The 2026 Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Jeju Without an Alien Registration Card: Rules, Hacks, and Hidden Costs
In 2026, you can absolutely rent a car in Jeju without an ARC—but only if you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and navigate the new 'e-Arrival Card' digital ID system that replaced the old paper forms.
The short answer: Yes, you can rent a car in Jeju without an ARC by using an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country plus your national driver's license. As of 2026, the major rental agencies (Lotte, SK, AJ) have fully integrated the 'e-Arrival Card' system, which means tourists no longer need a Korean phone number to complete the rental process—just your passport, IDP, and an international credit card.
Key Takeaways
- 1The short answer: Yes, you can rent a car in Jeju without an ARC by using an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country plus your national driver's license. As of 2026, the major rental agencies (Lotte, SK, AJ) have fully integrated the 'e-Arrival Card' system, which means tourists no longer need a Korean phone number to complete the rental process—just your passport, IDP, and an international credit card.
- 2Here's the deal on the money: Budget ₩50,000 to ₩80,000 per day for a compact car, ₩100,000+ for an SUV, and expect to add another ₩30,000 to ₩50,000 for full insurance coverage (CDW + liability). Fuel costs about ₩1,800 per liter in 2026, so a full tank (50L) is roughly ₩90,000. All-in, a 3-day Jeju road trip will cost you around ₩350,000 to ₩500,000 ($250-$350 USD) just for the car.
- 3Actionable advice: Book your rental at least 2 weeks in advance through the agency's English website or a third-party aggregator like Rentalcars.com. The airport pickup locations (especially at Jeju International) run out of cars during peak season, and walk-in rates can be 50% higher than pre-booked rates.
📋 Jeju Car Rental 2026 Quick Facts
Jeju Car Rental Evolution
Tourist Boom
Jeju sees 15 million annual visitors, with 40% opting to rent cars for self-guided tours.
COVID Collapse
International tourism drops 95%, but domestic rentals surge as Koreans rediscover the island.
Chinese Tourism Returns
Chinese group tours resume, driving demand for luxury SUV and van rentals.
e-Arrival System
Korea launches digital entry cards, streamlining tourist documentation for rentals.
EV Push
Jeju becomes Korea's EV testing ground, with 30% of rental fleets converted to electric.
Fuel Prices Spike
Gasoline hits ₩1,800/L, making EVs more attractive despite higher rental rates.
Jeju Car Rental Companies Comparison
| Feature | Lotte Rent-a-Car | SK Rent-a-Car | AJ Rent-a-Car | Local/Budget (Jeju Only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (Compact/Day) | ₩60k - ₩80k | ₩55k - ₩75k | ₩50k - ₩70k | ₩40k - ₩60k |
| English Support | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Limited |
| Airport Pickup | Yes (Dedicated) | Yes (Shuttle) | Yes (Shuttle) | No (Off-site) |
| Insurance Options | Full CDW + Liability | Full CDW + Liability | Basic + Add-ons | Basic Only |
| Fleet Quality | Newest (< 2 years) | Mixed (< 3 years) | Mixed (< 4 years) | Older (3-5 years) |
| 2026 EV Availability | High (30%) | Moderate (20%) | Low (10%) | Very Low (5%) |
| Best For | First-timers, premium | Balanced value | Budget-conscious | Locals, repeat visitors |
Renting an Electric Vehicle (EV) in Jeju
- ✓Fuel Savings: Charging an EV costs about ₩15,000 for a full 'tank' versus ₩90,000 for gasoline. Over a 3-day trip, you'll save around ₩150,000.
- ✓Environmental Priority Lanes: Some Jeju tourist sites offer priority parking for EVs, which is a huge time-saver during peak season.
- ✓Quiet & Smooth: If you've never driven an EV, you'll be shocked by how quiet and effortless it feels compared to a gas engine.
- ✗Range Anxiety: Even though Jeju is small (70km east-west), you'll need to charge at least once per day if you're doing a full island circuit. Not every charging station is fast.
- ✗Higher Rental Cost: EVs cost about ₩20,000 more per day than equivalent gas cars, which can offset some of your fuel savings.
