How How to Get Around Jeju Island Without a Car Works in Korea

TransportationGetting AroundTravelEtiquette
A storefront is seen on a korean street.

Introduction to How to Get Around Jeju Island Without a Car

Getting around Jeju without a car is totally doable, though it requires a shift in mindset from “efficient rushing” to “slow travel.” The island relies on a comprehensive network of Express (Red), Trunk (Blue). Branch (Green) buses that cover the entire circumference and cross-island routes, supplemented by readily available taxis for the trickier last-mile connections.

mastering the bus network

Honestly, when I first landed in Jeju without a rental reservation, I was terrified I’d be stranded in some remote tangerine field. But the system is surprisingly logical. The Express Buses (100 series) are absolute lifesavers—they skip the small stops and zip you from Jeju City to Seogwipo in about an hour for just 3,000 KRW. The local blue buses are frequent enough on the main roads, but once you get into the rural areas? That’s a different story. From personal experience, it calmly displayed “Arrival in 48 minutes.” The wind was whipping my hair everywhere, smelling distinctly of drying squid and sea salt. Instead of panicking, I just wandered into a nearby cafe. I remember standing at a windy bus stop in Gujwa-eup around 4 PM, staring at the digital arrival board. That’s the vibe you need here, and you have to be okay with waiting. Weekday afternoons are less crowded.

  • Download KakaoMap or Naver Map: Google Maps is practically useless for real-time bus tracking here.
  • Check the LED boards: Most stops have digital displays showing exactly where your bus is.
  • T-Money Card: The same transit card you use in Seoul works perfectly here; just remember to tag on and off.

filling the gaps with taxis and shuttles

There will be moments—usually after a long hike up Hallasan or when the sun is setting—when the bus schedule just doesn’t align with your tiredness. That’s when I cave and call a taxi. It’s not as cheap as the bus, obviously, but compared to mainland pricing, it’s reasonable. I once took a cab from Sunrise Peak because my legs were absolute jelly. The driver, a chatty local man in his 60s with the radio blasting trot music, gave me the most impassioned lecture about why black pork is superior to regular pork. It was pretty worth the fare just for the entertainment. For specific tourist loops, the Jeju City Tour Bus is a solid option if you want to hit the main spots without thinking too hard. But for custom itineraries, rely on Kakao T. If you ask me, It’s right by exit 3.

  1. General Taxis: Base fare starts around 3,300 - 4,800 KRW depending on the time.
  2. Global Taxi: If your Korean is shaky, you can call 064-740-6000 for English service.
  3. Jeju Tourist Shuttle (810, 820): specifically designed to connect major attractions in the East and West.

Best time for How to Get Around Jeju Island Without a Car

Jeju’s public transit isn’t a 24-hour operation like Seoul’s subway, so you need to plan your day around the bus schedules, generally running from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. If you are staying outside the main cities, aim your adventures by 7:00 PM because the frequency of rural buses drops drastically after sunset. What surprised me was trust me, you don’t want to be stuck in a dark field waiting for a bus that might not come for an hour.

Understanding the Clock

Most major routes, especially the coastal loop buses like the 201 and 202, start their engines pretty early, around 5:40 AM. This is perfect for catching sunrises. However, the “last bus” time can be deceptive. While schedules might say service ends at 10:00 PM, that usually refers to the last bus leaving the depot. If you’re at a midway stop in the countryside, the last bus might pass you by 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM. I still remember getting stranded near Hallim Park on my second trip. I checked the app—it said the bus was coming—but I didn’t realize the refresh rate was lagging. I stood there for 40 minutes in the pitch dark, shivering as the cold ocean wind cut right through my jacket, hearing nothing but the distant crashing of waves. One local explained that it was kinda scary, actually. Entry was around $15.

  • City Main Lines: Frequent service, running reliably until 11:00 PM in Jeju City/Seogwipo.
  • Rural/Village Buses: Service tapers off significantly after 8:00 PM.
  • Kakao Taxi: Hard to catch in remote areas after dark; have a backup plan.

Rush Hours and Holiday Headaches

You know, people assume “island life” means no traffic, but Jeju City during rush hour is brutal. Seriously, between 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, the roads connecting the airport to Shin-Jeju (New Jeju) are gridlocked. Sitting in a taxi watching the meter tick up while you’re stuck near Nohyeong-dong is… well, it’s frustrating. The vibe inside the bus gets tense, too, packed shoulder-to-shoulder with students and commuters. If you’re visiting during major holidays like Chuseok or Seollal, be warned: taxis are scarce. Drivers often take time off, and the ones working are snatched up instantly on the apps. I’d pick traveling in the “shoulder season” (May or October) over the summer peak any day—the buses are empty, and the weather is crisp. The sound of traditional music drifted through the air.

  1. Plan long-distance travel (e.g., North to South) for mid-morning (10 AM - 2 PM) to miss traffic.
  2. During holidays, stick to the Tourist Shuttle Buses (810, 820) which follow consistent routes.
  3. Avoid heading towards Jeju City center after 5:00 PM on weekdays.

