Jeju Island travel guide 2026: Best time to visit and itineraries

The best time to visit Jeju Island in 2026 is strictly during two specific windows: early April for the peak of King Cherry Blossoms and vibrant canola fields, or mid-October for the silver grass season and perfect hiking temperatures averaging 18°C (64°F). While summer offers beach weather, high humidity (85%+) and the monsoon season (Jangma) in July make it less ideal for outdoor exploration. Winter is viable only if you specifically want to hike the snowy trails of Hallasan or see the red camellia flowers.

The short answer: For the absolute best experience with low rainfall and mild temperatures (15-22°C), book your trip for the first two weeks of April or the entire month of October 2026.

Why visit Jeju Island in 2026?

Jeju Island, often called the "Hawaii of Korea," is a volcanic island located 64 kilometers (40 miles) south of the Korean peninsula. It is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site known for its unique volcanic landscape, specifically the lava tubes and tuff cones. In 2026, Jeju continues to evolve from a honeymoon destination into a global hub for digital nomads, cafe hoppers, and adventure seekers.

The island is approximately 73 kilometers wide and 31 kilometers long, with the majestic Hallasan Mountain rising 1,947 meters in the center. Unlike the hyper-modern density of Seoul, Jeju operates at a slower pace. However, the travel landscape has changed significantly in recent years. Prices for local specialties like Black Pork and rental cars have fluctuated, and new reservation systems for major attractions are now strictly enforced.

Detailed seasonal breakdown and weather guide

Understanding Jeju's distinct four seasons is critical because the island's weather is notoriously fickle. The wind, colloquially known as Samda-do (one of the three abundances of Jeju: wind, rocks, and women), can change a sunny day into a blustery one in minutes.

Spring (March to May): The season of flowers

Spring is visually the most stunning time to visit. By late March, the temperature rises to a comfortable 13°C (55°F).

• Key Event: The King Cherry Blossoms (distinct from mainland cherry blossoms) bloom specifically in late March to early April. They are larger and more vibrant.
• Must-See: The canola flowers (Yuchae) turn the landscape yellow. The best spots are Seopjikoji and the base of Sanbangsan Mountain.
• Data Point: Average rainfall in April is around 100mm, significantly lower than the summer months.

Summer (June to August): Beaches and humidity

Summer is popular for domestic tourists hitting the beaches, but international travelers should be wary of the humidity.

• The Heat: Temperatures hover between 26°C and 30°C (79-86°F), but humidity often exceeds 85%.
• The Rain: The monsoon season (Jangma) typically hits from late June to mid-July. During this time, it can rain for days straight.
• The Upside: This is the best time for water sports at Hyeopjae Beach or surfing at Jungmun.

Autumn (September to November): Hiking heaven

This is arguably the most comfortable season. The humidity drops, and the skies turn a crisp blue.

• Foliage: While mainland Korea is famous for maple leaves, Jeju is famous for Silver Grass (Eulalia). The Sangumburi Crater becomes a sea of waving silver grass in October.
• Pink Mully: Visit Hueree Natural Park or various cafes in the southwest to see the trendy pink mully grass.
• Harvest: This is the season for harvesting Hallabong and tangerines. You can pay approximately ₩5,000 to pick your own bucket of citrus at local farms.

Winter (December to February): Snow on the volcano

Jeju is generally warmer than Seoul, rarely dropping below 0°C (32°F) in the city areas. However, the mountain is a different story.

• Hallasan: The mountain is covered in snow, making for a spectacular, albeit challenging, hike. Crampons are mandatory.
• Camellias: Red camellia flowers bloom from December through February. Camellia Hill is the prime viewing spot.

For a broader look at weather patterns across the entire peninsula, check out our guide on the best time to visit Korea.

Getting to Jeju: Flights and ferries

By Air

The route between Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) and Jeju International Airport (CJU) is famously the busiest air route in the world.

• Frequency: Flights depart roughly every 10-15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Carriers: Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju Air, Jin Air, T'way, and Air Busan.
• Cost: A round-trip ticket can range from ₩50,000 ($38 USD) on budget airlines during weekdays to over ₩250,000 ($190 USD) during holidays (Chuseok or Seollal).
• Flight Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes.

By Sea

Ferries are an option if you want to bring your own vehicle or enjoy a slow travel experience, though it eats up significant time.

