Korea’s Island of Volcanoes, Beaches & Global Nature Heritage
Jeju-do (제주도) is South Korea’s only Special Self-Governing Province — a volcanic island known for Hallasan Mountain, lava tubes, waterfalls, beaches, unique culture, tangerines, Jeju women divers (Haenyeo), and some of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Jeju is also Korea’s top honeymoon and tourist destination, often called “Korea’s Hawaii.”
It is the only Korean province with triple UNESCO World Heritage recognition.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Jeju has a distinctive history, culture, and volcanic origin.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Prehistoric Era | Formation of Jeju Island by volcanic activity |
| 1st century BCE | Tamna Kingdom established |
| 1105 | Incorporated into Goryeo as “Jeju” |
| 1416 | Jeju Under Joseon administrative system |
| 1946 | Jeju Province created |
| 2006 | Elevated to “Jeju Special Self-Governing Province” |
| 2010 | UNESCO Global Geopark designation |
Jeju maintains a separate cultural identity, dialect, and folklore.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Jeju Special Self-Governing Province |
| Korean Name | 제주특별자치도 |
| Capital City | Jeju City |
| Second Largest City | Seogwipo |
| Area | ~1,849 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~700,000 |
| Climate | Subtropical; warmest region in Korea |
| Time Zone | UTC +9 |
| Dial Code | +82 64 |
| Top-Level Domain | .jeju.go.kr |
| Provincial Motto | “Clean Jeju, Global Jeju” |
⚖️ Government & Leadership
| Position | Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| Governor | Oh Young-hun |
| Provincial Assembly | Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Council |
| Administrative Divisions | 2 Cities + 7 Townships (Eup), 5 Towns (Myeon), 31 Neighborhoods (Dong) |
Jeju enjoys the highest level of local autonomy in South Korea.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
Jeju Province includes:
2 Cities (Si)
7 Towns (Eup)
5 Townships (Myeon)
31 Neighborhoods (Dong)
But its main structure centers on two major cities:
🏙️ List of Cities (2)
| City | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Jeju City (제주시) | Capital; Jeju Airport; major beaches; Hallasan access |
| Seogwipo (서귀포시) | Southern coast waterfalls, resorts, volcanic sites |
🌐 Key Administrative Areas (Selected Eup & Myeon)
| Region | Features |
|---|---|
| Aewol-eup | Cafés & coastal drive |
| Hallim-eup | Hyeopjae Beach & lava caves |
| Pyoseon-myeon | Folk village |
| Namwon-eup | Coastal scenery |
| Daejeong-eup | Moseulpo Port |
These areas are important for future internal linking.
🌋 Geography & Environment
Jeju is one of the most unique geological regions in East Asia.
Origin: Volcanic island created by Hallasan eruptions
Hallasan (1950 m): Korea’s tallest mountain
UNESCO Triple Crown:
World Natural Heritage
Biosphere Reserve
Global Geopark
Lava Tubes: Manjanggul, Gimnyeonggul
Waterfalls: Jeongbang, Cheonjiyeon, Jeongbang
Beaches: Hyeopjae, Hamdeok, Jungmun, Woljeong
Climate: Subtropical, palm trees, warm winters
Unique Flora & Fauna: Horses, citrus, camellia flowers
Jeju is an ecological treasure.
🧩 Development Focus & Innovation
Jeju focuses on:
Carbon-free island mission (CFI 2030)
Electric vehicle expansion (highest EV ratio in Korea)
Smart tourism & eco-travel
Agriculture (tangerines, green tea)
Marine resources & seaweed industry
International education hubs (English-centered towns)
It is Korea’s model for sustainable island development.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Department | Role |
|---|---|
| Jeju Provincial Police | Island-wide safety & tourism protection |
| Coast Guard | Maritime rescue & border security |
| Disaster HQ | Typhoon, strong wind & volcanic monitoring |
Jeju is highly secured due to its tourism volume & maritime borders.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Christianity, Folk Shamanism |
| Dialect | Jeju dialect (distinct & UNESCO endangered language) |
| Traditional Culture | Haenyeo women divers (UNESCO) |
| Symbolic Icons | Dol Hareubang stone statues, tangerines, horses |
Jeju holds a unique cultural identity unlike any other Korean province.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Tourism | 15+ million visitors yearly |
| Agriculture | Tangerines, tea, vegetables, horses |
| Marine Industry | Seafood, abalone, seaweed |
| Green Energy | Wind power, solar, hydrogen |
| Exports | Citrus, beauty products, processed foods |
Jeju has the strongest tourism-driven economy in Korea.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Jeju National University, International Schools |
| Education Focus | Marine science, agriculture, environment |
| Healthcare | Jeju Medical Center, top private hospitals |
| Life Expectancy | ~85 years |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airports | Jeju International Airport (2nd busiest in Korea) |
| Seaports | Jeju Port, Seogwipo Port |
| Ferries | Connections to Busan, Mokpo, Wando |
| Roads | Full island ring road |
| Upcoming | Jeju 2nd Airport (under planning) |
Jeju operates as a fully independent island transport hub.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Hallasan National Park
Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak (UNESCO)
Manjanggul Lava Tube (UNESCO)
Jusangjeolli Cliff
Jeju Olle Trails
Hamdeok, Hyeopjae & Jungmun Beaches
Jeongbang & Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls
O’Sulloc Green Tea Farm
Udo Island
Seogwipo Saeyeongyo Bridge
Hallim Park
Jeju is Korea’s No. 1 travel and honeymoon island.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UNESCO Triple Crown | Unique global status |
| International Tourism | Major Asian travel destination |
| Sister Cities | Many partners across Asia, Europe & USA |
| Sustainability Agenda | Carbon-free island initiative |
| Cultural Diplomacy | Haenyeo community & Jeju folklore |
📝 Summary
Jeju-do is Korea’s volcanic paradise — an island of nature, culture, beaches, temples, and sustainability.
From Hallasan’s volcanic peak to coastal cliffs, lava tubes, palm-lined beaches, and world-famous haenyeo divers, Jeju stands as one of the most iconic destinations in East Asia.
It is the perfect example of heritage + tourism + nature + modern sustainability.
📢 News & Articles
“Jeju: The World’s Triple UNESCO Island”
“Seongsan Sunrise Peak: Korea’s Natural Wonder”
“Jeju’s Carbon-Free Island Mission 2030”
🎯 Our Mission
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