How to enjoy How to Get Around Jeju Island Without a Car

Traveling Jeju without a car isn’t just a budget hack; it’s honestly the best way to slow down and actually see the island rather than just driving past it. With the comprehensive bus reform from a few years back, you can reach almost every corner of the island for under 1,200 KRW (about $1 USD), completely skipping the headache of navigating unfamiliar roads and hunting for parking. Could’ve been better, but

The Hidden Stress of Rental Cars

You know what nobody tells you about renting a car here? The parking situation in Jeju City is absolute chaos. I still remember my first trip, circling a block near Dongmun Market for twenty minutes, sweating as I tried to squeeze a rental sedan into a spot that looked barely big enough for a scooter. By skipping the rental, you instantly eliminate that low-level anxiety that hums in the background of a road trip. Plus, let’s be real—Jeju’s coastal roads are stunning, but if you’re the driver, you’re watching the asphalt, not the ocean. When you opt for public transit or taxis, you gain a few unexpected freedoms:

  • Freedom to indulge: You can enjoy that locally brewed Hallasan soju or Makgeolli with your black pork dinner without worrying about driving back.
  • Budget flexibility: The money saved on daily rental fees and insurance—often 50,000 to 100,000 KRW per day—can go toward better accommodation or experiences.
  • Local immersion: You actually interact with locals on the bus rather than isolating yourself in a metal bubble.

It’s Surprisingly Connected (here)

I was honestly skeptical at first. I assumed “island public transport” meant one rickety bus every three hours. I was wrong. The Express Buses (Red color, numbers 100-182) zip between the airport and major tourist hubs like Seogwipo and Seongsan incredibly fast, occasionally utilizing bus-only lanes that let you breeze past rush hour traffic. Sitting on the 101 bus heading east, staring out at the stone walls and tangerine groves while using the free bus WiFi, I realized this was way more relaxing than following a GPS. That said, it’s not perfect—and I want to be transparent about that.

  1. Rural wait times: While the main routes are frequent, getting to a hidden cafe in the middle of nowhere might mean a 30 to 60-minute wait.
  2. Early endings: Some village buses stop running around 9 PM, so you have to watch the clock.
  3. The “Tourist Taxi” option: For those tricky gaps, hailing a Kakao Taxi is surprisingly affordable compared to mainland Korea.

A Greener Way to Travel

There’s something about the air in Jeju—that mix of salty sea breeze and damp forest smell—that you just miss when the AC is blasting in a car. Choosing the bus or walking between close spots aligns so much better with the island’s “healing” vibe. When I walked from the bus stop to Hyeopjae Beach, the sound of the wind hitting the basalt rocks was so distinct, something I would have drowned out with a car stereo. It feels good knowing you aren’t adding to the traffic congestion that has plagued the island in recent years.

Best places for How to Get Around Jeju Island Without a Car

You won’t have to look far—the island’s transportation network literally greets you the moment you step out of the arrival hall. While Jeju International Airport is the primary gateway where express buses to Seogwipo launch, the real beating heart of the system is the Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, just a short 10-minute ride away in the old city center.

The Airport vs. The Main Terminal

When I first landed in Jeju, I was totally overwhelmed by the chaotic energy outside Gate 2—buses were pulling in and out, whistles were blowing, and I had no idea which queue was mine. The airport is fantastic for jumping straight onto the red Express Buses (routes 101, 102, 181, 182) if you’re heading directly to the other side of the island. That said, if you want to actually explore—like finding those hidden cafes or obscure hiking trails—you really need to start at the Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal. Honestly, I occasionally just skip the airport bus confusion and take a 5,000 won taxi straight to the terminal to start my trip calmly.

  • Gate 2 through 5 (Airport): Best for Limousine buses (600) and Express lines to Seogwipo.
  • Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal: The true hub where almost every local and intercity route originates.
  • Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal: The main anchor point if you are basing yourself in the south.

The Coastal Loop and “Tourist” Options

There’s this yellow Jeju City Tour Bus that everyone talks about, and sure, it loops around major spots like Sarabong Peak and the markets efficiently. But personally? I found it a bit too curated and stiff. My favorite memory wasn’t on a specialized shuttle, but rattling along on the regular blue 201 Coastal Bus heading east. The ride takes forever because it stops constantly, but the view of the black volcanic rocks and blue ocean out the window is hypnotic. You can smell the salty air every time the doors slide open.

  1. Route 201 (East): Hits Hamdeok Beach, Woljeongri, and eventually Seongsan Ilchulbong.
  2. Route 202 (West): Perfect for Aewol Cafe Street and Hyeopjae Beach.
  3. Route 810/820: Specialized tourist loop buses for the mid-mountain regions (great for museums/parks).

When the Bus Ghosted Me

Look, the bus system is great, but rural timetables can be brutal. I once waited near a tangerine farm in the middle of nowhere for 45 minutes because I missed the interval by thirty seconds—the wind was freezing, and I was miserable. That’s where taxis save you. You can find taxi stands at major tourist sites, but do yourself a favor and download Kakao T. It works surprisingly well even in semi-remote areas near Hallasan. If you’re stuck, a taxi back to the nearest town sometimes costs less than 10,000 won, which is a small price to pay to stop shivering.