• From Mokpo: The Queen Mary/Queen Jenuvia takes about 4.5 hours. Cost is roughly ₩35,000 for a standard seat.
• From Busan: The ferry takes roughly 12 hours (overnight). This is less recommended for short trips.

Getting around Jeju: The transport dilemma

Transportation is the single most important logistical factor to plan for Jeju. Unlike Seoul, the subway system does not exist here.

Rental Car (Highly Recommended)

Renting a car is the gold standard for Jeju travel. It allows you to reach remote cafes, trailheads, and beaches that buses don't service frequently.

• Requirements: You MUST have an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country (Geneva Convention). A digital license or your domestic license alone will be rejected 100% of the time.
• Cost: In 2026, expect to pay between ₩40,000 and ₩80,000 per day for a mid-size sedan (like a Hyundai Avante/Elantra). Insurance usually adds ₩15,000-20,000 per day.
• Fuel: Gasoline costs roughly ₩1,650 per liter.
• EVs: Jeju is an EV paradise with chargers everywhere. Renting a Tesla or Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a popular option.

Bus System

Jeju has revamped its bus system, but it still requires patience.

• Express Buses (Red): Connect the airport to major tourist hubs (Seogwipo, Seongsan) with fewer stops. Fare is around ₩2,000 - ₩3,000.
• Local Buses (Blue/Green): Connect smaller villages. Intervals can be 30 to 60 minutes.
• Cost: Base fare is roughly ₩1,150. T-Money cards from Seoul work perfectly here.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful in Jeju City but scarce in rural areas.

• KakaoTaxi: The app works in Jeju and is essential if you aren't driving.
• Global Taxi: You can hire a "Global Taxi" for a full day tour (8 hours), which typically costs ₩150,000 to ₩180,000 per day. This is a great option for travelers who cannot drive.

For those interested in alternative transport methods, read more about bicycle rental systems which are becoming increasingly popular in coastal areas.

Where to stay: Geography matters

Jeju is oval-shaped, and driving from the top (Jeju City) to the bottom (Seogwipo) takes about 1 hour via the mountain roads, or 1.5 hours via the coastal roads.

Jeju City (North)

• Best for: Short trips, late arrivals, nightlife, access to the airport.
• Vibe: Urban, busy, traffic.
• Key Spots: Dongmun Market, Iho Tewoo Beach.

Seogwipo City (South)

• Best for: Waterfalls, warmer weather, resort stays, slow travel.
• Vibe: Relaxed, tropical, scenic.
• Key Spots: Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, Olle Market, Jeongbang Waterfall.

Aewol & Hallim (West)

• Best for: Cafe hopping, sunsets, younger crowds.
• Vibe: Trendy, Instagrammable.
• Key Spots: Handam Coastal Walk, Hyeopjae Beach.

Seongsan & Gujwa (East)

• Best for: Nature lovers, sunrises, quiet exploration.
• Vibe: Rural, volcanic landscapes.
• Key Spots: Seongsan Ilchulbong, Udo Island, Bijarim Forest.

24-Hour Dualism Route: Aewol & West Coast

Experience the trendy west coast of Jeju, balancing high-end cafe culture with rugged natural beauty.

Top 5 unmissable attractions

1. Hallasan Mountain

Hiking to the summit of South Korea's highest peak is a bucket-list item.

• Trails: Only the Seongpanak (9.6km) and Gwaneumsa (8.7km) trails lead to the summit (Baengnokdam).
• Reservation: You MUST reserve a slot online via the Hallasan National Park website. Slots open on the 1st of the month for the following month and fill up fast.
• Timing: Start by 7:00 AM. The hike takes 7-9 hours round trip.

2. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

A tuff cone formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions.

• The Hike: It takes about 20-30 minutes to climb the stairs to the top.
• Entrance Fee: ₩5,000 for adults.
• Tip: If you just want to see it from the ground and visit the Haenyeo (female diver) show, there is a free walking path to the left of the ticket booth.

3. Udo Island

A smaller island off the east coast of Jeju.

• Access: Take a ferry from Seongsan Port. Ferries run every 30 minutes. Round trip cost is approx ₩10,500 (requires passport).
• Activity: Rent a small electric vehicle or bicycle to circle the island. Don't miss the peanut ice cream, a local specialty.

4. Manjanggul Lava Tube

One of the finest lava tunnels in the world.

• Experience: It is 1km long and stays a cool 11°C-18°C year-round.
• Note: The floor is uneven; wear sneakers.
• Status Check: Check if it is open before going, as periodic safety inspections occur.

