Housing snapshot
- One bedroom
- 700,000-1,000,000 KRW/month
- Three bedrooms
- 1,200,000-2,000,000 KRW/month
- Purchase, city center
- 12,000,000-18,000,000 KRW/m²
City research
Retire in Jeju
A closer look at Jeju, including Hallasan Mountain and Jeju Stone Park.
430,000Population estimate
700,000-1,000,000 KRW/monthAverage rent
At a glance
The local signals that matter most for a first visit or a first budget.
Population estimate430,000Published city/urban-area estimate; scope varies
Safety90Safety index
Healthcare7.6/10Quality rating
Average rent700,000-1,000,000 KRW/monthMonthly cost
Why Jeju
The character of the city matters as much as the national averages.
- Hallasan Mountain
- Jeju Stone Park
- Manjanggul Cave
- Udo Island
- Seongsan Ilchulbong
- Jeju Beaches
Costs and daily life
Use these figures to build a realistic monthly budget.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- 350,000-550,000 KRW
- Utilities
- 200,000-300,000 KRW
- Transport
- 60,000-70,000 KRW (local bus pass)
- Health insurance
- Approx. 6-7% of income
Healthcare
- Hospital quality
- 3.8/5
- Doctor visit
- Covered by insurance
- Emergency response
- 5-8 minutes
- Specialist wait time
- 3-5 weeks
Getting around
- Walkability
- 70/100
- Public transport
- 7/10
- Airport
- Jeju International Airport
- Airport distance
- 5km from city center
Healthcare essentials for Jeju
Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
FDA-approved upper arm monitor — track your health anywhere
Travel First Aid Kit (200+ pcs)
Comprehensive emergency kit — compact & TSA-approved
Affiliate link. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this guide free.
Climate and community
The details that determine how a place feels through the year.
Climate
- Average temperature
- 15°C
- Summer high
- 30°C
- Winter low
- 4°C
- Rainfall
- 120 days/year
- Sunshine
- 2,400 hours/year
Expat community
- Expat population
- 12,000
- Population share
- 3%
- Main nationalities
- Chinese, American, Japanese
- Integration support
- Expat social clubs, Language exchanges
Climate planning gear for Jeju
Packable Waterproof Rain Jacket
Lightweight & compact — perfect for unpredictable weather
Universal Travel Power Adapter
All-in-one adapter with USB-C — works in 150+ countries
Affiliate link. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this guide free.
Neighborhoods to compare
A useful shortlist for a first visit, rental search, or longer stay.
Jeju City
Why it works: Urban amenities, transport hub
Watch for: Less scenic
Seogwipo
Why it works: Coastal, waterfalls, culture
Watch for: Further from airport
Aewol
Why it works: Beachfront, cafes, peaceful
Watch for: Limited amenities
Hyeopjae
Why it works: Beaches, resorts
Watch for: Tourist-focused
Lifestyle and recreation
A quick read on the parts of city life that do not appear in a rent index.
Dining4/5Local rating
Culture3.5/5Local rating
Nightlife3/5Local rating
Shopping3.5/5Local rating
Green space5/5Local rating
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about retiring in Jeju
What is the cost of living in Jeju?
The published one-bedroom rent for Jeju is 700,000-1,000,000 KRW/month. Total monthly expenses depend on the local currency, housing choice, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle.
Is Jeju safe for retirees and expats?
The directory safety index for Jeju is 90/100. A comparable citywide crime rate is not published here; conditions vary by district. The walkability score is 70/100 and public-transport coverage is 6/10.
What are the best neighborhoods to live in Jeju for retirees?
The listed retirement neighborhoods in Jeju include Jeju City, Seogwipo, Aewol. Compare healthcare access, services, transport, noise, and housing costs at neighborhood level before choosing.
How is the healthcare system in Jeju?
Jeju hospital facilities are rated 3.8/5. Doctor visits are listed at approximately Covered by insurance; insurance acceptance and newcomer eligibility vary by provider and status.
What transportation options are available in Jeju?
Jeju has a public-transport efficiency score of 7/10 and coverage score of 6/10. The walkability score is 70/100, and the nearest international airport is 5km from city center.
What is the climate like in Jeju?
Jeju has an average temperature of 15°C with 120 days/year rainfall days listed per year; occasional snow is listed. Seasonal comfort depends on personal needs and the specific neighborhood.
Are there other expats and retirees in Jeju?
Jeju has a listed international-resident share of 3% and the recorded nationalities are Chinese and American. Integration services are Expat social clubs, Language exchanges, Island community events; availability should be confirmed locally.
What visa or residence route applies to retirees in South Korea?
South Korea lists No general retirement visa; routes depend on nationality, family, investment or another eligible status. The published annual income figure is no fixed amount is listed in this profile; requirements, processing and eligibility are route-specific and should be confirmed with the responsible authority before applying.
What tax points should retirees check before moving to South Korea?
The country-level tax notes list income tax: Progressive up to 45%. CGT: 10%−50%. Inherit: Progressive 10−50%.; property tax: Property and holding taxes vary by property and taxpayer; VAT or sales tax: 10%. Tax residence, pension source, treaty status, property and local rules can change the result, so obtain current advice for the individual case.
Can foreigners buy property near Jeju?
Property ownership rules are country- and property-specific and are not a city-level guarantee in this profile. Check title, restricted-zone, tax, registration and residency rules with the relevant authority and a qualified local adviser before signing.