Jeju car rental for foreigners can be one of the easiest ways to explore the island, especially if you want to visit beaches, waterfalls, hiking areas, and smaller attractions that are inconvenient to reach by bus.
Requirements can vary by rental company, so booking a car online does not automatically guarantee that you can collect it. Your International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, age, payment method, and sometimes your home-country driver’s license can all matter.
This guide explains what foreign visitors need to rent a car in Jeju, what costs and insurance to expect, how airport pickup works, and what to check before you book.
- Quick Answer: Can Foreigners Rent a Car in Jeju?
- What You Need to Rent a Car in Jeju
- How Much Does a Rental Car Cost in Jeju?
- Which Jeju Rental Car Company Is Best for Foreigners?
- Insurance and CDW: What Should You Choose?
- How Jeju Airport Rental Car Pickup Works
- Driving a Rental Car in Jeju: What Foreigners Should Know
- When Renting a Car Is — and Isn’t — Worth It
- Jeju Car Rental Checklist Before You Book
- Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Car in Jeju
- Final Thoughts on Renting a Car in Jeju
Quick Answer: Can Foreigners Rent a Car in Jeju?
Yes. Most eligible foreign visitors can rent and drive a car in Jeju, but you need to meet Korean driving requirements and the rental company’s own conditions.
- You generally need to be at least 21 years old.
- Bring your original passport and a valid original International Driving Permit (IDP). A photo, PDF, or photocopy of the IDP may not be accepted.
- Your IDP must be valid for driving in Korea and issued under an applicable international road traffic convention.
- Carry your home-country driver’s license as well, because some rental companies may ask for it.
- Check the rental company’s payment, age, driving-experience, and vehicle-class requirements before paying.
- If you cannot meet the rental requirements, Jeju is still possible without a car using buses, taxis, private drivers, and organized tours.
For a comparison of all the main ways to travel around the island, see our Jeju Transportation Guide.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Jeju
Before booking, check the requirements for the specific rental company you plan to use. Korean driving rules set the basic eligibility, but rental companies can apply additional conditions for age, payment, vehicle class, or required documents.
For most short-term foreign visitors, the most important document is a valid International Driving Permit (IDP).
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Do not confuse an International Driving Permit with a translated license, an “international driver’s license” sold by a private website, or a digital copy of your permit.
For driving in Korea, your IDP must be issued by an authorized organization in a country or territory whose permits Korea recognizes under the applicable international road traffic conventions. Bring the original physical IDP with you. Major rental companies may refuse photos, PDFs, photocopies, or unofficial permits even if you have already paid for the reservation.
Your IDP also needs to cover the type of vehicle you rent. For a typical passenger car or vehicle with up to nine seats, the relevant B classification is normally required.
Korea generally recognizes an eligible foreign-issued IDP for up to one year from your date of entry, but the permit itself must also remain valid throughout your rental period.
If you are unsure whether your license and IDP qualify, check the official Korea driving information before paying for a non-refundable rental.
Official Korea Driving & Rental Car Guide
Passport and Home-Country Driver’s License
Bring your original passport when you pick up the car. Rental companies use it to verify your identity and your date of entry into Korea, which can affect whether your IDP is still valid for driving in the country.
You should also carry your original home-country driver’s license. Korean tourism guidance notes that some rental companies may ask to see it in addition to your IDP, and individual company requirements can be stricter than the general minimum rules.
The safest approach is simple: bring all three original documents to the rental counter:
- Passport
- International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Home-country driver’s license
Do not leave your regular driver’s license at home just because you already have an IDP. An IDP supports your driving eligibility abroad; it should not be treated as a replacement for your original license.
Age and Driving Experience Requirements
Being old enough to drive in your home country does not automatically make you eligible to rent a car in Jeju.
For short-term foreign visitors, 21 is the general minimum age to rent a car in Korea. However, rental companies can set additional requirements. For example, some major companies require at least one year of driving experience, and restrictions may vary by vehicle type.
Before booking, check:
- The minimum and maximum driver age
- Required years of driving experience
- Whether your chosen vehicle has stricter age or license requirements
- Whether every additional driver meets the same eligibility rules
This matters especially for younger travelers. Even if an online booking system lets you select a vehicle, the rental company can refuse to release the car at pickup if the driver does not meet its eligibility requirements.
