Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Asia's Hawaii, Honeymoon Island, the Island of the Gods—few places capture the South
Korean imagination or attract as many superlatives as Jeju Island. Located about 100 kilo-
meters (60 miles) from the mainland in the Korea Strait, it is the nation's preeminent leisure
destination, with balmy weather, lovely beaches, and thanks to its volcanic origins, strik-
ing natural features, including Hallasan, South Korea's highest peak. Jeju's isolation has al-
lowed a culture, dialect, and legends to take root that remain quite distinct from those found
in the rest of the country, and it is the nation's only “autonomous” province, retaining to this
day a measure of independence and a certain air of mystery.
Tourism has been the backbone of the island's economy for decades, but in recent years
it has taken off in earnest, with a sharp spike in visitor numbers from elsewhere in Asia
and beyond. Jeju's infrastructure is being built up to match, with the airport expanding,
plush resorts springing up, and new attractions being developed. The provincial govern-
ment has also unveiled ambitious plans to capitalize on the island's natural resources, stra-
tegic location, and growing renown to transform it into an international zone along the lines
of Hong Kong or Singapore, with low taxes, a liberal investment regime, and foreigner-
friendly schools, condominiums, and shopping complexes.
How successful this initiative will be remains to be seen, but some expatriates have
found that Jeju, with its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and outstanding recreational fa-
cilities, already offers a very favorable living environment. Unfortunately, outside of teach-
ing and some segments of the tourism industry, there are relatively few employment op-
portunities on the island, but it's a compelling alternative to the mainland for the self-em-
ployed, retirees, and those fortunate enough to land a job there.