5. Osulloc Tea Museum & Innisfree Jeju House

For fans of tea and K-Beauty.

• Highlights: Green tea fields for photos, fresh matcha ice cream (₩5,000), and exclusive Innisfree skincare products made with volcanic ingredients.
• Location: Seogwipo (Southwest).

Food guide: What to eat in Jeju

Jeju's cuisine is distinct from the mainland, focusing heavily on seafood and local livestock.

Black Pork (Heuk-dwaeji)

This is the most famous dish. The meat is chewier and richer than regular pork.

• Cost: Expect to pay a premium. A 600g serving (for 2 people) typically costs ₩60,000 to ₩70,000.
• How to eat: Dip it in Meljeot (salted anchovy sauce) that is boiled on the grill.

Seafood Delicacies

• Galchi (Hairtail Fish): Often served grilled or braised in a spicy sauce. A long, whole grilled fish can cost ₩80,000+.
• Abalone: Used in porridge (Jeonbok-juk) or served raw.
• Haemul Ramyeon: Seafood ramen packed with octopus, crab, and mussels. Cost: ₩10,000 - ₩15,000.

Tangerines and Desserts

• Hallabong: A sweet, seedless citrus variety.
• Peanut Ice Cream: Famous on Udo Island.
• Omegi Rice Cake: A millet rice cake covered in red beans.

For more on regional tastes, you might find our comparison of Korean regional flavors helpful to understand the palate differences.

Practical travel tips for 2026

Connectivity

Free WiFi is available on almost all public buses and in cafes. However, for navigation (Naver Map/KakaoMap), a SIM card or eSIM is essential.

• Apps: Download Naver Map (English friendly) and Papago (for translation). Google Maps does NOT work well for navigation in Korea.

Money

While credit cards are accepted almost everywhere (99%), you need cash for:

• Street food stalls (Dongmun Market).
• T-Money card reloads.
• Some rural entrance fees.

Safety

Jeju is incredibly safe. The crime rate is very low. However, be cautious of:

• Speed Cameras: They are everywhere. The speed limit is often 50km/h (30mph) or even 30km/h in school zones. Fines are hefty.
• Typhoons: In late summer/early autumn, typhoons can ground all flights. Always have travel insurance.

Budgeting your trip

Jeju can be done on a budget or as a luxury escape. Here is a daily breakdown per person (excluding flights).

Budget Traveler: ₩70,000 ($52 USD)

• Accommodation: Guesthouse (₩25,000)
• Transport: Bus (₩5,000)
• Food: Convenience store & markets (₩30,000)
• Activities: Free nature spots (₩10,000)

Mid-Range Traveler: ₩150,000 ($112 USD)

• Accommodation: 3-star Hotel (₩70,000 - split cost)
• Transport: Rental Car (₩40,000 - split cost)
• Food: Nice cafes & one BBQ meal (₩60,000)
• Activities: Paid museums & entry fees (₩20,000)

Sample Itineraries

The Nature Lover (3 Days)

• Day 1 (East): Seongsan Ilchulbong hike, Udo Island (Electric bike), Seopjikoji coast.
• Day 2 (South): Hallasan Hike (Seongpanak trail), recover at a cafe in Seogwipo, Olle Market for dinner.
• Day 3 (West): Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, Osulloc Tea Museum, Hyeopjae Beach sunset.

The Relaxed Aesthetic (3 Days)

• Day 1: Arrive, pick up car, drive to Aewol. Visit Handam Coastal Walk and Cafe Knotted. Stay in Aewol.
• Day 2: Drive south to Camellia Hill (if winter) or Snoopy Garden (East). Visit the Snoopy Garden cafe. Dinner at a trendy pasta bar in Jeju City.
• Day 3: Visit an independent bookstore, shop for souvenirs at Dongmun Market, depart.

For a great weekend escape plan, check our guide on weekend getaways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Jeju Island in 2026 remains a jewel of East Asia, offering a blend of volcanic wonder and modern comfort. Whether you are hiking the snowy trails of Hallasan in January or enjoying the cool breeze among the silver grass in October, the island offers a distinct escape from the hustle of mainland Korea.

Remember to book your rental car and Hallasan hiking slot well in advance, and always keep an eye on the weather forecast.

For accommodation options near food hubs, read our guide on staying near traditional markets to get the most out of your culinary journey.