Comparison · Jeju vs Okinawa · South Korea / Japan
Jeju vs Okinawa
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Robert Simmon, using Landsat data provided by the United States Geological Survey., Public domain
Quick answer
Choose Jeju for Hallasan and Volcanic landscapes; choose Okinawa for Beaches and coral reefs, Churaumi Aquarium, nightlife and a milder winter. Jeju is generally less expensive, and the two are about 818 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 818 km
- Less expensive
- Jeju
- Best time for Jeju
- April–May and October–November
- Best time for Okinawa
- April, June–July and October
Side by side
| Jeju | Okinawa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Korea | Japan |
| Known for | Hallasan, Volcanic landscapes and Haenyeo women divers | Beaches and coral reefs, Churaumi Aquarium and Ryukyu Kingdom castles |
| Best time to visit | April–May and October–November | April, June–July and October |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 6 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $120–$230 | $140–$260 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 30°C (86°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 9°C (48°F) | January, 20°C (68°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 5 |
| Beaches | Hyeopjae Beach | Emerald Beach |
| Airports | CJU | OKA |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Jeju for…
Hallasan and Volcanic landscapes. Jeju is a volcanic island off the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, roughly 73 km from east to west, with Hallasan (1,947 m), South Korea's highest mountain, rising in the middle. Most visitors fly into Jeju International Airport on the north coast and…
Choose Okinawa for…
Beaches and coral reefs, Churaumi Aquarium, nightlife and a milder winter. Okinawa Island, about 100 km long and the largest of Japan's subtropical Ryukyu Islands, was the centre of the Ryukyu Kingdom until 1879, and its food, music, crafts and stone gusuku castles still feel distinct from mainland Japan. Naha, the capital, has the…
Top sights compared
| # | Jeju | Okinawa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hallasan National Park | Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium |
| 2 | Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) | Shuri Castle |
| 3 | Manjanggul Lava Tube | Kokusai-dori |
| 4 | Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff | Daiichi Makishi Public Market |
| 5 | Cheonjiyeon Waterfall | Tsuboya Yachimun Street |
Food compared
| Jeju | Okinawa |
|---|---|
| Jeju black pork | Goya champuru |
| Cold raw-fish soup | Okinawa soba |
| Abalone porridge | Rafute |
| Braised hairtail | Taco rice |
Which is cheaper?
Jeju is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $120–$230 per person there, against $140–$260 in Okinawa (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Jeju on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 818 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 12 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Jeju or Okinawa cheaper?
Jeju is usually less expensive: about $120–$230 a day mid-range against $140–$260 (estimates).
+Is Jeju or Okinawa better for a first trip?
Pick Jeju for Hallasan and Volcanic landscapes, or Okinawa for Beaches and coral reefs, Churaumi Aquarium, nightlife and a milder winter.
+How far is Jeju from Okinawa?
About 818 km in a straight line.