JEJULeaving Jeju International: transport guide
Taxi scams are commonly reported, especially if not using ride-hailing apps, and the island lacks an easy-to-use train system.
CJU (Jeju International) is the main international airport serving Jeju, South Korea. The recommended way out is Public Bus (City Bus) (~KRW 1,200, 15-30 min to Jeju City centre). Pickup is at From the bus stops outside the airport terminal.. The most common scam to watch for is "Taxi Overcharging". Fares on the AIRPORT → Jeju City Centre route typically run KRW 1,200 - KRW 5,000; anything above KRW 40,000 to city center is almost certainly a scam. Last updated June 2026.
Public Bus (City Bus)
- Typical fare
- KRW 1,200
- Journey time
- 15-30 min to Jeju City centre
- Pickup
- From the bus stops outside the airport terminal.
Compare your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Wait | Payment | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Bus (City Bus) | KRW 1,200+ | 15-30 minutes | 💳Card / Cash | |
Ride-hailing (Uber/Kakao T) | Variable - e.g., ~US$20 (KRW 27,000) to hotels near city | 5-10 minutes | 💵Cash | |
Taxi (Metered from ranks) | KRW 10,000 - KRW 20,000 (estimated to city) | 5-10 minutes | 💳Card / Cash | — |
Private Transfer (Klook) | From US$ 19.95 (approx. KRW 27,000) for small group | Pre-booked | 💳Card | — |
Your first 30 minutes
- 1Connect to airport Wi-Fi
- 2Download Kakao T or Uber
- 3Locate bus stops for City Bus
- 4Purchase/top-up T-money card
- 5Confirm destination and route
Airport exit score
- Scam risk40
- Public transport70
- Ride-hailing80
- Signage clarity75
- Payment convenience60
Fare reality check
- KRW 1,200 - KRW 5,000ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
- Above KRW 10,000 for a taxi to city centerConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
- KRW 40,000 to city centerProbably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
Best ways out, ranked
- 1
Public Bus (City Bus)
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- KRW 1,200+
- Journey
- 15-30 min (variable) to Jeju City centre
- Wait
- 15-30 minutes
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Most budget-friendly option
- Connects to major attractions and terminals
Cons- Can be time-consuming due to wait times
- May require transfers depending on final destination
- 2
Ride-hailing (Uber/Kakao T)
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- Variable - e.g., ~US$20 (KRW 27,000) to hotels near city
- Journey
- 10-20 min to Jeju City centre
- Wait
- 5-10 minutes
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
Pros- Convenient and reliable
- Avoids common taxi scams
- Easy to request and pay via app
Cons- Potentially more expensive than public transport
- Availability might vary during peak hours
- 3
Taxi (Metered from ranks)
- Cost
- KRW 10,000 - KRW 20,000 (estimated to city)
- Journey
- 10-20 min to Jeju City centre
- Wait
- 5-10 minutes
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Direct to destination
- Readily available outside airport
Cons- Higher risk of scamming if not careful
- Can be more expensive than public transport
- 4
Private Transfer (Klook)
- Cost
- From US$ 19.95 (approx. KRW 27,000) for small group
- Journey
- 10-20 min to Jeju City centre
- Wait
- Pre-booked
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Pre-arranged and hassle-free
- Fixed rate, no surprise costs
- Suitable for groups or those with lots of luggage
Cons- Most expensive option
- Requires advance booking
Paying without surprises
- Carry a T-money card or WOWPASS as many small vendors and some taxis don't accept foreign credit cards.
- Small cafes, markets, and street food stalls may not accept card payments; always have some cash (1,000-5,000 KRW denominations).
- Apple Pay and Google Pay are not universally accepted; Samsung Pay is more common in Korea.
- Always confirm payment method before committing to a service, especially with taxis.
Common scams
Taxi Overcharging
Medium riskTaxi drivers may demand an inflated fare, especially if they perceive you as a tourist or if you flag them down directly without using an app.
HOW TO AVOID · Use Uber or Kakao T, or confirm the price on the meter at the start of the trip.
Unmetered Fares
Medium riskSome taxi drivers might refuse to use the meter and quote a high, fixed price for the journey.
HOW TO AVOID · Insist on using the meter or use a ride-hailing app which provides an estimated fare upfront.
What locals & travellers say
“For foreigners, using Uber or Kakao T for taxis is highly recommended to avoid getting hustled.”
- "For foreigners, using Uber or Kakao T for taxis is highly recommended to avoid getting hustled." — r/koreatravel
- "Jeju Island does not have a subway or train system; buses are the primary public transportation option." — Trazy Blog
- "The T-money transit card works on all buses in Jeju and allows for transfers within 40 minutes." — Trazy Blog
Arrival checklist
- Download Kakao T/Uber
- Get a T-money card
- Have small KRW cash
- Confirm taxi meter use
Take it with you
CJU arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Jeju International?
- Public Bus (City Bus). May need to wait up to 30 mins for a bus..
- Are taxis at CJU safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: taxi overcharging — Taxi drivers may demand an inflated fare, especially if they perceive you as a tourist or if you flag them down directly without using an app. Use Uber or Kakao T, or confirm the price on the meter at the start of the trip.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at CJU?
- Yes — Ride-hailing (Uber/Kakao T) works at CJU. Typical cost Variable - e.g., ~US$20 (KRW 27,000) to hotels near city, journey ~10-20 min to Jeju City centre. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from CJU to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the AIRPORT → Jeju City Centre route is roughly KRW 1,200 - KRW 5,000. Anything around Above KRW 10,000 for a taxi to city center is high — KRW 40,000 to city center is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at CJU?
- Carry small local notes — Public Bus (City Bus) expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Jeju International?
- From the bus stops outside the airport terminal.. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is CJU safe to arrive at late at night?
- Late-night arrivals carry extra scam pressure here — specifically taxi overcharging. Pre-book a transfer where possible, stay inside the terminal until your ride is confirmed, and use the official rank only.
- What scams should I watch for at CJU?
- The most reported at CJU: Taxi Overcharging; Unmetered Fares. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.