Credit Card and Payment Rules
For foreign travelers, the safest option is to bring an internationally enabled credit card in the main driver’s name.
Do not assume that a debit card, prepaid card, cash, or a card belonging to someone who is not traveling with you will be accepted. Payment rules can differ between rental companies, vehicle types, and booking channels, and even a company’s online information may not always describe every branch or reservation condition in the same way.
Before paying for your reservation, check:
- Whether a foreign-issued credit card is accepted
- Whose name must appear on the card
- Whether debit cards are accepted for your specific booking
- Whether a deposit or card authorization is required
- Whether additional charges are paid when you pick up or return the car
If you have both a debit card and a credit card, bring the credit card. It gives you the best chance of avoiding a payment problem when you collect the vehicle.
How Much Does a Rental Car Cost in Jeju?
Jeju rental car prices can change dramatically depending on the travel date, vehicle type, booking period, insurance, and demand. There is no single reliable daily price for every traveler.
As a useful reference, LOTTE Rent-a-Car’s published Jeju member rates, effective from July 2026, show basic cars starting at roughly ₩44,000–₩58,000 for 24 hours, while SUVs and larger vehicles generally cost more.
| Vehicle type | 2026 24-hour reference | Example | Good for |
| Economy | ₩43,800–₩50,800 | Morning, Ray, Casper | 1–2 travelers |
| Compact sedan | ₩54,300–₩57,800 | K3, Avante | Couples or small families |
| Small SUV | ₩64,800–₩68,300 | Seltos, Kona | Extra luggage and longer drives |
| Mid-size SUV | From about ₩80,500 | Sportage, Tucson | Families and groups |
| Large SUV / van | About ₩90,000+ | Sorento, Carnival | Larger groups or more luggage |
These numbers are reference rates, not guaranteed booking prices. During busy travel periods, the final quote can be much higher, while promotions or advance bookings may reduce the base rental price.
More importantly, compare the total cost, not just the cheapest advertised car rate. Your final bill may also include:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or other vehicle-damage protection
- Young-driver surcharges
- Extra drivers or optional equipment
- Fuel or EV charging
- Child seats or other add-ons
- Late-return or other usage charges
For most travelers, the best comparison is the final payable price with the protection you actually want, rather than the lowest headline rate.
Which Jeju Rental Car Company Is Best for Foreigners?
There is no single rental company that is best for every traveler. Prices change by date and vehicle, so foreign visitors should compare English booking support, rental requirements, insurance terms, and airport pickup as well as the headline price.
For travelers who want the simplest direct booking experience in English, LOTTE Rent-a-Car is one of the easiest places to start. Enterprise and Avis are also useful alternatives for travelers who prefer familiar international booking platforms.
| Company | English booking | Jeju Airport access | Main advantage | Watch for | Best for |
| LOTTE Rent-a-Car | Yes | Free shuttle to Jeju Auto House | Detailed English site and Jeju-specific information | Check final payment and CDW terms for your booking | Most first-time foreign renters |
| Enterprise | Yes | Rental-car shuttle to branch | Very detailed English rental policies | Credit card and original IDP requirements are strict | Travelers who want clear international-style terms |
| Avis | Yes | Jeju location operated by local partner SK Rent-a-Car | Familiar international reservation platform | Local service is provided by a partner, so confirm station-specific terms | Travelers who already use Avis |
Do not choose only by the lowest advertised rate. A slightly more expensive rental can be the better choice if the company clearly explains its IDP requirements, damage waiver, payment rules, shuttle procedure, and accident support in a language you understand.
If you use a smaller local Jeju rental company because the price is lower, confirm that it accepts foreign renters and your documents before paying. Also check whether English support is available and exactly what vehicle-damage protection is included.
Official LOTTE Jeju Rental Booking
Official Enterprise Jeju Airport Rental
Official Avis Jeju Airport Rental
Insurance and CDW: What Should You Choose?
Rental car insurance in Korea can be confusing because third-party liability coverage and protection for damage to the rental car are not the same thing.