Why is How to Get Around Jeju Island Without a Car significant?

The public bus system covers the entire island efficiently, and for harder-to-reach spots, taxis are surprisingly affordable compared to Western standards. Yes, you can absolutely explore Jeju without a car, though it requires a bit of patience and the right apps. Just make sure you have a T-money card loaded with cash before you leave the airport. I’d definitely recommend checking this out.

The All-Powerful T-Money Card

You can’t really survive here without one. Well, you could use cash, but fumbling for coins while a line of impatient commuters waits behind you? Nightmare fuel. I remember running into a CU convenience store right after landing—sweaty and jet-lagged—just to buy a cute Kakao Friends T-money card. The card itself costs about 4,000 won, and you can load it with cash right at the counter. Honestly, getting this sorted immediately saves so much headache later.

  • Where to buy: Any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven).
  • How much to load: Start with 20,000 won (you can refund the balance later).
  • Benefits: Free transfers between buses within 30 minutes (up to 2 times).

Riding Like a Local

The buses here are color-coded, which helps, but the schedules can be… well, let’s call them suggestions. The Red Express Buses (101, 102, etc.) are your best friends for getting from Jeju City to Seogwipo quickly; they skip the small stops and blast the A/C. The Blue and Green buses go everywhere else. One thing that tripped me up initially: you must scan your card when you get on AND when you get off. I noticed that i learned that the hard way after a distracted exit at Hamdeok Beach—I was too busy looking at the turquoise water and completely forgot to tap. The machine will say “Hacha-imnida” (disembarking) when you tap out successfully. If you forget to scan off, you get charged the maximum fare on your next ride.

Taxis and The App You Need

If you’re stuck in a remote area—which happens occasionally if you’re chasing hidden waterfalls—taxis are a lifesaver. But don’t expect to just hail one on a country road. It’s almost impossible. You need the Kakao T app. It’s basically the Korean Uber, but you can choose “Pay to Driver” if you don’t want to link a credit card.

  1. Open Kakao T and set your destination (use the English search or map pin).
  2. Select “General Call”.
  3. Watch the little car icon approach. My last taxi ride was memorable—the driver had the windows down, letting that salty Jeju air fill the car, while he passionately explained (in broken English) why black pork is superior to regular pork. It cost about 15,000 won for a 20-minute ride, which felt pretty reasonable given the convenience.

Common mistakes with How to Get Around Jeju Island Without a Car

Mistakes happen to the best of us, but in Jeju, a small slip-up can leave you stranded on a roadside for an hour or getting a stern lecture from a driver. In my view,

The “Ghost Bus” and The Wave

Honestly, the biggest shock for me wasn’t the schedule—it was the interaction. In Seoul, you just stand there and the bus stops. In Jeju? Not so much. I remember standing at a stop in Aewol, staring at my phone, and watching the 202 bus just zoom right past me because I didn’t signal. I was devastated—the next one wasn’t coming for another 40 minutes. You have to make eye contact and aggressively wave your arm. If you look disinterested, the driver assumes you’re waiting for a different route. Also, don’t trust the apps blindly. Naver Map is great, but sometimes it shows a “ghost bus” that just vanishes from the screen.

  • Wave explicitly: Raise your arm high when you see your bus number.
  • Check the direction: Bus stops have the exact same name on both sides of the road. Look at the Next Stop sign on the shelter.
  • Be ready: Stand up and move to the door before the bus actually stops.

The Coffee Cup Crisis

I learned this one the hard way. It was a scorching hot day in July, and I tried to board a bus near Seongsan Ilchulbong holding a half-finished iced latte. The driver didn’t even open the door; he just pointed at my cup and shook his head vigorously. It was so embarrassing. You cannot bring disposable cups or unsealed drinks onto Jeju buses—it’s strictly enforced to prevent spills on those winding, bumpy coastal roads. If you have a tumbler with a tight seal, that’s here okay, but frankly, I wouldn’t risk it unless it’s deep inside your bag. Real talk: the drivers—well, let’s just say they can be pretty direct if you break the rules.

Don’t Underestimate “Jeju City” Traffic

You might think, “It’s an island, how bad can traffic be?” Oh, it gets bad. I once missed a flight because I thought a taxi from Hamdeok to the airport would take 30 minutes at 6 PM. It took over an hour. The traffic in Shin-Jeju (New Jeju City) and around the Jeju International Airport rivals downtown Seoul during rush hour. If you are moving between the North (Jeju City) and South (Seogwipo) or heading to the airport, avoid these windows if you can:

  1. Morning Rush: 08:00 – 09:00 (Everyone heading to work/school)
  2. Evening Rush: 17:30 – 19:00 (Especially bad on the 1135 and 1131 roads entering the city)
  3. Friday Afternoons: The roads near the airport are basically a parking lot.