Jeju is an incredible destination. It has stunning beaches, pristine nature, fun nightlife, and great food. Ultimately, Jeju is nothing short of a traveller’s paradise.
But the towns on Jeju are far apart and getting between them can be difficult. That’s why we put together this insider’s guide for where to stay in Jeju.
This article lists the best towns on Jeju and is organized based on your travel needs. So no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll know exactly where to stay in Jeju.
Whether you want to lounge on the beach and party all night long, or hike into the hills and explore Jeju’s quirky and kitschy attractions – you’ve come to the right place!
Knowing where to stay in Jeju is super important – so let’s just right into it!
Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Jeju
- Where to stay in Jeju first time? Jeju City
- Where to stay in Jeju on a budget? Seogwipo
- Where to stay in Jeju for nightlife? Jeju City
- Coolest place to stay in Jeju? Seongsan
- Best neighbourhood in Jeju for families? Jungmun
Where to Stay in Jeju
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Jeju.
For travelers seeking an affordable accommodation option with modern and clean facilities then look no further than the Golden Park Hotel.
With its breathtaking rooms and an array of stunning facilities, this hotel is our top recommendation for the best mid-range hotel in Jeju. It also has an exceptional location in the heart of Jeju City, with quick access to the city’s top attractions and iconic landmarks.
Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood in Jeju City, the Grand Hyatt is a luxurious and elegant 5-star hotel. The hotel is equipped with beautiful avant-garde rooms and glistening indoor and outdoor pools, making for a lavish stay.
Jeju Neighborhood Guide
Jeju is a small island that packs a big punch! It is a quintessential island paradise with golden sand beaches, lush natural scenery and high volcanic cliffs.
Located off the southern coast of South Korea, Jeju is Korea’s largest island. It covers an area of nearly 1,850 square kilometres and is home to a population of more than 600,000.
There’s plenty to see and do here for travellers, from hiking to the top of majestic Mount Hallasan and lounging on the beaches of Jungmun to experiencing the history, arts and culture of lively Jeju City. No matter your age, style or budget, there’s something for everyone in Jeju.
Jeju is divided into 31 distinct neighbourhoods spread across the two counties.
Jeju City is the capital and largest city on the island. Located on the north shore, Jeju City is known for its shopping, entertainment and culinary districts, as well as its close proximity to nature and hiking trails. Home to the islands’ only airport, most travellers will arrive on Jeju via the capital
Travel west along the coast and you’ll arrive in picturesque Seongsan. Here you’ll find the famous Seongsan Ilchulbong volcanic crater and enjoy incredible views of the island and the sea.
Continue along the coast, and you’ll pass through Seogwipo and Jungmun Tourist area. Famous for their pristine beaches, towering waterfalls, and incredible natural landscapes, these two coastal villages boast lots of attractions and activities for travellers of all ages.
Still not sure where to stay in Jeju? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Jeju’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Jeju boasts four major bus networks that connect the main towns and attractions. However, if you’d like to explore further – or on your own schedule – the easiest and cheapest way to get around is to hire a car.
Below we’ll cover the five best neighbourhoods in Jeju. Each is a little different from the last so be sure you pick the one that’s right for you!
Neighborhood #1 – Jeju City
Where to stay in Jeju first time
Jeju City is the capital and main town on the island. It’s our recommendation for where to stay if you love to shop, explore historical sights, or if you’re visiting Jeju for the first time.
Here you can enjoy all the perks of the paradise – from pristine nature to gorgeous beaches – without having to drive around the island.
Jeju City is also the place to excite your senses. Its vibrant and lively streets are packed with cafes and eateries serving fresh and delicious seafood and island delicacies. Whether you’re looking for traditional or modern, the recognizable or the unique, you’ll find it in Jeju City!
Things to See and Do in Jeju City
- Eat Olrae Guksu, a traditional noodle soup.
- Explore Manjanggul Cave, a one-kilometre-long lava tunnel.
