A long layover in Cheju is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Jeju International Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 50 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave CJU:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for South Korea. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Cheju takes about 50 minutes by Local Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is KRW. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some KRW in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Cheju:
Start with Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock). Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to Dongmun Traditional Market. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
If you’d rather stay inside CJU — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Korean Air KAL Lounge (CJU)
- Lotte Duty Free (CJU)
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Heukdon-ga (Black Pork Restaurant) and Samdae Guksu Hoegwan (ì¼ëêµìíê´) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Cheju.
- At the airport: Airport Food Court (í¸ëì½í¸) and Paris Baguette (CJU) will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Getting to Cheju from the Airport
From CJU, the Local Bus gets you to Cheju in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Cheju:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $9 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $24 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Storing Your Luggage at Jeju International Airport
Luggage storage is available at 1st floor of the International/Domestic Terminal, near the arrival gates.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Cheju.
Staying Connected
WiFi at CJU should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in South Korea and you’re good to go.
Sleep & Lounge Options at CJU
Long overnight layover? Your options at CJU include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in South Korea also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Cheju is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Cheju.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.