Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Jeju
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $40-118 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Jeju
Accommodation
$15-45 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, and basic minbaks (traditional Korean guesthouses)
Food & Dining
$12-30 per day
Local markets, street food stalls, convenience store meals, and basic Korean restaurants
Transportation
$5-18 per day
Public buses, walking, and occasional shared taxis for remote attractions
Activities
$8-25 per day
Free hiking trails, beaches, public parks, and occasional museum entries
Currency: ₩ Korean Won (KRW) - prices shown in USD equivalent
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Jeju
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at traditional markets and local neighborhoods instead of tourist areas (typically 40-60% cheaper)
Use public buses for transportation instead of taxis (usually 70-80% savings)
Visit free natural attractions like Hallasan trails and public beaches rather than paid theme parks
Book accommodation directly with guesthouses rather than through international booking sites (often 15-25% cheaper)
Shop for snacks and drinks at convenience stores instead of tourist shops (typically 50-70% less expensive)
Travel during shoulder seasons for accommodation discounts of 20-40%
Pack your own hiking gear instead of renting at tourist sites (saves $15-30 per day)
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Relying entirely on taxis for transportation (can cost 3-5x more than public buses and rental options)
Eating only in hotel restaurants and tourist districts (typically 100-150% markup over local establishments)
Booking last-minute accommodation during peak seasons (often 50-100% higher than advance bookings)
Not researching free hiking trails and natural attractions (missing 40-60% of Jeju's best experiences that cost nothing)