- Bring your passport, home licence and an International Driving Permit.
- Book online in advance — walk-up prices are higher, especially in summer and holidays.
- Always choose full insurance (완전자차).
- Pick up by free shuttle from outside Jeju Airport, Gate 5.
Jeju's coast roads — the kind of views you get with your own car. Filmed by me for my YouTube channel, PROMISELAND.
1. Documents you need
Korea accepts International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Get one in your home country before you fly — you can't get it once you're in Korea. You'll also need your original licence and passport at the counter. Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 with a year or more of driving experience; some ask for 26+ for larger cars.
Living in Korea long-term? A Korean licence works too, and many renters with a Korean licence get cheaper local rates.
2. Which car to choose
| Type | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light car (Morning, Ray, Casper) | 1–2 people, budget | Cheapest, easy parking, fine for coastal roads. |
| Compact / mid sedan (Avante, K5) | Couples, small families | Comfortable for full-day loops of the island. |
| Electric (Ioniq, EV6, Niro EV) | Most visitors | Jeju has many chargers and EVs are common here. Ask how much charge it comes with. |
| SUV / van (Carnival) | Families, groups, golf bags | Book early in peak season. |
3. Insurance: don't skip this
Basic cover in Korea often leaves you liable for a sizeable excess — even for a scraped bumper in a tight car park. Pick full coverage (labelled 완전자차, super CDW or "no excess"). It costs a little more per day and removes almost all the stress.
Prices change daily — compare the big Jeju companies in one place.
Check Jeju car rental deals →4. Picking up at Jeju Airport
Rental desks are mostly not inside the terminal. After arrivals, follow the signs to the rental car shuttle area outside Gate 5. Each company has its own shuttle bus to its lot a few minutes away. Have your booking confirmation ready on your phone. Take photos or a video of the car all the way round before you drive off.
5. Driving tips for Jeju
- Speed cameras are everywhere and the GPS beeps before each one. Fines can follow you to the rental company.
- Use Naver Map or Kakao Map — Google Maps doesn't give driving directions in Korea.
- The Hallasan cross-island roads (1100 Road, 516 Road) can be icy in winter; check before you go.
- Return the car with the same fuel or charge level to avoid fees.
- Planning to visit Udo? Most rental cars can't go on the ferry — see the Udo ferry guide.
6. Don't forget mobile data
You'll need data for navigation. An eSIM is the easiest option — see the Korea eSIM guide or compare Korea eSIM plans.
Ready to book?
Compare Jeju rental cars →FAQ
Can foreigners rent a car in Jeju?
Yes — with a passport, home licence and International Driving Permit, or a Korean licence.
Is driving in Jeju hard?
No. Roads are good and traffic outside Jeju City is light. The main challenges are speed cameras and narrow car parks.
How far in advance should I book?
For summer, Chuseok, Lunar New Year and long weekends, book a few weeks ahead. Off-season, a few days is usually fine.
Where do I pick up a rental car at Jeju Airport?
Most companies are not inside the terminal. Free shuttles leave from the rental car shuttle area outside Gate 5.
I'm Promise, a teacher living in Jeju. I film walking tours around the island and write these guides from what I've learned getting around myself. Follow along on YouTube and Instagram.