Is Jeju Island Safe in October 2026?

Drivers at Manjanggul Cave and other volcanic sites quote tour prices double the standard rate, claiming exclusive access or adding unnecessary stops. Prices of 100,000 KRW are quoted where 50,000 KRW is normal.

How to avoid: Book tours through the Jeju Tourism Organization website or your hotel. Use KakaoT for ground transport and compare rates at the official visitor center near Jeju Airport.

Some taxi drivers at Jeju International Airport charge flat rates significantly above the metered fare for hotel transfers, particularly targeting non-Korean-speaking tourists.

How to avoid: Use the Kakao T app for transparent, metered pricing. If taking a street taxi, ensure the meter is running before departure.

Restaurants clustered around the Haenyeo diver villages in Seongsan and Jungmun display fresh seafood in tanks outside and invite tourists to select their own catch. Once seated, the final bill includes undisclosed preparation fees, mandatory side-dish charges, and premium pricing that can reach three to five times what locals pay at the same establishments. Servers often add expensive items to the table without asking and count them on the bill.

How to avoid: Insist on seeing a full written price list in Korean and English before ordering. Confirm the total cost — including all preparation and side-dish fees — before any food is cooked. If no price list is provided, walk away and choose a restaurant in Seongsan town center where menus with prices are posted at the entrance.

Car and scooter rental operators near Jeju International Airport and in Jeju City's tourist strip add pre-existing scratch and dent damage to the rental agreement only after you return the vehicle. Staff photograph minor blemishes that were present before your rental and claim they occurred during your use, then demand cash payment on the spot before releasing your deposit or passport.

How to avoid: Document the entire vehicle with a time-stamped video walkthrough before driving off, ensuring all existing damage is visible and acknowledged in writing by the staff. Pay the deposit by credit card so you can dispute fraudulent charges. Never surrender your passport as a deposit — it is not legally required.

Shops selling Jeju ginseng, ginseng tea, and Korean cosmetics near Lotte World and airport shopping areas pressure tourists into bulk purchases with false claims of authenticity and medicinal benefits. Items are overpriced by 300-500% and often counterfeit.

How to avoid: Avoid shops with aggressive staff or tourist crowds. Purchase cosmetics and ginseng from duty-free shops at the airport or established Korean beauty retailers like Olive Young. Check product codes and holograms for authenticity. Research prices beforehand on Korean shopping sites.