Hello, this is Mink Blogger.
When people visit Jeju, most of them end up renting a car, and I’m no exception. However, if you don’t want to rent a car or want to bring your own vehicle, you can transport your car by ferry from places like Wando or Mokpo to Jeju. But, unless you plan to stay for an extended period, it might not be the most efficient option, especially if you’re coming from the Seoul metropolitan area.
I took an early morning flight from Gimpo Airport to Jeju. When I left Gimpo Airport, there weren’t many people, but upon arrival at Jeju Airport, there were quite a few travelers. Most of them were leaving Jeju to go to other destinations, and I noticed it was a bit crowded, even though it was just past 7 AM.
Gimpo Airport has flights to Jeju approximately every 10-20 minutes. The flight schedules are quite frequent, and I found them to be more frequent than even the KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Busan.
I arrived at Jeju Airport early in the morning. I felt like the day had become much longer, having left so early in the morning.
Jeju Island, too, is not immune to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even in Dol Hareubang, the iconic Jeju stone grandfather statues, there are COVID-19 masks. It’s an ironic sight. I wonder when this situation will come to an end.
As soon as I arrived at Jeju Airport, I made a car rental reservation. Actually, I hadn’t booked in advance because it was a last-minute decision. However, I wasn’t too worried because I remembered the electric car rental I used on my previous trip to Jeju and knew that same-day reservations were possible. I also used a comparison website called “Jeju The Rent Car,” which was quite cost-effective. So, I didn’t have many concerns.
I always choose an electric car when renting a vehicle on Jeju Island for several reasons. First, it’s cost-effective in terms of fuel expenses. Additionally, there are some parking benefits, and electric cars have good acceleration and are remarkably quiet. The only drawback is that even with fast charging, it takes about 40 minutes to fully charge.
Apart from 1-2 minor inconveniences, I think renting an electric car is the way to go on Jeju Island, especially considering the charging infrastructure, which is more extensive than most gas stations in the Seoul metropolitan area. By the way, the place I reserved is called “Jeju The Rent Car,” a comparison site I found to be the most economical after comparing options during several trips to Jeju. I recommend checking it out.
On the day of the reservation, I arrived at the office to find my chosen vehicle waiting for me. Jeju Airport has a dedicated bus stop for the car rental companies. Each rental company sends their vehicles there, so you can take the bus to reach your chosen company’s cars.
The place I visited was called “Family Rent Car,” but booking through the “Jeju The Rent Car” comparison site was much more economical than booking directly. Moreover, you can see the latest car models and easily compare options, such as model year, features, and functions.
From arriving at the airport to picking up the car, the entire process took only about 20 minutes. It was effortless.
Electric cars are a lot of fun. Even from a distance, you can’t help but feel that this is your car. I felt the same way when I rented a car last time, and it was no different this time. Especially for the Kona model, white is the most attractive and gives the most electric car vibes.
Electric cars in Jeju have blue license plates. This is consistent not only in Jeju but nationwide.
Before setting off, it is essential to inspect every part of the vehicle and take pictures. This way, you can prevent misunderstandings about damage that you didn’t cause later. However, minor scratches or scuffs don’t need much attention, especially if you’ve chosen full insurance.
Electric cars have some unique features compared to traditional cars. They don’t have an RPM gauge. Instead, they indicate whether they are charging, using electricity, or in a neutral state.
There’s no gear stick. The car uses electronic buttons for gear changes.
Basic features include auto-hold, a feature I consider indispensable. Auto-hold automatically applies the brakes when the vehicle is stationary. This is especially important in the winter, and the car comes with heated steering wheels and heated seats.
The car comes with a state-of-the-art navigation system and Bluetooth capabilities. You can connect your phone to the car’s speakers and enjoy your music in style. The navigation system has been improved with a wide range of usability.
Here’s a summary:
- When renting an electric car in Jeju, make sure you have a charging card (available for rent).
- Whether it’s a gasoline car or an electric car, having a complete insurance plan and an emergency service in case of a breakdown is a good idea.
- Electric cars have excellent acceleration, are relatively quiet, and receive discounted parking fees at public parking lots.
So, these are the pros and cons of renting an electric car in Jeju and important things to keep in mind.
[This is a review based on my personal experience.]