Jeju City, South Korea
The largest city on Jeju Island, a volcanic paradise known for its stunning coastline, Hallasan Mountain, and unique culture.
Overview
Jeju City is a city in JJD with a population of 500,000. The largest city on Jeju Island, a volcanic paradise known for its stunning coastline, Hallasan Mountain, and unique culture. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs South Korea Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Jeju City vs South Korea Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.0%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₩33,000,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 500,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 195/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 34°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: ₩350,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ₩400000/mo
Cost of Living
Jeju City's cost of living index is 78 (South Korea average = 100).
| Category | Jeju City | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 78 | 100 | -22.0% |
| Housing | 75 | 100 | -25.0% |
Data source: KOSIS / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₩350,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₩400000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₩500,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₩233,333 |
Data source: KB Kookmin Bank / Zigbang, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Jeju City:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₩50000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | ₩490 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₩15000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₩30000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | ₩5000 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | ₩100490 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: KEPCO, Korea Water Resources, SK Broadband 2025
Remote Work Score
Jeju City scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Jeju City has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F | 34°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 49°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 52°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Jeju City faces the following natural hazards:
Significant typhoon risk.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Monsoon and typhoon floods.
South Korea experiences winter storms.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year starts in March. Many students attend private academies (hagwons) after school.
Demographics
The population of Jeju City is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Statistics Korea (2020)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jeju City, South Korea?
The cost of living index in Jeju City is 78, which is Lower the South Korea national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Jeju City?
The median home price in Jeju City is ₩350,000,000. The housing index is 75.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Jeju City is approximately ₩400000/mo.
Does Jeju City, JJD have income tax?
Jeju City is in JJD, which has an income tax rate of 6%.
What is the climate like in Jeju City?
Jeju City enjoys approximately 195 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 34°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: KOSIS / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: KB Kookmin Bank / Zigbang, 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Korea (KOSTAT) Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities KEPCO, Korea Water Resources, SK Broadband 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.