Jeju City Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information
ESSENTIALS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏙️ City |
Jeju City, Jeju-do, South Korea |
| 👥 Population |
Approximately 500,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed |
Average 250 Mbps; widespread 5G and public Wi-Fi (Jeju Free Wi-Fi) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking |
South Korean Won (KRW). 1,000 KRW ≈ 0.75 USD. ATMs are everywhere, especially at GS25 or CU convenience stores. |
| 🚰 Tap Water |
Drinkable (Samdasoo source), though most locals use purifiers or bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power |
220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card |
SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. Pickup at Jeju International Airport (CJU) for approx. 35,000 KRW for 30 days unlimited data. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats |
Shinhan Bank and Hana Bank offer the best English support; Wise and Revolut work for withdrawals but not for local bank transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation |
High-end hotels in Yeon-dong, Guesthouses in the Old City, and long-term pensions (Minbak) along the coast. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly |
Yes, cards and mobile payments (Samsung Pay/Apple Pay) are used for 99% of transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals |
Airbnb and 'Living for a month in Jeju' (Jeju-and-me platform). Prices range from 800,000 to 1,500,000 KRW per month. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation |
You & I Guesthouse (approx. 25,000 KRW/night), Bed Radio Dongmun (approx. 35,000 KRW/night). |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists |
Yeon-dong (New Jeju) for shopping and nightlife, or Hamdeok for beach access. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads |
Jeju City Hall area for local vibes and cafes, or Aewol for scenic coastal work spots. |
WORKING AND NETWORKING
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space |
O-Peace (Aewol/Jocheon) - 25,000 KRW/day; Banana Office near the airport - 20,000 KRW/day. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work |
A'整体 (A'bout Coffee) - specifically designed for workers with plugs at every seat; Terarosa Coffee (Seogwipo branch). |
| 💼 Networking Events |
Jeju Creative Economy & Innovation Center (JCC) hosts regular startup and tech meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats |
Jeju Island Social group on Facebook; weekly meetups at Magpie Brewing Co. |
TRANSPORTATION
| Topic |
Details |
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App |
KakaoT (Essential, integrates with international cards now). |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental |
Tamra (Electric bikes) available via app; Jeju Bike rental near the airport (approx. 15,000 KRW/day). |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby |
Hamdeok Beach (30 mins from city center) or Iho Tewoo Beach (10 mins from airport). |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline |
Jeju Air, Jin Air, Air Busan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline |
Korean Air, Asiana Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access |
Route 1132 (Iljudong-ro) circles the entire island; Route 1131 (516 Road) crosses Mt. Hallasan. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub |
Jeju City Bus Terminal (No trains on the island). |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes |
T-Money Card (3,000 KRW base card) - 1,200 KRW per bus ride with free transfers. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel |
Intercity Express Buses (Red buses) connect Jeju City to Seogwipo in 60 minutes. |
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🧺 Laundry Services |
Coin Wash 24 (found in every neighborhood, approx. 4,000 KRW per load). |
| 🏥 Best Hospital |
Jeju National University Hospital (International Healthcare Center available). |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers |
Jeju 901 (Vegan cafe & Yoga studio in Nohyeong-dong). |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers |
Mind휘트니스 (Mind Fitness) multiple locations, approx. 100,000 KRW/month. |
FOOD AND DRINK
| Topic |
Details |
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App |
Baedal Minjok (Baemin) or Coupang Eats (requires local phone number/ARC). |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try |
Heuk-dwaeji (Black Pork BBQ) at Donsadon; Mom-guk (Sargassum soup). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options |
Andony Vegan (Jeju City); Loving Hut (Seogwipo). |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots |
Umu (Custard pudding made from seaweed) in Hallim; Osulloc Tea Museum (Green tea desserts). |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots |
Dongmun Market (Evening food stalls are cheap and varied). |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store |
Coupang (offers 'Rocket Delivery' even to the island for a small surcharge). |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery |
Market Kurly or E-Mart SSG Delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area |
The 'Street of Youth' near Jeju City Hall (Daehak-ro). |
| 🍻 Local Brewery |
