Jeju Island is 80 kilometres off the southern coast of Korea and connected to Seoul by one of the world’s busiest domestic air routes. Here is the complete guide to getting there.
Jeju Island is South Korea’s most distinctive destination, a volcanic island with black lava coastlines, the country’s highest mountain, and a culture distinct from the mainland. Getting there from Seoul is straightforward: a domestic flight takes around 55 minutes and is available from both Gimpo and Incheon airports throughout the day. A ferry option also exists for those with time to spare.
Quick answer: Fly from Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) to Jeju International Airport (CJU) 55 minutes, from around 30,000 to 80,000 won one way depending on airline and booking timing. Gimpo is closer to central Seoul than Incheon and the route runs every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Option 1: Fly from Gimpo Airport (Recommended)
Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) is the primary domestic airport, located in western Seoul, served by subway line 5 and the AREX line, about 30 to 40 minutes from central Seoul.
- Journey time: 55 minutes flight
- Cost: 30,000 to 80,000 won one way, depending on airline, day, and how far in advance you book
- Airlines: Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju Air, T’way Air, Air Busan, and others
- Frequency: Seoul to Jeju is one of the world’s busiest air routes; flights depart every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day
- Getting to Gimpo: Subway line 5 to Gimpo Airport Station, or AREX All-Stop from Incheon if connecting from an international arrival
Book via the airline’s website or Naver Flight search (네이버 항공) for the best Korean domestic fares. Prices are lowest when booked 3 to 6 weeks ahead. Last-minute fares can be 2 to 3 times higher.
Option 2: Fly from Incheon Airport
If you are arriving in Korea on an international flight and continuing straight to Jeju, some carriers operate direct Incheon to Jeju flights, eliminating the need to transit through Seoul first.
- Journey time: Around 1 hour
- Cost: 40,000 to 90,000 won
- Frequency: Less frequent than Gimpo to Jeju, check availability carefully
This option saves significant travel time for visitors who want to start their trip to Korea on Jeju before heading to Seoul. Check Jeju Air, T’way, and Air Busan for this route.
Option 3: Ferry from Mokpo or Wando
A car ferry runs from Mokpo (South Jeolla Province) and Wando on the southern mainland coast to Jeju. This is not a practical option from Seoul for most visitors. Mokpo is 3.5 hours from Seoul by KTX, but it is useful for travellers already in southern Korea.
- Mokpo to Jeju ferry: Around 4.5 hours by regular ferry, 1 hour by high-speed hydrofoil
- Cost: Around 30,000 to 80,000 won, depending on vessel and class
- Best for: Travellers with a car or motorcycle who want to bring their vehicle to Jeju, or those already in the south who want to avoid backtracking to Seoul for a flight
Getting Around Jeju Once You Arrive
Jeju International Airport is in Jeju City on the northern coast. A rental car is essential for most itineraries in Jeju. Public buses exist, but are infrequent and slow outside the main towns. Rental costs 40,000 to 80,000 won per day—an international driving permit is required for foreign visitors.
See the Jeju Island guide for the full visitor overview and the Jeju 3-day itinerary for a day-by-day route around the island.
Seoul to Jeju – Budget
- Flight (Gimpo to CJU, one way): 30,000 to 80,000 won. Book 3 to 6 weeks ahead for the best fares
- Airport subway to Gimpo: Around 1,550 won from central Seoul via line 5
- Rental car on Jeju: 40,000 to 80,000 won per day
See the Korea travel budget guide for a full day-by-day Jeju cost breakdown.
