Jeju Travel Money Guide

Jeju is Korea's road-trip island: there's no subway, so most visitors rent a car and loop the coast between beaches, waterfalls and Hallasan. Cards work in most cafés and restaurants, but the island's markets, roadside stalls and parking lots still love cash.

How much cash to bring to Jeju

A rough daily budget for a comfortable mid-range trip (excluding the rental car):

• Food — ₩25,000–50,000/day (black pork and fresh seafood are the splurges)
• Getting around — a rental car runs ₩40,000–80,000/day plus fuel; buses are far cheaper with T-money
• Sights & nature — ₩10,000–30,000/day (Seongsan, waterfalls, parking and entry fees)

Paying your way around Jeju

• Rent a car — it's the standard way to see Jeju; book ahead and put it on a card. An international driving permit is required.
• Buses if you don't drive — the island bus network is cheap and takes T-money, but it's slower.
• Cash for the local stuff — traditional markets, roadside haenyeo (diver) seafood stalls and small car parks are cash.
• Cards for the rest — cafés, restaurants and bigger shops in Jeju City and Seogwipo take them.

Neighbourhood cash notes

• Jeju City / Dongmun Market — the night market and food stalls are cash; bring small notes.
• Seogwipo — Olle Market street food is cash; cafés and restaurants take cards.
• Roadside seafood stalls — the haenyeo grandmothers selling fresh abalone and sea urchin deal in cash.
• Attractions & parking — entry fees usually take cards; some small lots and viewpoints are coins/cash.

One Jeju habit

• Split car from cash — put the rental and sit-down meals on a card, and keep a cash float for markets, roadside stalls and parking. Tipping isn't expected here either.