Jeju International Airport handles flights until late evening, with the last domestic departures from Seoul typically landing around 22:30-23:00. Some international charter flights arrive even later. Here is what you need to know about getting to your hotel after dark.
Taxi availability at night
Taxis operate 24 hours at CJU. Even after the last flights land, there are cars available at the rank outside arrivals. Late at night, the queue is usually shorter than during the day, and the roads are empty.
The ride to Jeju City takes barely 10 minutes without traffic. A metered fare runs KRW 5,000-7,500 (EUR 3-5) with the 20% night surcharge that applies between 00:00 and 04:00. Even with the surcharge, this is very affordable.
For destinations further afield like Jungmun or Seogwipo, the empty roads mean a faster journey — about 35-40 minutes compared to 50 minutes during the day. A taxi to Seogwipo at night costs approximately KRW 40,000-55,000 (EUR 26-35).
Bus situation after dark
Bus 600 (the airport limousine) runs its last service around 22:00. Local city buses also stop by this time. If you arrive after 22:00, public transport is not an option.
Pre-booked transfers at night
A private transfer is particularly useful for late-night arrivals heading to resort areas. After a long flight, navigating an unfamiliar island in the dark with tired family members is not ideal. Your driver waits inside arrivals regardless of delays, and the fixed pricing means no surprises from the night surcharge.
Safety considerations
Jeju Island is exceptionally safe at night. The island has very low crime rates, the airport area is well-lit, and walking around Jeju City at night poses no safety concerns. This is genuinely one of the safest places you can arrive late at night.
Food and services after late arrival
Jeju City has plenty of late-night options. Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) are open 24 hours throughout the city and stock surprisingly good prepared meals, snacks, and drinks. Several restaurants near the downtown area serve until midnight or later, particularly around Tapdong seafood street and Jungang Underground Shopping Center area.
The airport itself has limited food options after the last flights, so plan to eat in town rather than at the terminal.
Accommodation tip
If you arrive very late (after midnight) and have an early morning planned, staying at one of the hotels near the airport or in Jeju City center is more practical than making a long drive to the south coast. The Jeju City area has a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and the famous Korean love motels (which, despite the name, are perfectly respectable budget accommodation).