Major rental companies include liability coverage for injuries or damage you cause to other people or property. However, that does not necessarily mean damage to the rental vehicle itself is fully covered.
This is where a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or similar vehicle-damage protection becomes important.
| Coverage | What it generally protects | What to check |
| Third-party liability | Injury or property damage involving other people | Coverage limits and eligible drivers |
| CDW / vehicle-damage waiver | Damage to the rental vehicle | Deductible or excess, exclusions and coverage limit |
| Zero-excess / full-waiver option | Reduces or removes the deductible for covered damage | Whether tires, wheels, towing and loss-of-use fees are included |
The most important number to check is the deductible or excess — the amount you may still have to pay after an accident.
For example, one company may offer a zero-excess option, while another may cap your responsibility at a fixed amount such as ₩300,000 or ₩500,000. The exact amount and exclusions depend on the rental company and protection plan.
Before choosing a CDW or “full coverage” option, check whether it covers:
- Damage to the rental vehicle
- Tires and wheels
- Towing or roadside costs
- Theft
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Loss-of-use or inoperable-vehicle fees
- Damage caused by an unregistered driver
Do not assume that “zero excess” means every possible accident-related charge is zero. Read the exclusions and loss-of-use rules for your specific booking before paying.
For most short-term visitors who do not already have reliable rental-car coverage through another policy or credit card, choosing stronger vehicle-damage protection can make the final cost more predictable.
Official LOTTE Insurance & CDW Information
How Jeju Airport Rental Car Pickup Works
In most cases, you do not walk out of Jeju Airport and pick up your rental car directly beside the terminal. Rental companies use shuttle buses to take customers from the airport’s Rental Car House area to their vehicle pickup locations.
- After arriving, head toward Gates 3 and 5 on the first floor.
- Cross the road in front of the terminal.
- Follow the signs under the canopy toward the Rental Car House.
- Check the stop number for your rental company.
- Board your rental company’s shuttle bus.
- Complete the document check and vehicle pickup at the company’s rental location.
The official rental-car shuttle area is outside Gate 5, but individual companies use different shuttle stops and schedules. Check the pickup instructions in your reservation before arriving, especially if your flight lands late in the day.
Keep your passport, original IDP, home-country driver’s license, reservation confirmation, and payment card somewhere easy to reach. You may need them when completing the rental agreement after the shuttle ride.
When returning the car, follow your rental company’s instructions rather than driving directly to the passenger terminal. You will normally return the vehicle to the company’s location and use its shuttle back to Jeju Airport.
Official Jeju Airport Rental Car Shuttle Guide
Driving a Rental Car in Jeju: What Foreigners Should Know
Driving around Jeju is generally straightforward, but a few local habits and tools can make your trip much easier. Before leaving the rental-car lot, set up your navigation, check how your car is fueled or charged, and make sure you know what to do if there is an accident.
Use NAVER Map or KakaoMap for Navigation
For driving in Jeju, NAVER Map is a particularly useful choice for English-speaking travelers. It provides English maps and English navigation, along with real-time traffic information and driving directions.
KakaoMap is another useful option and also includes turn-by-turn car navigation. Having both apps installed can be helpful if you have trouble finding a restaurant, accommodation, parking lot, or attraction in one of them.
Save your main destinations before you start driving. This is especially useful for rural attractions, trail entrances, beaches, and smaller businesses where similarly named places can appear in search results.
NAVER Map Download: Android | iPhone
KakaoMap Download: Android | iPhone
Speed Limits, Cameras and Basic Driving Rules
Korea drives on the right side of the road, with the steering wheel on the left. Seat belts are required, drivers must give priority to pedestrians, and using a phone while driving or driving after drinking is prohibited.
Speed limits depend on the road, so always follow the posted signs. As a general guide:
- School zones: 30 km/h
- Urban roads: commonly 50 km/h unless another limit is posted
- National roads: limits vary by road type and lane configuration
Speed cameras are widely used in Korea, and navigation apps often warn you about upcoming enforcement zones. However, do not rely only on the app — watch the roadside speed-limit signs and road markings.
A few traffic rules can feel unfamiliar if you have never driven in Korea:
- Left turns are usually controlled by a green arrow or an authorized unprotected-left-turn sign.
