Most people will tell you that you need to rent a car to see Jeju properly. And for some travelers, that’s true.
But getting around Jeju without a car is absolutely doable, especially if you know how the bus system works.
I spent two weeks researching every route, shuttle, and transit tip on the island so you don’t have to.
This guide covers everything: bus types, tourist shuttles, must-know routes, and practical tips for navigating Jeju by public transport.
✨ This post is a follow-up to my guide on Jeju Island Travel Guide: Top Things to See, Do and Experience If you’re just starting to plan your trip, especially where to stay, I recommend starting there first. This post dives specifically into using the bus system once you’re on the island.
TL;DR: Can You Get Around Jeju Without a Car?
Yes, and here’s what you need to know:
- 🟢🔵🔴 Color-coded city buses cover the whole island
- 🚍 Tourist shuttle loops (810/820) hit the major east and west coast sights
- ✈️ Airport limousine buses go straight from the airport to Seogwipo and Jungmun
- 🚌 Hop-on hop-off city tour buses for Jeju City and Seogwipo
- 📱 Naver Map and KakaoMap are essential for planning routes
- ⏱️ Budget extra time for transfers and rural routes
Staying in Jeju City gives you the easiest access to the full network.
Read on for routes, tips, and everything you need to plan your trip.
Types of Buses on Jeju Island
Jeju’s bus system has more going on than most visitors realise.
There are color-coded city buses, tourist-specific shuttle loops, airport limousines, and hop-on, hop-off city tours.
Here’s how they break down.
Regular City Buses (Green, Blue, Red)
Jeju’s city bus system might seem overwhelming at first glance, but it’s surprisingly manageable once you understand how the buses are categorized:
- 🟢 Green buses run on local, short, specific routes
- 🔵 Blue buses are intercity buses and serve as mainline routes, covering longer distances with more stops, good for getting between cities or some attractions.
- 🔴 Red buses are express routes that cover long distances and make limited stops at key destinations and some tourist attractions, mainly between Jeju City and Seogwipo.
See the full list of the different buses and their stops here.
Airport Limousine Buses (600, 800, 800-1)
If you’re heading to Seogwipo or Jungmun straight from the airport, the Airport Limousine Buses are easily the most convenient option, especially if you’ve got luggage or want to avoid the hassle of multiple transfers.
These large, air-conditioned buses include designated luggage compartments and stop at major hotels along the route..
You’ll find them at Gate 5 outside Jeju Airport’s arrivals area.
- Bus 600 stops at major hotels in the Jungmun Tourist Complex and ends at Seogwipo KAL Hotel. Travel time: ~50 minutes to Jungmun, ~80 minutes to the final stop.
- Bus 800 bypasses Jungmun and heads straight to the Seogwipo Bus Terminal, taking about 70 minutes.
- Bus 800-1 finishes at the Jungang Rotary in central Seogwipo. The trip takes approximately 80 minutes.
You’ll need to buy a ticket at the airport, as these buses have assigned seating. Boarding without a ticket might not be allowed.
Look for the ticket machine near Gate 5, or ask an airport staff member if you’re unsure.
While these aren’t part of the regular city bus system, they do accept T-money cards if you board mid-route.
Fares are a bit higher than standard buses, but the convenience is worth it when you’ve just landed with luggage.
Click HERE for more info on the Airport bus schedules
Tourist Shuttle Buses (Routes 810 & 820)
Jeju’s Tourist Shuttle Buses, Routes 810 and 820, are one of the most practical ways to explore the island without a rental car.
These loop-style sightseeing buses are tailored for travelers, connecting top attractions along the east (810) and west (820) coasts.
Each route has two versions (810-1/810-2 and 820-1/820-2) that run in opposite directions, making it easy to hop on and off depending on your itinerary.
These buses also reach spots that most day tours skip.
For example, the quirky Greem Café (yes, the famous 2D café on the top floor of the Aerospace Museum) and the serene Snoopy Garden are both along these routes.
Just keep in mind that you probably won’t hit every stop in a single day. I recommend narrowing it down to your top 3 must-see spots and focusing on those.
Although these are sightseeing buses, they’re still part of Jeju’s public transportation system.
To catch one, you’ll need to take a regular city bus to reach the shuttle’s starting point. If you’re staying in Jeju City, expect about an hour of travel time.
Map your route in advance using Naver Maps.
👉 Quick tip: When using Naver, search for “Daecheon Transfer Bus Stop” instead of “Daecheon Transit Center,” and “Donggwang Yukgeori” instead of “Donggwang Transit Center.” These are the correct stop names to search for; the official transit center names don’t always appear correctly.