- Hike up Mount Hallasan and enjoy incredible views of the island.
- Marvel at Yongyeon Pond, with its stunning turquoise water and ethereal landscapes.
- Shop for souvenirs at the Jeju Jungang Underground Shopping Centre.
- Snack and sample your way through Dongmun Market.
- Stop by Yongduam Rock and enjoy breathtaking views and an incredible setting.
- Try a modern fusion of Chinese and Korean-style foods at Modu-mode.
- Visit Loveland, an outdoor sculpture park where the theme is love and other amorous activities.
- Wander through Halla Arboretum.
Best Budget Hotel in Jeju City
Hotel Honey Crown
With its comfortable setting and central location, this hotel is the perfect budget accommodation choice. It is a short distance from all of Jeju City’s main tourist attractions, including the Natural History Museum and Jeju Sungji. This quaint hotel is clean, well-maintained and has a friendly staff to welcome guests.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Jeju City
Hotel Regent Marine The Blue
Incredible views and a range of wellness amenities are just two of the reasons this is our pick for where to stay in Jeju City. This hotel is a great base for your time in Jeju as many of the city’s top attractions and landmarks are within close proximity.
Best Luxury Hotel in Jeju City
Ocean Suites Jeju Hotel
Amazing views and a great location make this hotel an excellent choice in Jeju City. A stone’s throw from Dragon Head Rock, Dongmun Market and Jeju’s entertainment district, it’s perfect for exploring the best of the city. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet, relaxing spa, and an on-site bar and restaurant.
Neighborhood #2 – Seogwipo
Where to stay in Jeju on a budget
Situated on the southern coast, Seogwipo is the second largest city on the island. It has a chilled atmosphere and is packed with relaxing places to grab a snack and enjoy a drink on the beach.
In addition to being a relaxing and welcoming neighbourhood, Seogwipo has a high concentration of budget accommodations. It caters to budget backpackers and cost-conscious travellers and has many inexpensive hotels and restaurants to enjoy.
It’s also perfect for travellers interested in exploring Jeju’s beautiful natural landscapes. This part of the island is famous for its plummeting waterfalls, towering mountains, volcanic craters and lush landscapes.
In Seogwipo you can enjoy incredible sights at a fraction of the price.
Things to See and Do in Seogwipo
- Browse the stalls and shops at Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market.
- Dine at Jeju Hukdon Saesang Suragan and enjoy one of the best barbecue experiences in South Korea.
- Explore the Seokbujak Museum, the Natural Stone Art Museum.
- Marvel at Jeongbang Falls, which plummets 23 meters into the ocean.
- Sample sea cucumber, one of the local delicacies.
- See the stunning Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.
- Spend a day slipping and sliding at Jeju Waterworld.
- Try abalone soup at Jeju Halmang Ttukbaegi Restaurant one of the many eateries on Chilsimni Food Street.
- Visit Jusangjeolli and see the spectacular volcanic rock formations.
Best Budget Hotel in Seogwipo
The First70 Hotel
This amazing modern hotel comes complete with a rooftop terrace, a coffee bar and free wifi throughout. Located a short walk from Seogqipo’s most famous attractions, including Jeongbang Waterfall, this hotel is ideally situated for exploring the region. The rooms are comfortable and clean and boast incredible amenities.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Seogwipo
Jeju Nine Boutique Hotel
Our recommendation for where to stay in Seogwipo, Jeju Nine Boutique Hotel has a great setting, helpful and knowledgeable staff, and a delicious and hearty breakfast. Each room has it’s own spa shower, a flat-screen TV, and wireless hairdryer. Many of Seogwipo’s top attractions are situated nearby.
Best Luxury Hotel in Seogwipo
Park Sunshine Jeju Hotel
This modern and luxurious hotel is located within walking distance of Lee Jungseop Cultural Street and Seogwipo’s top tourist attractions. Everything you could possibly need is close by, including restaurants, bars and shops. This hotel boasts a rooftop terrace, hydromassage showers, and a wonderful on-site bar and restaurant.
