Am I the Only One Who Thinks Jeju Is Perfect for Budget Travel? 🥹
Every time someone asks me for a travel recommendation, my first answer is always: Jeju Island! And when my Korean friend 🇰🇷 heard I was going to Seoul, they reacted like: 🥲 Huh? But when they heard I was going to Jeju, it was: 🥹 That’s so fun! 1️⃣ Visa-Free Entry: A Big Win for Budget Travelers Jeju is one of the few visa-free destinations in developed countries—and it’s so traveler-friendly! Applying for visas for other countries usually costs a few hundred RMB, which is basically the price of two nights’ accommodation 😭. But Jeju’s visa-free policy means: No fees! No tedious paperwork! Just grab your passport and go abroad! 🛂 2️⃣ Transportation: Affordable Buses & T-Money Card Jeju’s buses are actually pretty cheap—cheaper than public transport in Hong Kong or Japan. Most popular attractions and hotels are covered by bus routes (though some rides are long and time-consuming). Highly recommend buying a T-Money card in advance: It works for all buses and even convenience store purchases. Save money and avoid fumbling with cash! 🚌💳 3️⃣ Activities: Mostly Free & High-Value Fun Most of Jeju’s attractions are free! For beaches, my ranking is: Udo Island Beach > Hyeopjae Beach > Hyeopjae Beach (Hyeopjae is just too crowded). If you want to visit multiple spots, 1-day group tours are great value. My top pick: Udo Island ☀️ A must-visit on sunny days! The 3rd floor of the ferry has (seagull) feeding—super fun. Besides the stunning “matcha lava chocolate” landscapes (volcanic rocks + greenery + sea), the white coral beach is perfect for snorkeling! Buy your own snorkel gear (no entrance fee needed!)—the water is crystal clear, and there are tons of fish (I even saw a pufferfish 🐡!). For amazing natural scenery, don’t miss Jusangjeolli Cliff in Seogwipo City—those columnar basalt rocks are breathtaking! 🌊 4️⃣ Food: Authentic Korean Eats (Even Better Than Seoul!) You can get super authentic Korean food here—some BBQ is even better than in Seoul 🥹! The black pork is really fragrant, though a bit pricey. Jeju’s seafood is also a must-try: We picked a random restaurant near the port for live octopus and sashimi, and it was so delicious 🤤. 5️⃣ Shopping: Great Deals for Budget Shoppers Duty-free shops: GM glasses and MLB hats are roughly half the price of domestic ones. Gold prices are also affordable. Olive Young: A paradise for affordable cosmetics—so fun to browse! Vintage stores: There are tons of great vintage shops to explore (I didn’t buy anything, but it’s fun to look!). ABC Mart: Has cheaper Adidas and Nike shoes (around 200-300 a pair—way cheaper than in China 🥹). 6️⃣ Accommodation: Skip Expensive Hotels, Choose Guesthouses! Hotels are usually pricey, so guesthouses are the way to go! There are lots of cheap, nice guesthouses to find in Jeju City—some even have sea views! You don’t have to stay downtown: While downtown is more bustling, last time I stayed with friends in a small coastal village, it was so fun to explore and take photos. It felt like a quiet town in Taiwan 📸. #TravelInspiration #CasualTravelVibes #IslandTrip #JejuIsland #JejuTravel #JejuGuide #JejuTourism #JejuFood #BudgetTravel #BudgetTraveler
