Car Rental in Jeju (South Korea): A Practical Guide
Securing a car rental in Jeju, South Korea, is the most convenient way to explore the island's scenic routes, with major pickup points located at Jeju International Airport (CJU) and downtown.
| Typical daily cost | 45,000 to 150,000 KRW |
| Minimum driver age | 21 years (with at least 1 year of driving experience) |
| Required documents | Passport, home license, physical booklet IDP (1949 or 1968 convention) |
| Driving side | Right-hand side |
| Transmission type | Automatic (vast majority of vehicles) |
| Key navigation apps | Naver Map or KakaoMap (Google Maps turn-by-turn does not work) |
Renting a vehicle in Jeju (South Korea) provides the ultimate freedom to explore the island at your own pace. The local car rental market is well-developed, with trusted platforms like DiscoverCars and Localrent offering access to a wide range of automatic transmission vehicles. Whether you choose to pick up your vehicle directly at Jeju International Airport (CJU) or at a downtown location, the process is straightforward if you prepare the correct physical documentation. This guide covers the essential rules of the road, including speed limits, navigation requirements, and pickup procedures. You will find that driving here is highly accessible, with no toll roads on the island, though you must adapt to local GPS applications as standard global mapping tools do not work for turn-by-turn directions. Read on to plan your self-drive itinerary around Jeju.
Compare car rental deals in Jeju
Pick-up: airport (CJU) · downtown
Pick-up points: Jeju (all locations) · Jeju Downtown · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Partner link — DiscoverCars comparisonPartner link — Localrent, local rental agenciesGood to know
Driving: on the right.
Local currency: KRW.
L'essentiel: Driving Rules and Requirements
To rent a car in Jeju, South Korea, you must meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years and have at least 1 year of driving experience. When arriving at the rental counter, foreign drivers must present a physical booklet-style International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under either the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention. This must be accompanied by your passport and physical home country driver's license. Note that digital permits, photos, or International Driving Licenses (IDLs) are not legally recognized or accepted.
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and almost all rental vehicles feature automatic transmissions. Speed limits across Jeju Island generally range from 50 km/h in urban and residential areas to 80 km/h on larger express roads. These limits are heavily monitored by fixed speed cameras. Additionally, Google Maps turn-by-turn driving navigation does not function properly in South Korea. Drivers must download and use Korean navigation applications such as Naver Map or KakaoMap to navigate the island's roads safely.
Rental Costs and Booking Tips
The typical daily cost for a car rental in Jeju ranges from 45,000 to 150,000 KRW, depending on the vehicle class and season. Booking your vehicle in advance through platforms like DiscoverCars or Localrent is highly recommended to secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability.
When planning your budget, keep in mind that there are no toll roads anywhere on Jeju Island, which helps keep extra driving expenses low. However, be aware that policies regarding debit card acceptance for security deposits can vary among local non-chain Jeju rental suppliers, so having a credit card in the primary driver's name is the safest option. Standard International Driving Permits are valid for 1 year from the date of issue, so ensure your physical booklet is active for the entire duration of your rental period in 2026.
Where to Pick Up Your Car in Jeju
Car rental pickup services are concentrated around two main areas: Jeju International Airport (CJU) and Jeju Downtown.
| Pickup Location | Access Details |
|---|---|
| Jeju International Airport (CJU) | Rental counters are located in the terminal. Free designated shuttle buses connect the airport to off-site rental lots. |
| Jeju Downtown | Convenient for travelers staying in the city center before starting their road trip. |
If you choose airport pickup, you will first check in at the designated counter inside the terminal. From there, you will be directed to the shuttle bus area. These free shuttles run regularly to transport customers to the off-site lots where the vehicles are parked and inspected. Ensure you factor in an extra 15 to 30 minutes for the shuttle transfer when planning your return flight departure.
Road Trips and Driving Advice
Exploring Jeju Island by car allows you to easily transition from the bustling city streets of Jeju Downtown to scenic coastal highways and volcanic landscapes. Because the island has no toll roads, you can freely choose your routes without worrying about extra fees.
Always set your destination in Naver Map or KakaoMap before starting the engine, as these apps provide accurate real-time speed camera alerts and lane guidance. Keep a close eye on the speed limits, which drop quickly to 50 km/h when entering residential zones. Below are some popular driving routes starting from Jeju city to help you plan your itinerary.
Where to go by car
| Destination | Distance | Time | Tolls (est.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeju City to Seongsan Ilchulbong | ~50 km | ~1 h 10 min | — | Drive east to visit the famous volcanic tuff cone and UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| Jeju City to Seogwipo | ~40 km | ~1 h | — | Travel south across the island via the mountain roads to reach Jeju's second-largest city. |
| Jeju City to Aewol Coastal Road | ~20 km | ~30 min | — | Enjoy a scenic drive along the northwestern coast famous for its cafes and ocean views. |
| Jeju City to Hallasan National Park (Seongpanak) | ~20 km | ~35 min | — | Head inland toward the central trailhead of South Korea's highest peak. |
Tolls: rates vary by country and route segment — check current pricing before you go.