Neighborhood #3 – Jeju City
Best area to stay in Jeju for nightlife
Jeju City isn’t just for history buffs, culture vulture and first-time visitors. It is also where you’ll find Jeju’s small but vibrant nightlife scene – just so long as you know where to go.
Jeju City’s entertainment district is located in the old city around city hall. Here you’ll find college kids and young professionals enjoying drinks and dancing well until the early hours of the morning.
Additionally, the Tap-dong-lo tourist area is also where you can enjoy a little fun after dark. From mouthwatering meals and night street shops to amusement parks and late-night bars and pubs, there’s plenty of fun to be had in Jeju City.
Things to See and Do in Jeju City
- Dance the night away at Aroma Done nightclub.
- Drink Hallasan Soju, an alcoholic drink filtered through Jeju’s volcanic rock.
- Grab drinks at Goofy Foot, a basement bar that boasts a pool table, darts and great selection of craft beers.
- Head out of town and enjoy a night at Nilmori Dong Dong a chill hotspot with a very unique menu.
- Hear alternative Korean music at Indie, a lively Jeju hotspot.
- Listen as DJs spin your favourite tunes from the 60s til now at Led Zeppelin.
- Listen to live music at The Factory.
- Sample craft beers brewed on Jeju at Magpie Jeju.
Best Budget Hotel in Jeju City
Golden Park Hotel
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay near the heart of Jeju City, then this might be the ultimate place to stay for you! Situated smack bang in the middle of the city and just a fraction of the price of other hotel options in the neighborhood this is a great place to stay for those not looking to splash the cash but also want to be in striking distance to the city’s top sites.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Jeju City
Ventimo Hotel & Residence Jeju
A fantastic hotel with a wide range of incredible hotel rooms, from family-style bedrooms to cozy doubles for couples along with deluxe suites, there is a little something for everyone at Ventimo Hotel & Residence Jeju. If you’re lucky enough, you might also get yourself a room with an incredible view overlooking the city!
Best Luxury Hotel in Jeju City
Grand Hyatt Jeju
The Grand Hyatt Jeju is a fantastically modern hotel situated in the heart of Jeju City and every element of the hotel is the definition of luxury. From sleek and modern rooms to immaculate indoor and outdoor pools along with a grand lobby area you will be blown away by the facilities at this hotel. Oh, and let’s not forget about the incredible panoramic views you can get from the hostel’s rooftop, they’re known for being some of the best in the city.
Neighborhood #4 – Seongsan
Coolest place to stay in Jeju
Nestled away on Jeju’s eastern tip is Seongsan – one of the coolest and more beautiful areas on the island. Seongsan boasts a great mix of natural beauty, stunning features, and incredible seafood restaurants, and has a charming small town vibe.
Seongsan’s most famous attraction is the magnificent Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Created by an underwater eruption more than 100,000 years ago, the “Sunrise Peak” is a is the perfect place to watch the sunrise (or set) and to hike amongst Jeju’s lush nature.
But there’s more to Seongsan that natural beauty. This small peninsula is also home to high-end hotels, relaxing spas and a great variety of restaurants serving up local dishes and delicacies.
Things to See and Do in Seongsan
- Climb Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcanic crater that measures 600 meters and stands 90m out of the sea.
- Eat incredible seafood, pancakes and abalone porridge at Ilchulbong Deunggyeong Stone Restaurant.
- Explore the natural landscapes surrounding Honinji Pond.
- Lounge on the fine-grain golden sand of Sinyang Beach, a relatively untouched seaside paradise.
- See your favourite sea creatures and aquatic animals at Aqua Planet Jeju.
- Take a day trip to nearby Udo Island.
- Try a variety of fresh and delicious dishes at Stone Hareubang Earthen Bowl.
- Visit the small but colourful Dongamsa Temple.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset from Gwangchigi Beach.
