“How much does it cost to travel to Jeju Island for four days and three nights?” This is a question that many people who are planning their first trip to a Korean island often ask.
The answer is: The average cost per person ranges from around 3,500 to 8,000 yuan, with significant differences depending on an individual’s travel preferences (budget-friendly, comfortable, or luxury).
This article breaks down the five main expenses—airfare, accommodation, meals, transportation, and entrance fees for attractions—and provides the latest estimates for 2026, so you can calculate your budget accurately before you set off.
Overview of costs for a four-day, three-night stay in Jeju Island
Below is an estimated average cost per person for a two-person trip from mainland China, assuming a self-guided tour:
| Expense Category | Budget-Friendly Option (yuan/person) | Comfortable Option (yuan/person) | Luxury Option (yuan/person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Airfare (round-trip) | 800–1,200 | 1,200–2,000 | 2,000–3,500 |
| 🏨 Accommodation (3 nights) | 500–900 | 900–1,800 | 1,800–4,000 |
| 🍽️ Meals (4 days) | 400–600 | 600–1,000 | 1,000–2,000 |
| 🚗 Transportation (rental cars/buses) | 200–400 | 400–700 | 700–1,500 |
| 🎫 Entrance tickets to attractions | 100–200 | 200–400 | 400–800 |
| 🛍️ Shopping gifts | 300–500 | 500–1,000 | 1,000+ |
| Total (per person) | 2,300–3,800 | 3,800–6,900 | 6,900+ |
💡 Tip: The ticket prices listed above are average rates for departures from mainland China (major cities). It is recommended to book tickets 3–4 weeks in advance for the May Day holiday period, otherwise prices may double.
I. Ticket prices – the most variable factor
Tickets are the most fluctuating item in the budget for a trip to Jeju Island; it is important to pay close attention to these costs.
Direct Flights (Recommended)
| Departure City | Flight Time | Average One-Way Price on Weekdays | Average One-Way Price during the Golden Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (Pudong/Hongqiao) | Approximately 1.5 hours | 800 to 1,200 yuan | 1,500 to 2,500 yuan |
| Beijing (Capital/Daxing) | About 2 hours | 900 to 1,400 yuan | 1,600 to 2,800 yuan |
| Guangzhou | About 2 hours | 800 to 1,200 yuan | 1,400 to 2,400 yuan |
| Chengdu/Chongqing | About 3 hours | 900 to 1,300 yuan | 1,500 to 2,600 yuan |
| Other cities (transit via Seoul/Busan) | 4 to 6 hours | 700 to 1,000 yuan | 1,200 to 2,200 yuan |
✅ Cost-saving tips:
- Use apps like “Where to Go”, “Feizhū”, or “Ctrip” to check the price calendar and book your flight 2 to 3 days before the lowest-price date.
- Booking a flight for May 4th (to avoid the peak period on May 1st) can save you around 30% to 50%.
- If there are low-cost airlines operating in the area (such as Jeju Air or Jin Air through code-sharing), consider choosing their basic economy classes first.
II. Accommodation costs — the biggest difference in cost-effectiveness
Jeju Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. The approximate costs for a four-day/three-night stay are as follows:
Reference prices per night for various types of accommodation
| Type | Representative hotels | Per night (RMB/per room) | Target audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget hostels/homestays | Homestays and capsule hotels in Jeju city area | 80–200 RMB | Backpackers, solo travelers |
| Budget-friendly hotels | Hotel Leo, Hotel Sirius | 200 to 400 yuan | Couples/friends with limited budgets |
| Four-star business hotels | Lotte City Hotel, Jeju Apartment Hotels | 400 to 700 yuan | Travelers seeking comfort |
| Beachfront resorts | The Shilla Jeju, Hotel Whistle Lark | 700 to 1,500 yuan | Honeymoon and luxury travel |
📍 Suggestions for accommodation locations:
- Yeondong area of Jeju City: The best place for shopping and dining, ideal for those who don’t drive
- Sigaeup City: Beautiful scenery and excellent ocean views, perfect for those who enjoy beach vacations
- Near Seongsan Sunrise Peak: Convenient for early morning sunrises, great for photo enthusiasts
III. Food and beverage expenses – approximately 150 to 300 yuan per person per day
Overall, food prices on Jeju Island are slightly lower than in Seoul, so you can have a great time for four days without spending too much.
