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Jeju City Travel Tips

Jeju City Travel Tips

Jeju City Jeju-do, South Korea Travel Guide

Mobile Connectivity

Local SIM cards from SK Telecom, KT, or LG U+ exist at CJU and convenience stores. Pre-ordering online for airport pickup streamlines activation.

Options

  • Local SIM Cards: Easy purchase at airport or stores.
  • ESIM (Airalo): Digital another option for compatible phones.
  • Pocket Wi-Fi (Solis Wi-Fi): Portable device rentals at CJU for multiple devices.

Internet Access

South Korea provides excellent internet speed and reliability. Free Wi-Fi exists widely in hotels, cafes, and public spaces.

Availability

  • High-Speed Internet: Nationally recognized for speed.
  • Free Wi-Fi: Common in hotels, cafes, public areas.
  • Postal Services: Post offices for international mail (우체국).

Language & Translation

Korean is the official language. English is common in tourist zones and large hotels. Many signs are bilingual.

Aids

  • Bilingual Signs: Tourist attractions, transport hubs often have English.
  • Translation Apps: Papago (Naver) and Google Translate are highly effective.
  • Rosetta Stone: Pre-trip study for deeper immersion.

Phrases

Learning basic Korean phrases fosters positive interactions and smoother travels.

Essential Greetings

  • Hello: Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요)
  • Thank you: Gamsahamnida (감사합니다)
  • How much is this?: Igeo eolmayeyo? (이거 얼마예요?)

Communication hints

Language Challenges

  • Rural Areas: English proficiency may be limited.
  • Local Shops: Smaller establishments may have less English.
  • Navigation: Rely on apps for complicated routes.
  • Gesture Communication: Helpful when words fail.

Internet Usage

  • GPS Navigation: Use Naver Map or KakaoMap.
  • Offline Maps: Download before exploring remote areas.
  • Power Bank: Keep devices charged for continuous connection.
  • Emergency Calls: 112 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance.

Stay Connected

For seamless internet, consider an eSIM or a Pocket Wi-Fi device upon arrival at Jeju International Airport.

Logistical Information

Essential details regarding business hours and accessibility for a smoother journey.

Retail & Dining Hours

Department stores typically operate 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM. Smaller shops vary. Restaurants serve lunch (11:30 AM - 2:00 PM) and dinner (5:30 PM - 9:00 PM).

Banking & ATMs

Banks open 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday. 24/7 ATMs are common in convenience stores and bank lobbies; look for "Global ATM" signs.

Holiday Schedules

Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays mean many businesses have reduced hours or close. Public transport experiences crowds.

Accessibility on Jeju

Infrastructure for those with disabilities shows improvement in modern buildings and major hotels. Older areas and natural sites pose challenges.

Improvements

  • Modern Facilities: New buildings, large hotels, and major tourist spots.
  • Public Transport: Newer buses may have lower-level floors and ramps.
  • Research: Check certain places beforehand or contact local tourism for details.

Traveler Services

Specific services for international travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited. Major public facilities feature some aids.

Considerations

  • Tactile Paving: You can get it in some major public facilities.
  • Visual Announcements: Used in some transport hubs.
  • Seasonal Closures: Coastal activities or small businesses may operate reduced hours in low season.

Airport Services

Pre-Flight Comfort

  • Priority Pass: Global airport lounge access for those who travel often.
  • Airport Lounges: Relax before departure.
  • Dining Options: Various restaurants and cafes.

Flight Irregularities

  • Compensair: Assistance with flight delay, cancellation, or denied boarding claims.
  • Claim Support: Expertise for air passenger rights.
  • Compensation: Retrieve due compensation for travel disruptions.

Advance Planning

During major Korean holidays, confirm business and transport schedules well ahead of time. These periods experience high demand.

Cultural Awareness

Embracing local customs enriches your journey. Jeju Island's unique culture invites respectful exploration.

Greetings & Respect

A slight bow marks a customary greeting, especially to elders. A simple nod suits casual encounters. Show respect using two hands when exchanging items.

Practices

  • Bowing: Customary greeting, especially for elders.
  • Two Hands: Employ for giving/receiving objects like money.
  • Elders: Deferential treatment in social settings.

Attire & Decorum

Informal attire is generally fine. Modest attire, with shoulders and knees covered, becomes appropriate for temples and shrines.

Considerations

  • Casual Dress: Acceptable for most tourist areas.
  • Modest Attire: Required for religious sites (temples/shrines).
  • Photography: Ask permission before photographing individuals.

Dining Etiquette

Wait to be seated in restaurants. Do not stick chopsticks vertically in your rice. Pour drinks for others before yourself.

Dining Practices

  • Seating: Wait to be directed to your table.
  • Chopsticks: Avoid vertical placement in rice (funeral symbol).
  • Pouring: Serve others, especially elders, first.

Tipping & Taboos

Tipping is not customary or expected. Avoid writing names in red ink. Abstain from loud conversations in public transport.

Avoid

  • No Tipping: Not customary in South Korea.
  • Red Ink: Do not write names in red (death association).
  • Loud Conversations: Avoid in public spaces.

Sensitive Topics & Safety

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Politics: Avoid sensitive political or historical topics unless locals initiate.
  • Personal Space: Koreans value personal space; keep distance.
  • Public Affection: Less common in public settings.

LGBTQ+ Travel

  • Progressive: Jeju shows more openness than mainland Korea.
  • Discretion: Public acceptance still developing; discretion advisable.
  • Research: Area resources for LGBTQ+ travelers may exist.

Gender & Social Norms

General Society

  • Conservative: South Korea generally maintains conservative societal views.
  • Social Harmony: Group considerations often precedence over individual.
  • Children: Often central to family life.

Interactions

  • Pointing: Refrain from direct finger pointing; use an open hand.
  • Direct Questions: Can be perceived as impolite in certain contexts.
  • Face Masks: Common practice, especially during cold season or for air quality.

Cultural Enrichment

A small effort to learn local customs greatly enhances your experience and interaction with Jeju residents.

Travel Tips for Jeju

Essential guidance to make your journey to Jeju Island comfortable and memorable.

Health & Safety

South Korea possesses modern medical facilities. Travel insurance remains advisable. Tap water is generally safe to drink.

Preparation

  • Medical Care: High-quality hospitals and clinics.
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended for unforeseen circumstances.
  • Tap Water: Generally potable island-wide.

Money & Currency

The currency is the Korean Won (KRW). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. ATMs (Global ATMs) readily dispense local currency.

Financials

  • Currency: Korean Won (KRW).
  • Credit Cards: Widely accepted everywhere.
  • Cash: Useful for smaller vendors and markets.

Emergency Contacts

Know emergency numbers. Local authorities handle situations professionally. Keep hotel contact details handy.

Numbers

  • Police: 112
  • Fire & Ambulance: 119
  • Tourist Information: 1330

Electrical & Plugs

South Korea uses Type C and Type F electrical outlets. The standard voltage is 220V with a 60 Hz frequency. Adapters become necessary for foreign devices.

Adaptation

  • Plug Type: Type C and F (European style).
  • Voltage: 220V / 60 Hz.
  • Adapter: Bring an universal travel adapter.

Transportation Hacks

T-Money Card

Purchase a T-Money card for seamless public bus travel. Recharge at convenience stores.

Navigation Apps

Utilize Naver Map or KakaoMap for accurate public transport and driving directions.

Car Rental

The most adjustable option for exploring the island. An International Driving Permit is often required.

Prepare Thoughtfully

Familiarize yourself with these helpful details to navigate Jeju Island with ease and confidence.