Can foreigners drive in Jeju with an international permit?
Under Article 96 of the Road Traffic Act, Korea recognises International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention, and permits or licences covered by bilateral agreements. Either is valid for one year from the day you enter Korea. You may not drive commercial vehicles on one, but rental cars are expressly allowed.
| License from | Status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva-convention countries (including Japan, the US, the UK and Australia) | Accepted | Bring the official IDP with your home license |
| Vienna-convention countries (including Vietnam, Germany and Brazil) | Accepted | Bring the official IDP with your home license |
| Hong Kong and Macau | Accepted | Treated separately from mainland China |
| Taiwan | Recognised under a bilateral memorandum since 17 February 2022 | Lotte's FAQ lists only Geneva and Vienna permits; get written confirmation from your rental company |
| Mainland China | Not accepted | China signed neither convention |
The convention country lists are on the government's legal information site. The Korea Road Traffic Authority explains that China is in neither convention, while permits from Hong Kong and Macau remain valid. Korea's mission in Taipei confirmed the Taiwan memorandum took effect on 17 February 2022.
Driving without a licence or permit Korea recognises is an offence under Article 152, with up to one year in prison or a ₩3 million fine, and rental insurance will not cover a crash.
What do you need to rent a car on Jeju?
At Lotte Rent-a-Car, the largest operator, renters and additional drivers must be at least 21, and 15-seat vans need a renter of at least 26. Lotte's English line is +82-2-797-8000 on weekdays from 08:30 to 19:00. Jeju bookings open 90 days ahead.
Which rental car insurance should you choose on Jeju?
Korean counters sell collision cover (자차) in levels. The difference that matters most is what you pay after damage.
| Level | Korean | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 일반자차 | Cover up to a set limit; you pay an excess and anything above it |
| Full | 완전자차 | ₩0 excess, with exclusions listed in the contract |
| Super | 슈퍼자차 | Widest cover; exclusions and extras vary by company |
Since 16 September 2026, a Jeju provincial rule requires rental companies to state their excess, deductible, loss-of-use charge and scope of cover in the rental terms, and caps discounts on the declared daily rate. Read those lines at the counter rather than relying on the tier's name.
The loss-of-use charge (휴차보상료) is compensation for the days the car is off the road for repair. At Lotte it is 50% of the daily rate for each repair day, and it applies even if you took the collision damage waiver. Lotte also offers international customers a waiver with no excess, except on imported models, so check what your booking already includes before paying for an upgrade.
Do you need a car on Jeju Island?
Jeju has no rail network. The Jeju Tourism Organization describes a bus system that reaches the whole island, colour-coded into express, trunk and village routes, with village buses running short routes on smaller roads. A car still suits itineraries with several rural stops in a day.
Supply is capped. The province set the island's target fleet at 28,499 rental cars, 1,283 fewer than the 29,782 registered, and extended the limit on new registrations to 20 September 2028. Book early for high season. If your license is not accepted or you prefer not to drive, see getting around Jeju without a car.
Before you drive off
For the rules and camera fines that catch visitors, see driving a rental car in Korea. For refuelling, see filling up a rental car in Korea.