Rental cars are highly recommended for exploring the island, with international and local agencies available at Jeju International Airport. Public buses connect major towns and attractions but can be infrequent in rural areas. Taxis are readily available in cities and can be hailed or booked via Kakao T app. Bicycle rentals are popular for coastal routes. The island has a circular road (Route 12) that circles the entire island. Ferries connect to mainland Korea from Jeju City port. Navigation apps like Naver Map and KakaoMap work better than Google Maps in South Korea.
April-June and September-November offer the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures, blooming flowers (especially canola flowers in spring), and comfortable hiking conditions. July-August is peak season with warm beach weather but higher prices and crowds. Winter (December-March) is cooler but offers unique experiences like snow-capped Hallasan and fewer tourists. Key festivals include Jeju Fire Festival (March), Cherry Blossom Festival (April), and Hallasan Snow Festival (January).
Remove shoes when entering traditional homes or certain restaurants. Bow slightly when greeting. Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude. Dress modestly when visiting temples. Respect the haenyeo culture - ask permission before photographing divers. Avoid loud behavior in public places. When receiving items, use both hands as a sign of respect. Jeju has unique cultural practices different from mainland Korea, so be open to learning about local traditions. Public displays of affection should be moderate.
Jeju is one of South Korea's safest regions with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in tourist areas. Be cautious when hiking Hallasan Mountain - check weather conditions and stay on marked trails. Swimming safety flags should be observed at beaches. Road safety is good but be careful when driving on rural roads, especially at night. Common scams are rare but be aware of overcharging at some tourist-oriented restaurants. Avoid political demonstrations if they occur. Natural hazards include occasional typhoons (July-October) and volcanic activity monitoring (though eruptions are extremely rare).
Jeju has modern medical facilities including Jeju National University Hospital and several private hospitals in Jeju City and Seogwipo. Pharmacies are widely available. No special vaccinations are required beyond routine travel vaccines. Common health concerns include sunburn during summer months and respiratory issues during yellow dust seasons (spring). Tap water is generally safe but many prefer bottled water. Travel insurance is recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners. Mosquito-borne illnesses are rare but insect repellent is advised during warmer months.