- U-turns should only be made where road signs or markings allow them.
- Red pavement often indicates a school or pedestrian safety zone, where you should slow down and pay extra attention.
- At roundabouts, yield to vehicles already circulating inside.
If a junction or road marking is unclear, it is safer to continue straight and reroute than to make an uncertain turn or U-turn.
Official Korea Driving Rules Guide
Parking in Jeju
Parking is generally easier in Jeju than in central Seoul, but popular attractions, busy coastal areas, and city centers can still fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Whenever possible, use the official parking lot for your attraction, restaurant, or accommodation rather than leaving the car on the roadside.
A few useful parking rules:
- Park only in clearly marked parking spaces or permitted roadside areas.
- A white curb or marked roadside parking box generally indicates permitted parking.
- Do not park beside a yellow curb, at a bus stop, on a crosswalk, near a fire hydrant, or too close to an intersection.
- Do not use spaces reserved for disabled drivers unless the vehicle has the required permit.
- EV charging spaces should only be used when you are actually charging an electric vehicle.
At automated parking lots, you may need to enter the last four digits of the rental car’s license plate at the payment kiosk. Take a photo of the plate when you collect the car so you do not have to remember it later.
One issue for foreign travelers is payment. Do not assume every unmanned parking machine will accept your overseas credit card. Cash is also increasingly uncommon at automated parking facilities, so check the available payment methods before leaving the car if possible.
If a restaurant, hotel, or attraction offers parking validation or a discount, ask the staff before you pay at the machine.
Gas Stations and EV Charging
Before leaving the rental lot, confirm exactly what fuel your car uses and check the fuel or battery level shown on the dashboard. Do not guess whether a vehicle takes gasoline, diesel, or LPG.
For gasoline or diesel rentals, companies commonly require you to return the car with the same fuel level you received it with. If the tank is lower when you return the vehicle, the rental company may charge you for the missing fuel.
A simple habit can prevent problems later: take a photo of the dashboard showing the fuel level, mileage, and any warning lights before you drive away.
If you need to refuel, show the staff the fuel type listed on your rental agreement if you are unsure what to select. Some gas stations are self-service, so ask the rental company to point out the correct fuel type when you collect the car.
Renting an EV in Jeju
An electric rental car can work well in Jeju, but foreign travelers should check the charging and payment system before choosing an EV.
Charging procedures are not identical across rental companies. Some companies may provide a charging card or another way to access chargers, while others may expect you to pay for charging yourself. Korean charging apps and payment systems can also be less convenient if you do not have a Korean account or locally issued payment method.
Before accepting an EV, ask:
- How charging fees are paid
- Whether a charging card is provided
- Whether you need a Korean app or account
- What battery level is required when you return the car
- What to do if a charger will not accept your payment
- Whether roadside assistance covers a depleted battery
Do not assume an EV must be returned fully charged. Return requirements depend on the rental company. For example, LOTTE’s current Jeju guidance says its electric vehicles do not need to be returned with a full charge.
For a short trip, choose an EV only if you are comfortable planning charging stops and understand how your rental company handles payment. Otherwise, a gasoline or hybrid car may be simpler for a first-time visitor.
What to Do After an Accident or Breakdown
If you are involved in an accident, contact your rental company as soon as possible. Tell them where you are, whether anyone is injured, and how serious the damage appears to be.
If there is an immediate safety risk, injury, or a dispute that requires police assistance, call 112 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance services.
If it is safe to do so, document the scene before the vehicles are moved:
- Take photos or video of the overall accident scene
- Photograph damage to all vehicles involved
- Record the other vehicle’s license plate
- Save the location of the accident
- Exchange names and contact details with the other driver
- Follow the rental company’s instructions about towing, repairs, or vehicle replacement
Do not arrange your own repair or towing service unless the rental company tells you to do so. Your CDW or other protection may have conditions that require the accident to be reported and handled through the rental company.
For a breakdown that does not involve a collision, call the rental company first. Roadside-assistance coverage varies by company and may separately cover problems such as a dead battery, flat tire, lockout, or towing.
Keep your rental company’s emergency number and reservation details on your phone before you start driving. Some major companies provide 24-hour accident assistance, even when normal customer-service hours have ended.
