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.

---

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!

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram and Tiktok for insta updates

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

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram and Tiktok for insta updates

Seoul is the heart of the city of South Korea. The city is full of surprises each time I visit. I have been to Seoul for 3 times since 2014. There is always new places for me to explore and things to do,see and eat. I have compiled the places to explore when you are planning to visit Seoul. Read More