Best Budget Hotel in Seongsan
Purim Pension
A holiday home-style hotel perfect for families or groups heading to Seongsan, Purim Pension provides basic but very clean facilities for its guests, creating a comfortable and relaxed stay. Guests will have the choice between a number of holiday homes, from small double rooms to large homes perfect for bigger groups.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Seongsan
Sungsan Sunrise Hotel
Not sure where to stay in Seongsan, try the Sungsan Sunrise Hotel. Located at the base of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, this hotel boasts incredible views of the island and the sea. It has 47 air-conditioned room, each with a private bathroom. This hotel serves a daily breakfast and boasts an on-site café.
Best Luxury Hotel in Seongsan
Phoenix Seopjikoji
Wow! Is how you will react when you see the outdoor pools available at Phoenix Seopjikoji! Beautifully designed with amazing views, they’re a great place to hang out with your travel friends. We’ve heard the views are even more incredible during sunset, so get yourself down there to see the waters reflect in the gorgeous Seongsan sun!
Neighborhood #5 – Jungmun
Best neighbourhood in Jeju for families
If you want to spend a relaxing and leisurely vacation strolling along the sand, then Jungmun is the place for you!
Located on the southern coast in the Seogwipo region, Jungmun is Jeju’s designated tourist area. Here you’ll find resorts, high-end hotels, activities and attractions that cater to tourists.
Those with little ones to entertain will love Jungmun thanks to its great variety of family-friendly activities. From botanical gardens, lush countryside and waterfalls, to quirky museums, modern attractions and historical monuments, there’s plenty to see, do and explore here.
Love to eat? Jungmun is home to some of the freshest and most delicious seafood on the island!
Things to See and Do in Jungmun
- Experience Korea’s most famous music at Play K-Pop, a digital theme park with hologram concerts and 3D animation videos.
- Explore the history of chocolate (and perhaps sample a few) at the Chocolate Museum/
- Spend a day at Jungmun Beach, where you’ll see sands in a variety of colours, including red, white, black and grey.
- Stop and smell the roses, water lilies and more than 2,000 rare tropical plants at the Yeomiji Botanical Garden.
- Visit the Teddy Bear Museum that is dedicated to everybody’s favourite childhood friend.
- Walk across vibrant Seonim Bridge and enjoy incredible views of the valley and waterfalls below.
Best Budget Hotel in Jungmun
Jungmun Beach Hotel
This is a great place to stay if you’re looking to stretch your family’s travel dollars in Jeju. This comfortable hotel is equipped with air-conditioned rooms with rain showers and flat-screen TVs. They provide free wifi, bottled water, luggage storage, and have a knowledgeable and helpful staff.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Jungmun
The Suites Hotel Jeju
Located at the heart of Jungmun Tourist area, this hotel is surrounded by modern amenities but is still close to nature. It boasts a spa, an outdoor pool, a terrace and a wine bar for guests to enjoy. The rooms are spacious and air-conditioned and each features a minibar and a flat-screen TV.
Best Luxury Hotel in Jungmun
Parnas Hotel Jeju
The Parnas Hotel Jeju is an elegant five-star hotel – and our pick for where to stay in Jungmun. It is conveniently located near restaurants and shops, as well as the Teddy Bear Museum and Yeomiji Botanical Garden. This hotel also boasts a sauna, Jacuzzi and outdoor pool.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Jeju
Jeju is a quintessential island paradise. It boasts everything from incredible beaches and stunning waterfalls to charming towns and buzzing nightlife. Whether you want to dine on delicious delicacies and lounge on the beach, or explore quirky museums and hike the tallest mountains, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Jeju!
To recap; Jeju City is our pick for the best neighbourhood thanks to its shopping, entertainment and culinary scenes, and our pick for the best hotel is the Hotel Regent Marine The Blue.
Another great hotel is the Jeju Nine Boutique Hotel in Seogwipo. It boasts incredible views, spa bathrooms and is well-situated on Jeju’s south coast.
Have you been to Jeju? Let us know if we missed anything in the comment below!
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