JejuEdit

Jeju, officially the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, is the largest Jeju Island off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. A compact landmass in a heavily populated region, Jeju combines a rugged volcanic landscape with a distinctly local culture. Its economy rests on a mix of agriculture, fisheries, and a rapidly expanding tourism sector. The island’s natural heritage and traditional practices have become a visible symbol of regional identity within South Korea and a test case for balancing growth with preservation.

Jeju’s profile is anchored in its geography, history, and governance. The island sits in the Korea Strait, separated from the mainland by a relatively short voyage and exposed to the warming winds of the Pacific. Its interior is dominated by Hallasan, a shield volcano that rises to its highest point and defines the island’s topography. The surrounding coast hosts a suite of lava-tube caves and coastal formations that earned Jeju a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.

Geography and geology

Landscape and climate: Jeju is characterized by a volcanic core, limestone beaches, and volcanic cones that create unique vistas. Hallasan dominates the skyline, and the coastline features basalt cliffs and sheltered bays. The island enjoys a temperate climate with comparatively mild winters, a boon for year-round tourism and citrus agriculture.
Notable sites: The landscape showcases formations such as Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a tuff cone formed by hydrovolcanic activity, and Manjanggul Lava Tube, a preserved passage from the island’s volcanic past. The Jeju Olle walking paths stitch together coastal scenery with inland landscapes, connecting visitors with both nature and rural life.
Cultural landmarks: Stone sculptures known as dol hareubang stand as guardians along village entrances and viewpoints, reflecting a syncretic heritage that blends practical folk beliefs with artistry.

Internal links to related topics include Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong, Manjanggul Lava Tube, Dol hareubang, Jeju Olle and broader contexts such as South Korea and the Korean Peninsula.

History and governance

Ancient and medieval period: The island’s early history centers on the Tamna kingdom, a distinct polity that maintained autonomy before becoming integrated into wider Korean state structures. This heritage underpins a strong sense of regional identity that persists in contemporary Jeju.
Modern era and autonomy: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Jeju was reorganized as a Special Self-Governing Province, granting the island greater administrative autonomy to manage local affairs, attract investment, and tailor development policies to its unique conditions. This arrangement is part of a broader model within South Korea that seeks to regionalize governance and empower local decision-making.
Significant events: The island’s modern history includes periods of rapid growth alongside social and political upheaval in Korea as a whole. The April 3 Incident, a chapter in the island’s 20th-century history, is widely studied for its enduring impact on local memory, political discourse, and national reconciliation efforts.

Internal links: April 3 Incident, Tamna, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

Economy and development

Economic base: Jeju’s economy blends traditional sectors with dynamic service industries. Citrus fruits, notably around the orange harvest, and seafood from surrounding waters remain foundational. In recent decades, tourism has become the main engine of growth, drawing domestic and international visitors to the island’s landscapes, culture, and resort offerings.
Tourism and investment: The island has pursued policies to expand tourism infrastructure, including airports, hotels, and leisure complexes. The policy framework has also encouraged foreign investment and a degree of economic experimentation through initiatives such as the Jeju Free International City program, designed to position the island as a regional hub for commerce and travel.
Industry mix and concerns: While tourism brings jobs and revenue, it also raises concerns about environmental strain, water use, and the sustainability of local communities. A measured approach—protecting natural assets like lava tubes and coastline while promoting responsible tourism—has been central to policy debates on Jeju’s development.

Internal links: Jeju Free International City, Tourism in Korea, Economy of Jeju.

Culture, society, and heritage

Haenyeo and gender narratives: The island is famous for its haenyeo, women divers who historically supported families through underwater harvests. This tradition has become a symbol of resilience and practical skill and is celebrated in museums and festivals. Its representation raises broader questions about gender roles, economic change, and cultural heritage preservation.
Language and identity: Jeju retains a distinctive linguistic variant that researchers describe as a separate language or a distinct dialect of Korean. Language policy debates on the island touch on education, cultural preservation, and regional identity, with many locals arguing for recognition of Jeju’s linguistic heritage while ensuring mutual intelligibility with standard Korean.
Food and crafts: Local cuisine features staples such as black pork and fresh seafood, with tangerines and other citrus products playing a notable role in agriculture and trade. Handicrafts, stonework, and culinary traditions contribute to a robust regional culture that supports tourism and local pride.
Architecture and design: Traditional houses and stone structures reflect adaptive responses to Jeju’s climate and terrain. The interplay between heritage preservation and modern building pressures frames ongoing discussions about land use and architectural policy.

Internal links: Haenyeo, Jeju language, Jeju black pork, Dol hareubang.

Environment and heritage management

World Heritage status: The Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes inscription recognizes the area’s global geological significance and imposes protections that influence land use and development decisions.
Conservation challenges: Balancing visitor access with conservation requires planning around fragile lava tubes, coastal ecosystems, and inland habitats. The debate often centers on how to sustain economic vitality from tourism without compromising ecological integrity.
Cultural preservation: The island’s intangible heritage, including the haenyeo tradition, is managed alongside more tangible assets. Efforts to preserve these practices connect local education, tourism, and national memory.

Internal links: UNESCO World Heritage List, Manjanggul Lava Tube, Seongsan Ilchulbong.