As a foreigner living in Korea, you may often feel the urge to escape for a quick getaway over the weekend. Instead of spending your weekends solely within Seoul, why not take a short trip outside the city for 1–3 days? In such cases, using a weekend short-term car rental can make it much easier and more comfortable to access attractions that are difficult to reach by public transportation. In this post, I’ll share a real-life experience of renting a car for a 1–3-day weekend trip, along with some helpful tips for those considering car rental while traveling in Jeju Island.
Real Experience: 2 Nights and 3 Days Trip to Gangwon-do
Recently, a friend of mine, who is here as an exchange student, planned a weekend trip to Gangwon-do. Departing from Seoul, they wanted to explore the Gangneung and Sokcho areas, hoping to enjoy both the sea and the mountains. Although they initially considered using KTX trains and buses, traveling with more than three people, carrying luggage, and wanting flexible scheduling led them to opt for a short-term car rental.
Reservation Process and Cost
My friend booked the car easily through a rental car app that offered English-language services. They chose a pickup location near Seoul Station and scheduled the rental from Friday evening to Monday morning for a 2-night, 3-day itinerary. The car was a mid-size model (Hyundai Avante), and the total cost, including insurance, was around 180,000 KRW for the three days. They appreciated that collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance was included, providing peace of mind in case of accidents. Fuel costs were separate. Although weekend and holiday rates were slightly higher than weekday rates, when split among the group, the cost was comparable—or even cheaper—than buying separate KTX and bus tickets.
Actual Driving Review
When picking up the car around 7 PM on Friday, the city traffic was a bit congested, but using GPS navigation, they smoothly entered the highway. Thanks to the onboard Hi-Pass device, toll booth crossings were convenient, and even arriving late at night near Gangneung, they could drive directly to their accommodation without any hassle. The next day, they visited popular spots like Gyeongpo Beach, Jumunjin Market, and Sokcho Central Market, enjoying local food and moving freely without the need to plan around bus schedules, resulting in high satisfaction with the trip.
Although steep roads and mountain driving initially made them a bit nervous, Korea’s well-maintained roads helped avoid any problems. Due to heavy weekend traffic, real-time traffic updates from Naver Map or KakaoMap were crucial for finding alternative routes. Driving along Gangwon-do’s coastal highways turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of their journey in Korea, showcasing the true appeal of the freedom that short-term rentals offer.
Weekend Traffic and Peak Time Warnings
One of the major discomforts often mentioned during weekend trips is heavy traffic during return trips to and from Seoul. From Friday evening to Saturday morning, many cars leave Seoul, and from Sunday afternoon to early Monday morning, inbound traffic into Seoul increases. Since foreigners may not be familiar with this pattern, adjusting departure and return times to avoid peak hours is wise. For instance, departing immediately after work on Friday might lead to long traffic jams; instead, it’s better to leave late at night or very early on Saturday morning.
Also, highway rest areas can become extremely crowded over the weekend. Long restroom lines and wait times for meals are common. While Korea’s unique rest area culture can be fun to experience, it’s a good idea to minimize stops or prepare light snacks in advance to save time.
Jeju Island Car Rental: Ideal for 1–3 Day Trips
Jeju Island, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Korea, can be challenging to explore fully using only public transportation. Although the bus system is decent, having a car allows for a much more efficient and comfortable trip. Therefore, many foreigners traveling to Jeju opt for 1–3 day short-term car rentals.
Tips for Booking a Rental Car in Jeju
Jeju Island’s rental car market is highly competitive, with many companies vying for customers through pricing and service deals. It’s beneficial to use comparison sites or travel platforms to review multiple offers at once. Typically, pickup locations are clustered around the airport, and after your flight arrival, you can take a shuttle bus to the rental car pickup point.
During weekends or peak seasons (summer holidays, year-end, New Year holidays), vehicles can quickly become fully booked. Making a reservation at least 2 weeks to 1 month in advance is highly recommended. Insurance coverage should include at least collision damage waiver (CDW) for better protection. Since Jeju’s roads often involve coastal drives and hills, driving can be slightly tricky for beginners, so having insurance helps for more relaxed travel.
Personal Experience Driving Around Jeju
A recent foreign visitor rented a car for 2 nights and 3 days, circling the entire island. Starting from the airport, they traveled westward (Aewol, Hyeopjae), down south (Jungmun), and eastward (Seongsan, Udo Island), fully appreciating Jeju’s breathtaking natural beauty. The drive around Hallasan Mountain and along the coastal highway was particularly impressive. While you can take your car onto the ferry to Udo Island, parking spaces are very limited, so many travelers choose to visit Udo without a car, utilizing the ferry or adjusting their schedule accordingly.
Cost vs. Efficiency: Public Transportation vs. Short-Term Car Rental
Some people might worry that renting a car for a weekend trip will be more expensive than using public transportation. Indeed, if traveling with only one companion, using buses or trains might be cheaper. However, for groups of three or more, public transport costs multiply, while rental costs can be shared. Factoring in fuel, toll fees, and rental charges, a car rental could turn out to be more economical.
Furthermore, when your travel route is complicated or your accommodation is located far from public transport, the “freedom of mobility” a car provides is priceless. Being able to stop anywhere, travel at your own pace, and return late at night without worries can greatly enhance your overall satisfaction with the trip.
Important Notes When Renting a Car for a Weekend Trip
Even if renting a car for just 1–3 days, you should never neglect essentials like car insurance, international driver’s license requirements, and vehicle inspections. Check the car’s exterior thoroughly when picking it up and confirm tire conditions and fuel levels. Some rental companies require cars to be returned with a full tank, while others charge only for the used amount—so ensure you know the specific conditions to avoid unexpected extra charges.
If you plan to leave your car parked outdoors for extended periods, consider basic security measures against theft or damage. Korea is generally very safe, but it’s good practice to lock your vehicle properly and never leave valuables inside.
Conclusion: Short-Term Car Rentals Can Enrich Your Weekend Trips
Even short weekend trips can be made much richer and more exciting with the independence that short-term car rentals provide. Whether you’re planning a trip to Gangwon-do, Jeju Island, or nearby areas around Seoul, there are countless amazing places reachable only by car. The freedom and enjoyment you experience while driving will offer a completely different travel experience compared to relying solely on public transportation.
Although driving in a foreign country might initially feel intimidating, with the right insurance and good driving habits, you can fully enjoy your Korean weekend road trips without worries. Since short-term rentals for 1–3 days are quite affordable, I highly recommend them to foreign visitors hoping to make the most out of their weekends. Don’t miss out on discovering Korea’s hidden scenic spots, local delicious food, and the unparalleled joy of free driving.
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