Once you’re there, you can board with a T-money card. If you plan to ride more than once, grab the ₩3,000 unlimited-ride pass, available at Daecheon Transit Center (Route 810) and Donggwang Transit Center (Route 820).
There might be a chance to buy it on the bus (since there’s a guide onboard), but the official guidance is to pick it up at the transit centers.
Buses typically run from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and some routes only operate once per hour, so be sure to time your transfers carefully.
There’s also an official PDF map you can look at that shows each route, attraction stops, and local bus connections. Worth saving to your phone before you head out.
Jeju City Tour Bus (Hop-On, Hop-Off)
If you’re staying in Jeju City and want to explore without transfers, this hop-on, hop-off bus is a solid option.
It’s completely separate from regular city buses and the tourist shuttles.
It’s a great option for travelers exploring Jeju without a car, especially short-term visitors, cruise ship travelers, or anyone who just wants to enjoy the ride.
There are two main courses:
- Downtown Course – Covers Jeju City’s cultural and historical spots
- Coastal Course – Travels along the scenic coastline
Key stops include Dongmun Market, Jeju Folklore Museum, Sarabong Park, and even Jeju Airport (Stop #3).
Just note: this bus is designed for sightseeing, not as a flexible form of transportation.
Operation Details:
- ❌ Closed on Mondays
- 🕒 Runs daily from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM (last departure at 5:00 PM)
- ⏱️ Each loop takes about 2 hours
- ⏳ Buses arrive every hour
Ticket Info: You can buy tickets when boarding (cash, card, or T-money card) and receive a wristband or purchase in advance. Just show your receipt when you hop on to receive your physical ticket.
Ticket Prices: Current Fare Info (2025)
- Adults: ₩12,000
- Children & Teens: ₩8,000
- Persons with Disabilities/National Merit: ₩6,000
- Preschool Children: Free
You can view the official route map and timetable here (English available).
📍Important Note: This tour only operates within Jeju City. It doesn’t travel to Seogwipo, the east coast, or other major island attractions. If you’re sticking to Jeju City, it’s a relaxing and easy way to check off the main sights.
Seogwipo Electric City Tour Bus (Route 880)
If you’re staying in Seogwipo, the Electric City Tour Bus is one of the most overlooked options on the island.
Bus 880 loops through some of Jeju’s most scenic southern spots without requiring any transfers or route planning.
The route starts and ends at the Seogwipo Hyangto 5-Day Market, so it’s easy to pair your ride with a snack break or a bit of souvenir shopping. (Just note: the market is only open on days ending in 4 and 9.)
🌱 As part of Jeju’s public transportation push toward carbon-free travel, this all-electric bus is both environmentally conscious and traveler-friendly.
🕐 It’s a great pick if you’re short on time, want a simple sightseeing loop, or are already based in the Seogwipo area.
Curious about the route? View the official schedule and stops for the Seogwipo Electric City Tour Bus (Bus 880) here and see if it lines up with your travel plans.
Must-Know Jeju Bus Routes for Tourists
These city bus routes are particularly useful for sightseeing, covering major attractions without requiring a tour.
🚌 Bus 201 – East Coast
Connects Jeju Bus Terminal, Seongsan Ilchulbong, and Seogwipo Bus Terminal, giving you access to major eastern sights with fewer stops than typical local buses.
🕒 Runs every 15–30 minutes
🚌 Bus 202 – West Coast
Runs from Jeju Bus Terminal to Gosan and ends at Seogwipo Bus Terminal, following the western edge of the island.
Great for reaching western beaches and spots like Hyeopjae or Hallim Park.
🕒 Runs every 15–25 minutes
Need more details? Click here for more info on bus 201 & 202 routes, stops, and schedules.
🚌 Bus 701 – Coastal East
Another East Coast route, with more frequent local stops.
Popular for Seongsan Ilchulbong and the surrounding areas.
🕒 Slightly slower than Bus 201 due to more stops
🚌 Bus 702 – Coastal West
Follows the west coast from Jeju City through Hyeopjae, Hallim, and down toward Seogwipo.
🕒 Like 701, expect a slower ride with more stops
Want more details? Click here for more info on bus 701 & 702 routes, stops, and schedule.
Bus 240 – Hallasan Hikes
Great if you’re planning to hike the Eorimok Trail on Hallasan. This one heads inland.
Most hikers heading to Eorimok Trail will need this route, and schedules are limited so check KakaoMap before you go.
🕒 Schedules vary — check KakaoMap
Need more details? Click here for more info on bus 240 routes, stops, and schedules.
🗺️ Reminder: These are city buses, not tourist-only services. You’ll still want to use Naver or KakaoMap to find the best stop and check the latest schedule.
