Source: Unsplash

The Gimpo–Jeju flight route is one of the busiest in the world, and for good reason. Jeju Island packs volcanic hikes, coastal cafés, hidden waterfalls, and some of Korea's best food into one very drivable island. 

And "drivable" really is the operative word — renting a car in Jeju is the only way to see the island on your own terms. 

Buses run, but they're slow and infrequent. Most of the island's best spots sit 20 to 60 minutes apart, and taxis add up fast. For most visitors, sorting out a Jeju island car rental is the first thing to do before the trip.

This guide covers everything you'll need: what documents to bring, how much it actually costs, how the airport pick-up works, and what to look for in a rental company.

What Do You Need to rent - car in Jeju?

Required Documents

You'll need four things: a physical International Driving Permit (booklet type only), your home country driver's license, your passport, and a credit card in your name.

Source: Unsplash

The IDP part trips people up the most. It has to be the actual booklet. (You can find out more about getting one of these here - they cost around $20, depending on where you get it).

Not a card, not a photo on your phone, not a PDF. 

Korean rental companies won't accept anything digital. And your credit card really does need to be a credit card. Debit cards and prepaid cards are rejected at the counter.

Your IDP must come from a country that signed the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention. If you're American, you can grab one from AAA for about $20. Hong Kong drivers are covered too (HK inherited Geneva Convention status from the UK). 

And if you're from Taiwan, your IDP is valid in Korea through a bilateral agreement between the two countries. Some travel blogs get this wrong and say Taiwanese permits aren't accepted. They are.

A few more eligibility details

you need to be at least 21, and drivers under 25 might face a young driver surcharge. You'll also need at least one year of driving experience. 

One thing that catches long-term visitors off guard is that if you've been living in Korea for more than a year, your IDP is no longer valid for rentals. You'd need a Korean driver's license instead.

What are the Typical Jeju Car Rental Prices?

Key Pricing Factors

Expect roughly $25 to $65 USD per day for a compact or mid-size car, with the final cost shaped by vehicle type, season, insurance level, and how far in advance you book.

Source: Unsplash

The cheapest option is usually a compact like a Kia Morning. 

Great for two people with small bags. Terrible horsepower, though, and parking on Jeju is tight enough that small actually works in your favor. SUVs and premium models (Tesla, Toyota) cost significantly more but make sense for groups or families with luggage.

Season matters. Cherry blossom season (April through June) and autumn foliage (September and October) push prices up across the board, as this is peak tourist season. 

Booking two to three weeks ahead usually gets you better rates and a better chance of getting the car you actually want.

Then there's insurance. 

Basic CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) covers some damage, but Super CDW (full coverage) is where the real peace of mind is. It costs more per day, yes, but it means zero out-of-pocket if something happens, and you can skip the vehicle inspection when you return the car. 

I'd say it's worth it every time, especially if you're not used to driving in Korea.

Additional Costs to Consider

Don't forget child seats (rental fee applies) and fuel costs. Prices change frequently, so check the latest rates on the rental company's site before you commit.

How Does Jeju Airport Car Rental Pick-Up Work?

Pick-Up Process

After landing at Jeju Airport, exit through Gate 5, cross the crosswalk, and follow the signs to the Rent-a-Car shuttle stop. The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Source: Unsplash

The step-by-step looks like this:

• Head to Gate 5 on the 1st floor of the arrivals hall.

• Cross the crosswalk directly in front of you and look for the "Rent A Car" signs.

• Walk to the shuttle bus area. Each rental company has its own bus at a marked stop.

• Board your company's shuttle. They run every 10 to 15 minutes.

• At the rental office, hand over your IDP, license, passport, and credit card. Document check and vehicle handover take 5 to 15 minutes.

Before Driving Off

Before you drive off, do yourself a favor: walk around the car and take photos or video of every scratch and dent you can find. This protects you from getting blamed for pre-existing damage when you return it. Also, check the fuel level (you'll need to return it to the same level) and ask the staff to switch the navigation to English.

Quick note on navigation: Google Maps doesn't work for driving directions in Korea. Seriously. Download Naver Maps before your trip. It has English navigation, and it's what everyone on the island actually uses.

Return Process

When it's time to return the car, fill the tank, drive back to the rental office, and take the shuttle to the airport. If you've got Super CDW, the return is almost comically easy. Hand back the key. That's it. No vehicle inspection, no paperwork.

Plan to return the car at least two hours before your flight, and double-check the rental office's operating hours. Most companies close by 8 pm. Some open as early as 6 am, but not all of them.

How Do You Choose a Jeju Car Rental Company?

Look for a large fleet, airport shuttle service, multilingual staff, and a Super CDW option that lets you skip the return inspection.

Fleet size is a bigger deal than people realize. Smaller companies run out of popular models during peak season, and you end up with whatever's left. A company with thousands of vehicles is far more likely to have the car you actually booked.

Self-check-in kiosks help too. During busy travel periods, the counter lines at some rental offices can get long. Kiosks let you skip the wait.

And honestly? English-speaking staff make a huge difference when you're sorting out insurance options or asking about the car. Some companies advertise English service, but the reality at the counter can be spotty. It's worth checking reviews from other foreign travelers before you book.

If driving itself feels like too much, look for a company that offers a chauffeur service. A local driver picks you up at the airport, drives you wherever you want to go, and you just enjoy the ride. 

Some travelers use this for their first day to get comfortable with Jeju's roads before switching to self-driving.

Why Rent with Lotte Rent-A-Car?

Korea's No. 1 rental brand, Lotte Rent-A-Car runs Jeju's largest fleet with 3,500+ vehicles, has an on-site airport desk, free shuttle service, and multilingual staff. Super CDW means you return the car with zero paperwork.

Source: Unsplash

The vehicle lineup is wide.

Compacts, SUVs, Toyota, Tesla, EVs. Cars are regularly maintained, and the fleet skews newer than what you'll find at most smaller agencies. 

If you're considering an EV, Lotte provides a charging card for foreign renters so you don't have to wrestle with Korean-language charging apps (a real problem at other companies, according to what travelers report on forums).

At the airport, Lotte has a desk right there, plus the free shuttle. They also have self-service kiosks for faster check-in, which is genuinely useful during the April to June rush. English and Chinese-speaking staff are always available.

One thing that sets Lotte apart is the Jeju Welcome Pack included with Jeju rentals. 

It's a bundle of discounts for local attractions, restaurants, and cafés around the island. Not a game-changer on its own, but it does add up if you're spending a few days exploring.

And if something does go wrong on the road, their 24-hour customer center (1588-1230) can dispatch staff to your location and arrange a replacement vehicle. That kind of backup matters when you're driving in a country where you don't speak the language.

Make the Most of Your Jeju Road Trip

Jeju's coastal roads, volcanic cones (the locals call them oreum), and tucked-away fishing village cafés are exactly the kind of places that reward having your own car. You can't get to most of them by bus, and even if you could, you'd spend half your trip waiting at stops.

One last tip: Jeju has speed cameras everywhere. And I mean everywhere. On quiet coastal roads, on mountain routes, in places you'd never expect. Stick to the limit. The fines aren't fun.

Book your Jeju car rental through Lotte Rent-A-Car, grab that Welcome Pack, and go find your own version of the island.

Explore Your Options