Must-try activities and their approximate costs
| Delicious food | Per capita consumption (in RMB) | Reasons for recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Jeju Island black pork barbecue | 80–150 RMB per person | A Jeju specialty with evenly distributed fat and a sweet taste, completely different from regular pork |
| Abalone congee/Abalone mixed with rice | 60–100 RMB per person | Freshly caught abalone by Jeju sea women, sweet and not fishy |
| Dried squid dishes | 50–80 RMB per person | Jeju’s specialty seafood, tender and low in bones |
| Gudao peanut ice cream | 10 to 20 yuan per piece | A must-try delicacy exclusive to Gudao, with rich dairy flavor |
| Jeju tangerine desserts | 15 to 30 yuan | Tangerine-flavored coffee and desserts can be found everywhere |
| Snacks at Dongmen Market | 30 to 60 yuan per person | A street full of cakes, pancakes, and mixed rice bowls – the best deal around |
💡 Money-saving tips: You can have breakfast at convenience stores (CU/GS25) for around 15–25 yuan per meal; have lunch at markets or small restaurants, and choose a specialty restaurant for dinner. This way, you can keep daily dining expenses under 150 yuan.
IV. Transportation costs – Renting a car vs. taking the bus
Jeju Island doesn’t have a subway, so the main modes of transportation are:
Comparison of transportation costs
| Transportation methods | Costs for 4 days (per person in yuan) | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renting a car and driving yourself (cost shared by 2 people) | 200–350 yuan | It is the most flexible and allows access to remote locations. | An international driver’s license is required; parking fees are additional. |
| Public buses | 60 to 120 yuan | The cheapest option | There are few schedules, so waiting times may be long; not suitable for those with tight itineraries. |
| Tourist bus: City Tour Bus | 80 to 100 yuan (one-day pass) | No need to drive; covers all major attractions. | Only covers downtown areas; does not reach the suburbs. |
| Taxis/Kakao Taxi | 400 to 700 yuan | Convenient, available on demand | Relatively expensive, and there may be language barriers |
| Chartered vehicle for a one-day tour (cost shared by 2 people) | 250 to 400 yuan per day | Comes with a driver, saving you the hassle | Limited flexibility in itinerary |
🚗 Recommended option: If there are 2 or more people, renting a car and driving yourself is the best choice (you need to obtain an international driver’s license in advance). This option is the most cost-effective and offers the greatest freedom. If you don’t want to drive, you could consider splitting the cost of a one-day charter tour: spend one day in the east, one day in the west, and use the remaining day to explore the city.
V. Admission fees for attractions
Many natural attractions on Jeju Island are completely free of charge, with only a few man-made attractions requiring a fee. Overall, the entrance costs are not high.
| Attractions | Entrance fee (RMB per person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seongsan Sunrise Peak | Approximately 25 yuan | UNESCO World Heritage Site; a must-see for sunrise viewing |
| Niu Island ferry (round trip) | Approximately 65 yuan | Includes ferry ticket + island transportation |
| Hanna Mountain National Park | Free of charge | Climbing requires physical strength and at least half a day |
| Aqua Planet Aquarium | Approximately 150 yuan | One of the largest in Asia; a must-visit for families |
| 9.81 Park | Approximately 70 to 100 yuan | Gravity-themed amusement park; exciting and fun |
| Otai Columnar Joint Zone | Free | Volcanic geological wonders |
| The main waterfall | Approximately 15 yuan | A magnificent waterfall that flows straight into the sea |
| Village of local customs and traditions | Free | A traditional village from a hundred years ago, the filming location of Dae Jang Geum |
✅ Money-saving tips: Buy tickets in advance through platforms like Klook or Kkday, and you can save 10%–20% on some attractions. There are also special discounts around National Day.