- ✗Charging Time: A full charge at a regular station takes 1-2 hours. Fast chargers can do 80% in 30 minutes, but they're often occupied during peak hours.
📖 How to Rent a Car in Jeju as a Tourist Without an ARC
Step 1: Get Your IDP Before Leaving Home
Visit your home country's automobile association (AAA in the US, AA in the UK, etc.) and apply for an International Driving Permit. It costs about $20 and takes 5-10 business days.
Step 2: Complete Your e-Arrival Card
Before landing in Korea, fill out the 'Korea Entry Card' via the Q-CODE system or the mobile app. This digital record replaces the old paper immigration forms and is linked to your passport.
Step 3: Book Online in Advance
Use the rental company's English website or an aggregator like Rentalcars.com. Select 'Jeju International Airport' as your pickup location and enter your flight details for smooth coordination.
Step 4: Pick Up Your Car at the Airport
After collecting your luggage, follow the signs to the 'Rent-a-Car' shuttle area (outside Door 2 or 3). Most major agencies have dedicated shuttle buses that run every 10-15 minutes to their off-site lots.
Step 5: Inspect the Car and Take Photos
Before driving off, walk around the car and take photos/videos of any existing damage. Make sure the agent notes scratches or dents on the inspection form.
The biggest mistake tourists make is not reading the insurance fine print. Many think they're 'fully covered,' but the basic CDW has a deductible of ₩1,000,000. If you want true peace of mind, pay for the 'Super CDW' or 'Zero Deductible' option. It's expensive, but Jeju's narrow roads and aggressive local drivers make it worth every won.
Pro Tip: Avoid Peak Hours at Gas Stations
Gas stations near popular tourist spots (like Seongsan Sunrise Peak or Hallasan National Park) get insanely busy between 10 AM and 2 PM. Fill up early in the morning or late in the evening to skip the lines.
Warning: Watch for Speed Cameras
Jeju is covered with automated speed cameras, especially on the coastal roads. The speed limit is often 60-80 km/h even on what looks like a highway. You'll get a ticket mailed to the rental company, and they'll charge your card plus a processing fee.
No Korean Phone/ARC? Here's What To Do
If you don't have a Korean phone number or ARC, you can still rent a car in Jeju. The major rental companies (Lotte, SK, AJ) have updated their systems to accept the 'e-Arrival Card' as your primary ID along with your passport. You won't be able to use Korean GPS apps like T Map or Kakao Navi without a local SIM, but you can use Google Maps with your international data roaming or a tourist eSIM. For tolls, most Jeju roads are toll-free, but if you encounter one, just pay cash at the booth—the 'Hi-Pass' RFID system is for locals only.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions?Contact us →
Why Renting a Car in Jeju is Essential
So, you've decided to visit Jeju Island—Korea's "Hawaii," famous for its volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and that one scene from every K-drama where the couple drives along the coast with the windows down. You've probably heard that Jeju is "easy to explore by car," but then you realize you don't have an ARC (Alien Registration Card), and you start panicking: "Can I even rent a car?"
Here's the reality: In 2026, renting a car in Jeju without an ARC is not only possible—it's actually easier than it's ever been. The Korean government has streamlined the process for tourists by introducing the 'e-Arrival Card' system, which digitally verifies your legal entry into the country. This means you no longer need to carry around a paper immigration slip or worry about rental agencies rejecting you because you're not a resident.
The truth is, Jeju Island is designed for road trips. Public transportation exists, but it's painfully slow and doesn't reach many of the island's best spots. If you want to see Seongsan Sunrise Peak at dawn, hit up a lava tube cave, and then catch the sunset at Hyeopjae Beach all in one day, you need a car. Period.
Sources
- Lotte Rent-a-Car Official - Rental rates and policies
- Korea Immigration Service - e-Arrival Card (Q-CODE) system
- Jeju Tourism Organization - Driving regulations and tourist guides
- Rentalcars.com - Aggregator with comparison pricing
- American Automobile Association (AAA) - International Driving Permit (IDP) application guide
About the Author
Korea Experience Team
Written by the Korea Experience editorial team - experts in Korean medical tourism, travel, and culture with years of research and firsthand experience.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any medical decisions.
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