Travel Tips for Using Buses in Jeju
Once you’ve wrapped your head around all the different bus types in Jeju, here’s how to actually use them without losing your mind (or your day to transfers).
Stay Near the Bus Hub
If you’re staying in Jeju City, try to book a hotel near the airport. It’s one of the main transfer hubs and gives you the easiest access to the island’s broader bus network.
In Seogwipo, look for accommodations in or near the old downtown area, especially along the Bus 880 route, which loops past many major southern sights without requiring transfers.
Traveling with Luggage?
Traveling with a large suitcase? Airport limousine buses have luggage storage underneath.
Regular city buses are unlikely to accommodate anything bigger than a carry-on.
If you’re moving between accommodations, plan your bus choice around that.
Plan Ahead with a Navigation App
Before you book accommodations, open the KakaoMap or Naver Navigation app and test routes to a few must-see destinations.
Look at the number of transfers, which types of buses are involved (express, local, etc.), and total travel time. Once you find a manageable route, save it in the app so you’re not scrambling on the day of.
Want next-level info? Try the Jeju Bus – Jejudo Busro app. It shows live arrival times, bus capacity, and even stop-by-stop progress, super useful for tight connections or complicated trips.
Use a T-Money Card to Pay
Jeju buses no longer accept cash, so you’ll need a T-Money card or contactless Visa or Mastercard to ride.
The good news is you get two free transfers within 40 minutes if you tap in and out correctly.
UPDATE: As of August 2025, Jeju buses now accept contactless Visa and Mastercard, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Simply tap when boarding and again when exiting. That said, the system is relatively new, so it’s worth having your T-money card as a backup just in case.
For everything you need to know about T-money cards in Korea, check my full guide HERE.
Stay Updated in English
The official Jeju Tourism Instagram account (@visitjeju.en) posts regular updates in English, including seasonal travel tips, event announcements, and weather alerts. Worth a follow before your trip.
Last bus warning
The last bus on most Jeju routes runs at around 10pm.
Check your specific route on KakaoMap or Naver Map before heading out for a late dinner or evening activity.
Book a Tour if It’s Too Much
If certain parts of Jeju feel too hard to reach by bus, a guided tour is worth considering for those specific days.
You don’t have to choose one or the other. Plenty of travelers mix public transit with the occasional tour to fill the gaps.
Recommended Jeju Tours
If you’re short on time or just don’t want to mess with long transfers and bus schedules, a guided tour is the easiest way to see Jeju’s top sights.
This one gives you two solid options: East Coast or West Coast. You’ll choose your route under select itinerary when you book. Same link, same page. Just pick your favorite and go.
👉 Check tour dates, select itinerary, and book here
Jeju Bus FAQs
The Airport Limousine Buses (600, 800, 800-1) are your best bet if you’re staying in Seogwipo or Jungmun. These buses run directly from Jeju Airport, include luggage compartments, and are much more convenient than regular city buses, which often don’t allow large suitcases on board.
Yes, you can use a T-money card on all Jeju buses. As of August 2025, contactless Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted. You’ll get up to two free transfers within 40 minutes if you tap in and out correctly
Most of the time, yes. Jeju buses follow their schedules, especially in urban areas. But delays can happen, particularly in rural parts of the island or during bad weather. If you’re transferring between routes or planning a packed sightseeing day, it’s smart to build in a little buffer time just in case.
The most reliable apps are Naver Map and KakaoMap. You can also try the Jeju Bus – Jejudo Busro app for live bus locations, seat availability, and stop-by-stop tracking.
Regular city buses cost around 1,200 won per trip, or 1,150 won if you use a T-money card. Express buses run between 2,000 and 3,000 won depending on the route. The tourist shuttle day pass (routes 810/820) is 3,000 won for unlimited rides. Always verify current fares before you travel as prices can change.
Most bus stops in Jeju display information in both English and Korean. On mainline buses, major stops are also announced in English. For smaller rural stops where signage is Korean only, Naver Map or KakaoMap are essential. Type your destination in English and the app will tell you exactly where to get off. Pro tip: screenshot your route before you board in case you lose signal in rural areas.
Final Thoughts: Can You Really Take the Bus Around Jeju?
Yes, you can get around Jeju without a car.
It takes more planning than renting one, and some remote spots will always be easier with wheels.
But for most of Jeju’s major sights, the buses get you there.
Pick your priorities, download Naver Map, get a T-money card, and you’re set.
If a guided tour fills the gaps on harder-to-reach days, that works too.
Jeju is worth the effort however you get there.
Planning a trip to South Korea?
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