A Digital Nomad Guide To Jeju Island
Although this may not sound like the typical spot for digital nomads, Jeju island is surprisingly famous amongst the community. If you wish to make your trip to South Korea peaceful without much social interaction, you’ll fit in here perfectly.Â
Jeju has well-developed infrastructure, multiple restaurants, and great coworking spaces for digital nomads despite being an island. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site. There are beautiful beaches and extraordinary wildlife here for you to explore.
Unfortunately, if you want to explore other parts of the country, you’ll have to fly from Jeju Island. Don’t worry; local flights within South Korea are pretty reasonable.Â
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Jeju is in the months of April to June and September to October.
April to June is the end of spring and early summer. The weather will be a bit warm, but this then means your trips to the beaches and bike rides will be in perfect weather conditions!
September to October on the other hand is the Autumn Foliage in Jeju. If you stay long enough, you may be lucky to catch how the leaves in Jeju turn from bright yellow to fiery orange. A bit colder than the months of April to June, but the perfect time for your autumn outfits and photographs! The vibrant colors of the island are something straight out of a movie!
Cost of Living
Jeju is a lot cheaper compared to Seoul, given that Jeju’s reputation is that of a vacation getaway than Seoul as the central hub of South Korea. A budget of $1000 per month can already go a long way in Jeju.
Starting off with accommodations: a small 1-storey house on Jeju Island for one month is just around 600,000 KRW (approximately $530 USD). Take note that there are other options available, such as shared accommodation or guesthouses, that can be even cheaper. For food, eating out at local cafes and restaurants on the island is generally affordable as well. A typical meal can cost around 7,000-8,000 KRW (approximately $6-7 USD), and there are also plenty of other options like buying groceries for home cooking, street food, and convenience store-packed food.
For transportation and entertainment: public transportation around the island, is both convenient and affordable. A bus ride typically costs around 1,200 KRW (approximately $1 USD). Taxis and rental cars are also available. (rental cars require an international driver’s permit for foreigners.) Jeju Island is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Many of these activities are free or low-cost, such as hiking and visiting the beach.
The only downside is that as Jeju Island is a rural area, the internet connection may not be as reliable and as fast as that of Seoul and other cities in South Korea.
Finding Accommodation
Jeju Island may be small, but I recommend finding accommodations located in either Jeju City or Seogwipo City. Jeju City is the best choice because you have the best access to the transport system here compared to the other areas. Then Seogwipo City is your cheaper alternative to Jeju City, where you can even find very affordable beachfront stays.
For what type of accommodation, there are budget hotels to high-end hotels available throughout the island. It is up to your preference on which to choose, but if you are on a very tight budget, try out local pension inns. These are traditional inns run by locals that are a bit cheaper than budget hotels. Well, even if you are not on a tight budget, spending a night or two in these inns is a good way to experience the local culture!
The best way in booking these accommodations is still through the websites I have shared. This is to assure you have a place to stay for the night, but if you are up for a possible adventure, you may do your search as you arrive.
Where to live in jeju island
1. Jeju City
This is Jeju island’s capital and the mainland’s main entry point. It is full of many shopping centers, restaurants, and bars.Â
The central area is comparatively more expensive than other areas in Jeju. However, it is still much cheaper than the city centers in Seoul or Busan.
It gives you the city feel but also has many nature experiences at a short distance. You can rent an entire apartment for a reasonable price or save even more money and stay at the Yesjun Guesthouse.Â
2. Seogwipo City
Seogwipo City is a great, cheaper alternative for digital nomads on a strict budget. It has a very aesthetic rustic vibe to it. It is also home to Jeongbang Falls, the only waterfall in Asia that falls into the ocean.Â
Digital nomads can rent out the Seogwipo City New Town Accommodation on Airbnb or opt for the Seom Guest House as a more budget-friendly option.Â
Coworking Space on Jeju Island
J-Space
J-Space is a free coworking space in Jeju city. This startup incubator aims to draw more digital nomads toward the town.Â
Despite being on an island, J-Space is fully equipped with all basic office facilities and high-speed Wi-Fi. There is also free coffee available on-site to keep your energy going!
Getting around jeju island
Suppose you cannot or choose not to rent a car, getting around Jeju Island is still conveniently possible.
- Jeju Bus: The Jeju Bus system is a reliable and affordable mode of transportation that covers most of the island. The buses are clean and comfortable, and there are different types of buses available, including express buses and intercity buses. The video recommends using the Jeju Bus app, which provides real-time bus schedules and routes. The fare for the bus is based on the distance traveled and ranges from 1,100 to 2,500 Korean Won (approximately 1 to 2 USD) per ride.Â
- Taxis: Taxis are a convenient way to get around Jeju Island, especially if you are traveling in a group or with luggage. I recommend using the Kakao T app, which allows you to book a taxi and pay for the fare using your smartphone.
(Thrift-Tip: You can negotiate the fare with the driver before starting the trip to avoid being overcharged and sometimes you may even haggle for a bit of a discount!) - Tour Buses: Tour buses are a popular option for tourists who want to visit the major attractions on Jeju Island. I suggest booking a tour through a reputable company, as there are many different tour packages available. Also, have your booking in advance, as some tours may fill up quickly during peak tourist season.
10 Things to do in Jeju Island
Coming Soon
Final thoughts
Jeju island, is a top destination for local tourists and visitors. Take a break from the city and explore this island. Check out Seoul and Busan guides. Better yet, check the South Korea digital nomad guide to prepare for your whole trip.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT digital nomad guide to jeju island, south korea
Jeju Island can be reached by both air and sea. There are multiple daily flights from major cities in South Korea to Jeju International Airport. Alternatively, you can also take a ferry from the mainland to the island, which offers a scenic journey.
Jeju Island is known for its natural beauty and various attractions. Some of the must-visit places include the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, Hallasan National Park, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak), and the beautiful beaches like Jungmun Beach and Hamdeok Beach.
The best time to visit Jeju Island is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild and the island is adorned with beautiful flowers or colorful foliage. However, Jeju has a relatively mild climate all year round, making it a great destination to visit anytime.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Start Planning Your south korea Trip Now!
Book Your Flight:
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flights. A travellers favorite way to book flights, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.
Book Your Bus or Transportation Within South Korea:
There are two ways to book your transporation, ask your hotel or hostel, go to the local bus terminal, or book online, for a less stressful trip using EasyBook or 12go.asia
Book Your Accomodation:Â
Find the best hotels or hostels at HostelWorld, Booking.com, Agoda.com. Perks include with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out and Free cancellations.
Dont Forget Your Travel Insurance:
Two popular choices are SafetyWing and WorldsNomads. A traveler should buy traveler’s insurance to protect themselves against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Useful Apps?
KaokaoBus /K-Eta- Local Transportation
NaverMaps, KaoKaoMaps – GPS
Baemin and Yogiyo  – Food Delivery
T-Money : Payments and Transporation
Papago – Translation
Whatsapp/KaoKao- Communication
Want More Information On South Korea?
Be sure to check out my nomad travel guide on the South Korea for even more tips.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
