Planning a trip to Jeju: from K-ETA to flights, getting around and Hallasan

A Jeju trip for Thai travellers starts with an approved K-ETA, then a flight to Jeju International Airport (CJU), either direct or via Gimpo or Gimhae. On the island, a rental car or public buses carry you between sights. Only the Hallasan summit trails need a booking in advance, while Seongsan Ilchulbong is the main stop on the east side. This guide goes deeper on planning than a general Jeju city overview.

Do Thais need K-ETA to fly to Jeju?

Yes. The Korean Embassy in Thailand says that since 1 September 2022, nationals of the 112 visa-free countries and regions must have K-ETA approval before boarding a flight to Jeju from overseas. For Thai passport holders this means direct flights to Jeju need a K-ETA, just like flights to Seoul.

Jeju also runs its own visa-free entry scheme, and the list of excluded nationalities can change. Thai travellers should therefore treat K-ETA as the baseline and check the current conditions on the official sites before flying. The application steps are in the guide “What is K-ETA, and what should you prepare before flying to South Korea?”

How do you get to Jeju from Seoul or Busan?

From Seoul to Jeju you fly, with domestic flights leaving Gimpo Airport (GMP). From Busan, flights leave Gimhae Airport (PUS). The Korea Tourism Organization says Gimhae has domestic flights to Gimpo and Jeju.

• If you land at Incheon (ICN) first, take AREX to Gimpo. The all-stop train covers the Gimpo Airport to Seoul Station section in about 23 minutes.
• Direct Bangkok to Jeju schedules vary by season and airline, so check with the airlines directly.
• When booking, make sure the name on the ticket matches your passport and your K-ETA approval.

Is a rental car or a bus better on Jeju?

A rental car gives the most freedom because the sights are spread around the island, but buses and taxis work if you plan routes in advance. According to VisitKorea's airport guide, a taxi from the airport takes about 40 minutes to Aewol or Hamdeok, about 50 minutes to Jungmun or Hallasan and about 80 minutes to Seongsan Ilchulbong.

• Limousine buses 600 and 601 serve the Seogwipo and Jungmun area.
• Visit Jeju says rental firms require an International Driving Permit from a Geneva or Vienna Convention country, issued in your home country and valid for the whole rental.
• Most firms require age 21 or over and a year of driving experience, and some larger cars need more.
• Rental offices are off-site, and the shuttle terminal is near Gate 5 on the arrivals floor.

Licence rules, tolls and road etiquette are covered in the companion guide on driving in Korea with a licence.

Do you need to book Hallasan in advance?

Yes. The Hallasan National Park reservation system takes bookings for the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa summit courses, and you can enter only at your reserved time.

• A park notice dated 18 September 2026 said the Gwaneumsa trail had reopened with reservations.
• There are no shops on the trails, so carry your own water and food.
• Drinking and smoking are banned in the park.

What is Seongsan Ilchulbong and is it worth a stop?

Seongsan Ilchulbong is a tuff cone in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si. According to Visit Jeju, it was inscribed in 2007 as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site within Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, together with Hallasan and the Geomunoreum lava tube system.

Because it lies on the east side, about 80 minutes from the airport by taxi, it works best as the anchor of an east-coast day rather than a quick stop on the way elsewhere.

How should you plan 2, 3 or 4 days on Jeju?

Split the island into west, south and east, and treat Hallasan as the day you book first. The table is a guide built from the travel times that tourism bodies publish.

Why does mobile data matter on Jeju?

Visit Jeju says Google Maps navigation does not work in South Korea and recommends KakaoMap or Naver Map, which need data for search and turn-by-turn directions while you drive or wait for a bus.

• Keep your Hallasan reservation, flight ticket and K-ETA approval on your phone.
• Sort out a SIM or eSIM before you leave home and check that your phone supports eSIM.
• Jeju airport has roaming centers for SK Telecom, KT and LG U+.

For a map comparison, see the guide “Map apps by country: Naver, Kakao, Amap and Baidu”.

韓国のeSIMプランを見る