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.

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.

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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Discovering the hidden gems of Keelung on a day trip from Taipei is recommended to any frequent travelers in Taiwan. Situated northeast of Taipei along the picturesque north coast, Keelung is referred to as the “Port of Taipei” offers a blend of cultural experiences, culinary delights, and scenic landscapes that are sure to captivate your interest.  

Here is my guide to making the most of your Taipei to Keelung day trip goes:

By Train: There are several ways to travel from Taipei to Keelung, catering to different preferences and budgets. The most popular option is by train, with frequent services departing from Taipei Main Station, Songshan Station, or Nangang Station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour, offering scenic views along the way.

By Bus: Alternatively, you can opt for a bus ride, with routes departing from various stations in Taipei City. We opt for the 30 minutes bus ride (Bus 1800) from Taipei City Hall Bus Staton to Keelung City. We went on a weekday, so the road traffic was smooth. It is not recommended to take the bus on weekends or public holidays as the road traffic can be congested.

TIPS: Since the bus will go through the highway route, there will be a seat for every passenger. So, no need to worry about standing on the bus throughout the journey. The bus driver will not accept standing passengers. 
Your Easycard can be used for bus ride too. You can pre-purchase it here.
Quote "HAZELOFFKLOOK" to enjoy S$5 off when you book with KLOOK.

By Car:If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can pre-book your private car here or check with hotel to assist you on getting a taxi/cab allowing you to explore Keelung at your own pace.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture at Ren’ai Market, a bustling marketplace teeming with activity. Here, you’ll discover an array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique souvenirs waiting to be explored. Take your time navigating the market, indulging in authentic Taiwanese snacks, and engaging with the welcoming vendors.

Venture to the second level of the market, where a plethora of stalls beckon with fresh sashimi and seafood delights. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample fresh oysters and prawns at affordable prices from one of the stalls. For those craving sashimi treats, there are plenty of options to satisfy your palate.

Additionally, explore the classic and modern coffee shops located on the same level. Treat yourself to a satisfying lunch before the next stop.

Opening Hours: Daily 8:00AM-5:00PM

Address: No. 21號, Aisan Rd, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200

Begin your exploration at the vibrant Keelung Harbour, where you can stroll along the Maritime Plaza and admire the breathtaking views of the coastline. Take a moment to relax by the water, soaking in the bustling atmosphere of this historic port city.

Originally named Takasago, Zhongshan Bridge stands as Taiwan’s oldest railway bridge, connecting the immigrant settlement of Seine-Tsai-Liu to Keelung Train Station. Its distinctive blue structure, reminiscent of the historical passage in Takasagomachi during Japanese occupation, has been a witness to over 40 years of Keelung’s history. For locals, it holds cherished childhood memories of trains arriving and departing, though now its role has shifted with the construction of a semi-underground railway.

Today, Zhongshan Bridge serves as a nostalgic shortcut from Keelung Train Station to An 1st Road, inviting visitors to explore the area’s local cuisine. In the cinematic masterpiece “Millennium Mambo,” directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien, the bridge takes on a mesmerizing allure, especially in the iconic opening scene featuring actress Shu Qi dancing in the midnight air, embodying a sense of freedom against the dreamy backdrop of Zhongshan Bridge.

To reach Zhengbin Fishing Harbor, a scenic waterfront area renowned for its vibrant buildings and breathtaking vistas, you have the option to either catch a bus from the main station or hail a cab. Once there, take your time exploring the harbor’s picturesque surroundings and capturing memorable photos against the beautiful backdrop.

After capturing your desired shots, consider taking a stroll around and visiting one of the cozy cafes nestled nearby for a cup of tea or coffee. The cafes here are nice to chill and savor the tranquil ambiance before the next stop.

Conclude your day with a visit to Zhongzheng Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Keelung and beyond. Marvel at the towering Guan Yin statue and soak in the tranquil ambiance of this scenic park before heading back to Taipei. We decided not to visit the park and went back to the station and took a bus back to Taipei city.

No trip to Keelung is truly complete without immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Miaokou Night Market. With some stalls opening as early as 4pm, embark on a culinary journey through a plethora of street food delights. From delectable oyster omelets to refreshing peanut ice, there’s something to tantalize every palate.

For an unforgettable experience, plan your visit on a Saturday or Sunday night to witness the mesmerizing glow of the iconic yellow lanterns illuminating the lively streets.

In summary, embarking on a day trip to Keelung from Taipei offers an enriching opportunity to immerse yourself in the allure and heritage of this historic port city. Diverging from the typical tourist attractions of Taipei, Keelung provides a tranquil escape where you can savor moments of serenity and embrace the local culture.

Moreover, Keelung’s proximity to Jiufen Old Street and the hiking trails of Yangmingshan Mountain presents the perfect opportunity for a comprehensive exploration of the region. If you’re traveling by private car, you can easily incorporate these destinations into your Taiwan itinerary for a day of discovery.

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