Official Korea Emergency Information
When Renting a Car Is — and Isn’t — Worth It
A rental car is useful in Jeju, but not every traveler needs one.
A Rental Car Is Usually Worth It If You:
- Want to visit several attractions in different parts of the island in one day
- Plan to explore beaches, oreums, cafés, or rural areas away from major bus routes
- Are traveling with family, children, or several pieces of luggage
- Prefer to change your itinerary without waiting for buses
- Are staying outside central Jeju City or Seogwipo and plan to move around frequently
You May Be Better Without a Car If You:
- Are not eligible to rent under Korea’s IDP or rental-company requirements
- Do not feel comfortable driving in an unfamiliar country
- Plan to stay mainly in Jeju City or central Seogwipo
- Have a simple itinerary with only one or two major destinations each day
- Prefer guided day tours rather than planning parking, navigation, and driving yourself
- Expect to drink alcohol during your day or evening activities
For two or more travelers visiting several places in one day, a rental car can also become more practical than repeatedly taking long taxi rides. But do not choose a car only because it seems convenient — include the rental rate, CDW, fuel or charging, parking, and your comfort with driving in the decision.
If you cannot or do not want to drive, Jeju can still be traveled by bus, taxi, private driver, and organized day tour.
Jeju Car Rental Checklist Before You Book
Before paying for a Jeju rental car, run through this checklist:
- Confirm that you meet the rental company’s age and driving-experience requirements.
- Make sure you have an original valid IDP, passport, and home-country driver’s license.
- Check that your IDP covers the vehicle class you plan to rent.
- Confirm which credit or debit cards the company accepts and whose name must be on the card.
- Compare the final price including CDW or other vehicle-damage protection, not just the base rental rate.
- Check the deductible, exclusions, and any loss-of-use charges.
- Confirm the Jeju Airport shuttle pickup location and operating hours.
- Check whether additional drivers must be registered in advance.
- Confirm the fuel or EV charging policy and the required return level.
- Save the rental company’s accident and roadside-assistance contact number.
- Take photos of the vehicle, dashboard, fuel or battery level, and existing damage before leaving the lot.
If any requirement is unclear, contact the rental company before making a non-refundable booking. It is much easier to resolve a document or payment question before your trip than at the pickup counter in Jeju.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Car in Jeju
Do foreigners need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Jeju?
Yes, short-term foreign visitors generally need a valid original International Driving Permit (IDP) that is recognized in Korea, along with a passport. Your rental company may also require your home-country driver’s license.
Can I rent a car in Jeju with only my foreign driver’s license?
Generally, no. A regular foreign driver’s license by itself is not enough for most short-term visitors. You normally need a valid IDP that Korea recognizes. Bring your original home-country license as an additional document because some rental companies also ask to see it.
Can I use a digital or photocopied IDP?
No. Bring the original physical IDP issued by an authorized organization. Major rental companies can refuse digital versions, photos, PDFs, photocopies, plastic “international licenses,” or unofficial permits sold by private websites.
Can I rent a car in Jeju if I am under 25?
Possibly. The general minimum age for foreign renters is 21, but rental companies can impose additional age, driving-experience, vehicle-class, or young-driver requirements. Check the conditions for your exact vehicle before booking.
Can I pick up a rental car directly at Jeju Airport?
Usually not directly from the passenger terminal. Most rental companies operate from locations outside the terminal and provide a shuttle bus from the Jeju Airport Rental Car House area. Check your company’s shuttle stop and operating hours before arrival.
Final Thoughts on Renting a Car in Jeju
For eligible travelers, renting a car can be one of the most flexible ways to explore Jeju — especially if your itinerary includes several coastal, rural, or mountain destinations.
The key is to confirm your IDP and rental eligibility before booking, compare the total price with suitable vehicle-damage protection, and understand the company’s payment, airport shuttle, fuel, and return rules.
If driving is not right for you, that does not mean Jeju is difficult to visit. Buses, taxis, private drivers, and day tours can all work depending on your itinerary.
For help planning the rest of your trip — including when to visit, where to stay, what to do, and how many days you need — see our Jeju Island Travel Guide.