Magpie Brewing Co. (Taproom in Tapdong); Jeju Beer Company (Hallim). |
| 🍷 Wine Bars |
Soon-asht (순아커피) - historic vibe; Myun-Sool (면술) in the Old City. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls |
Dongmun Night Market (8 PM - midnight) - try the abalone kimbap. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine |
Bagdad Café (Indian in City Hall); Donato's (Pizza in Hyeopjae). |
CULTURE AND ATTRACTIONS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks |
Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak); Hallasan National Park. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues |
Arario Museum Tapdong Cinema; Bunker de Lumières (Immersive media art). |
| 🏰 Historical Sites |
Jeju Gwandeokjeong Pavilion; Samseonghyeol (birthplace of Jeju people). |
| 🕍 Religious Sites |
Gwaneumsa Temple (at the foot of Hallasan); Yakcheonsa Temple. |
| 🎉 Annual Events |
Jeju Fire Festival (March); Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts |
Tapdong-ro (Arts and culture hub near the ocean). |
| 🎭 Theater Venues |
Jeju Art Center; NANTA Show Jeju Theatre. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets |
Jeju Five-Day Market (dates ending in 2 and 7). |
| 🎼 Music Scene |
Led Zeppelins (Live music bar in Shin-Jeju). |
| 🎨 Street Art |
Dodu-dong Rainbow Coastal Road (Murals and colorful tetrapods). |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes |
Totem Ore (Traditional Jeju tea and food workshops). |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries |
Jeju Museum of Art; Kim Tschang-yeul Museum of Art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings |
Jeju Mokgwana (Former government office). |
| 🏴 Local Heritage |
Haenyeo (Female divers) culture - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. |
NATURE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
| Topic |
Details |
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes |
Bijarim Forest (Nutmeg trees); Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby |
Hallasan National Park - South Korea's highest peak. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths |
Jeju Olle Trail (26 routes circling the island); Fantasy Bicycle Path (234km). |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints |
Sarabong Park (Sunset views over Jeju City harbor). |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations |
Hado-ri Migratory Bird Sanctuary. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots |
Strictly regulated; designated camping areas like Gwakji Beach Camping Ground. |
OTHER SERVICES AND AMENITIES
| Topic |
Details |
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service |
Korea Post (everywhere); GS25/CU convenience store delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services |
Samsung Service Center (Nohyeong-dong); Apple authorized service (Ubase Jeju). |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots |
Jeju Table Tennis Club (Nohyeong-dong). |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes |
Jeju Global Center (Korean classes for foreigners). |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots |
Jeju Halla Library (Modern, quiet, free Wi-Fi). |
| 🏘️ Community Centers |
Jeju Foreigner Support Center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges |
PC Bangs (PC Rooms) are everywhere; approx. 1,500 KRW/hour. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls |
Jeju Sun Hotel & Casino; landing Casino (Foreigners only). |
BUSINESS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. 5,000,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 33 m² = 165,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. 3,500,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 33 m² = 115,500,000 KRW) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. 4,800,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 240,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. 3,200,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 160,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. 5,500,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 440,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. 3,800,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 304,000,000 KRW) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax |
9% to 24% depending on income brackets. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax |
14% (plus 1.4% local income tax) for residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System |
Worldwide income for residents (>183 days). |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket |
45% for income over 1 billion KRW. |
| 🧾 VAT |
10% (usually included in displayed prices). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules |
Yes, applied to prevent tax avoidance in low-tax jurisdictions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax |
Yes, progressive rates between 0.1% to 0.4%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax |
Acquisition tax ranges from 1% to 4% depending on property value and type. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads |
Korea recently launched a Digital Nomad (Workation) Visa (F-1-D) allowing stays up to 2 years for those earning over 85M KRW/year. |
🧭 CONTINUE EXPLORING JEJU CITY