Six-day, four-night itinerary × Estimated daily expenses
Below is a 4-day, 3-night itinerary for the “Economically Comfortable” option, along with daily cost estimates (for two people):
| Number of Days | Key Itinerary Points | Daily Cost (CNY/per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Jeju Island → Check in → Visit Nongdong shopping district → Eat at Dongmen Market | 150–250 (food and transportation) |
| Day 2 | Chengsan Sunrise Peak → One-day tour of Niu Island → View sunset at Seokcheok Beach | 250–400 (entrance fees + transportation + meals) |
| Day 3 | Hannapa Mountain/Situated Folk Village → Napo Columnar Joint Zone → Barbecue dinner with pork | 200–350 (mainly for meals) |
| Day 4 | Shopping for souvenirs → Leaving the airport | 200–500 (for souvenirs/shopping) |
| Subtotal for 4 days of meals, transportation, and tickets | 800–1,500 | |
VII. Budget for shopping and souvenirs
Shopping on Jeju Island mainly involves purchasing distinctive souvenirs and skincare products, so the spending pressure is much lower than in Seoul:
- 🍊 Jizhou orange-related products: orange chocolate, dried oranges, orange chips — all ranging from 20 to 50 yuan per piece, making them excellent gifts.
- 🌿 Innisfree’s Jizhou Island-exclusive range: skincare products and face masks — priced between 200 and 500 yuan.
- 🐷 Black pork products: black pork sausages, seasoning packs — priced from 100 to 200 yuan.
- 🐻 Teddy Bear Museum souvenirs: available for 50 to 200 yuan.
- 🍵 Western green tea garden tea leaves and beverages: priced from 50 to 150 yuan.
Generally, spending around 300 to 600 yuan will suffice to buy gifts for family and friends.
VIII. Precautions for additional costs during the peak season of May Day
When visiting Jizhou Island during the May Day holiday, there are several expenses you need to pay special attention to:
- 🎫 Flight prices increase significantly: during the peak period of May Day (April 28 to May 3), ticket prices may be 50% to 100% higher than usual. It is recommended to book tickets at least 4 weeks in advance.
- 🏨 Accommodation costs also rise noticeably: popular hotels may see price increases of 30% to 50%, and rooms are often sold out quickly, so it’s important to book in advance as well.
- ⏱️ Popular attractions with long queues: Places like Seongsan Sunrise Peak and Udo Island see increased foot traffic during the May Day holiday. You can book tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line.
- 🍽️ Restaurant wait times: At popular pork restaurants during May Day, wait times can range from 30 to 60 minutes. It’s recommended to reserve a table in advance or go early in the day.
IX. Practical tip: Skin care treatments can also be included in your itinerary.
While visiting Jeju Island, many people also schedule skin care treatments. The cost of such services is generally lower compared to Seoul. With clear weather and moderate temperatures during May Day, you can safely undergo treatments like hyaluronic acid injections, LDM therapy, or photorejuvenation without worrying about sun damage to your recovering skin (however, applying SPF50+ sunscreen is still essential).
If you want to plan in advance, you can use the Chinese-language reservation platform BeautsGO to find partner clinics in Jeju Island. This way, you can lock in your desired treatments and times ahead of time, avoiding any communication barriers. It’s ideal to make reservations while still in your home country before traveling.
X. Summary of the total cost for a 4-day/3-night trip to Jeju Island in 2026
| Travel style | Average total cost per person (in yuan) | Target audience |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Budget-friendly travelers | 2,500～3,500 | Students who enjoy challenging adventures in travel |
| 😊 Comfort and balance | 3,500～5,500 | For most travelers (recommended) |
| ✨ Premium comfort | 5,500～10,000+ | Honeymooners, families, and those who value quality travel |
Overall, Jeju Island is an excellent value-for-money destination in Korea. Compared to Seoul, it offers less stress on expenses and more natural attractions. A four-day, three-night trip is just enough to see all the main highlights. Booking your flight and accommodation in advance makes a trip to Jeju Island during the Golden Week completely feasible.
🗓️ Final reminder: When planning a trip for the Golden Week, arrange your flight, accommodation, and tickets for popular attractions at least 4 weeks in advance. This will help you save a lot of money and make your journey more hassle-free.
