Jeju Island Flight Prices Soar: Causes and Booking Tips

Recently, flight ticket prices to Jeju Island have surged, increasing the financial burden on travelers. This situation arises as more people choose Jeju over international travel due to rising international oil prices and high exchange rates. A significant factor contributing to the price hike is the change in aircraft size deployed on Jeju routes following the merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, shifting from large to medium-small aircraft, which has reduced actual seat supply despite similar flight frequencies.

Airlines have substantially increased domestic fuel surcharges, with Korean Air and Asiana Airlines seeing a more than fourfold increase from approximately 7,000 won to 34,000 won. Consequently, round-trip tickets to Jeju for a family of three can now exceed 900,000 won, making a domestic trip potentially more expensive than an international one when factoring in accommodation, car rental, and food. The fundamental cause is the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Bloggers advise that current Jeju flight prices are at their peak, and it might be wise to observe the situation if there is no immediate urgency. Practical booking tips include aiming for weekday morning/late-night flights, setting up special fare alerts, booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance, and actively utilizing card discounts and points. Avoiding weekends and holidays is particularly crucial, as Jeju residents and the tourism industry are also experiencing difficulties due to the increased airfare.