The highlight was the grilled abalone—extremely tender with just the right amount of chewiness, bursting with flavor. The abalone porridge was warm and comforting, truly a dish that nourishes your soul with every bite.

Accompanying the meal were two types of bibimbap: the avocado bibimbap, which was light and refreshing, and the abalone raw fish bibimbap, a vibrant, colorful dish with a good mix of textures and flavors. The combination of fresh ingredients made each bite satisfying and full of goodness.

The restaurant also stands out with its robot server, which adds a bit of fun and novelty to the dining experience. There’s also a self-service bar for banchan (side dishes), allowing you to customize your meal according to your preferences.

Another convenient feature is their free parking space, perfect if you’re driving around Jeju.

What makes dining at Hi, Abalone extra special is the view. The restaurant is located near Jeju Airport, so you can enjoy your meal while watching planes take off and land, making it a truly unique experience. Don’t forget to snap some photos with this picturesque backdrop!

If you need Jeju Private Car Charter Services, you can pre-book the service here.

Address: 안녕,전복 Hi, Abalone 你好鮑魚
1355 Dodu 1(il)-dong, 특별자치도,
Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Opening Hours: 8:40AM-7:00PM
Closed on Thursday

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During my Seoul trip recently, we visited Skyfarm for lunch. The restaurant/cafe is located on Level 50 and 51 of Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) building at Yeoeido-dong. We took a subway train to Yeouido Station and walked for approximately 10 minutes to reach the destination. Read More

E & I were searching what to eat around our hotel area and I found Loco Quan 401 Restaurant. What triggered my interest to visit the restaurant is that it is opened by Haha, the Running Man Team Member. If you are a fan of Running Man or Haha, check out this place. Read More

Oh well…When I told my friend that I am heading to Busan, the first reaction was “ Train to Busan!”. Hence, that’s my post title to start of the post. E & I checked the weather forecast before deciding the day to head to Busan. I think that is the best part when you travel free and easy. We get to manage and change our itineraries as and when we want to.Alternatively if you prefer day tour ready plan itineraries, you can check Klook activities. Read More

During my trip to Seoul, E suggested to try out 1 Michelin restaurant and I agreed. So, he went to do some research and decided on La Yeon for afternoon lunch. And this time round, he decided to give me a treat! Lucky me! I got to enjoy the meal for free courtesy of E. The restaurant is located on the 23rd floor of Shilla Seoul Hotel. Read More

We decided to spend a day at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village because both locations are within a walking distance. Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the must-visit attraction places for tourist because of its long history. Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung (경복궁), which means “palace greatly blessed by Heaven,” was built in the heart of Seoul surrounded by Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan. Read More

During my one week stay in Seoul, E suggested to try Myth Jokbal and we headed to the outlet at Myeongdong for lunch. So why is Myth Jokbal is famous? Jokbal is a Korean braised pig’s trotters cooked with soy sauce and spices. It is a combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic and rice wine. This reminds me of our local braised pig’s trotters but taste wise is different. Read More