Jeju-do is a volcanic island and a popular travel and workation destination for Koreans. Some Korean companies even offer one-month work-from-Jeju programs as an employee benefit.
The island is best known for Hallasan, the country's highest point, its island-loop coastal Olle trail, flower blossoms all year round, surfing beaches and scenic ocean roads. Jeju-do also produces most of Korea's tangerines and is home to haenyeo, women freedivers known for harvesting seafood that you can enjoy fresh.
There are only two major cities, but you can also stay in smaller coastal villages, many of which are full of sea-view cafés. While a car is the easiest way to explore the island, the bus network is also well developed.
Keep in mind that the weather can sometimes be harsh and windy.
Selected spots to get a feel for the region
Photo source: © Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사)
Approximate positions, drawn from KTO coordinates
City Mountain Surf beach
Where to stay and work in the region
~490K people
Jeju-do's capital and main transport hub, with flights and ferries connecting it to the mainland. A convenient base for exploring Hallasan.
Where to work
Jilgeuraengi Gujwa Center coworking
2F, Sumbibille Park Office, 1392 Haemajihaean-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Reflow Jeju coworking
3F, 3 Tapdong-ro 2-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Weare Port coworking
4F, 248 Jungang-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Getting around: Woljeongri Beach 40 min carHallasan 40 min busSeoul 1h plane
~180K people
A main base for exploring coastal cliffs and waterfalls. Has a bit more of a coastal resort charm and is closer to the first Olle trail route.
Where to work
O-peace coworking · coliving
1F, 214 Hyanggyo-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Olle Stay lounge
3F, Jeju Olle Travel Center, 22 Jungjeong-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Getting around: Jeongbang Falls in the city Jungmun Saekdal Beach 50 min bus
Population data for 2025. Source: KOSIS(Ministry of Data and Statistics, Population Census) ↗, 2026-09-24. Values rounded to two significant figures.
Study-café data is a manual editorial estimate, last updated in October 2026. Live data currently unavailable.
Study-café data is a live qualitative estimate based on Kakao® Local API ↗ results.
The prices shown are for decent furnished stays available to foreigners, without a large upfront deposit or long-term contract.
Depending on the platform, Jeju City has a larger number of listings, while Seogwipo tends to offer more spacious options. Since Jeju is a highly popular destination for both locals and foreigners, Airbnb coverage across the island is broad, with monthly discounts that can bring prices even below the indicated range.
Ongoing now, and what's coming up
Source: © Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사).
What to explore in the region
Source: © Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사).
A few handpicked representative dishes
Jeju black pork with a firm, chewy texture. Can be served as Black Pork BBQ (흑돼지 구이, most popular), Dombegogi (돔베고기, steamed pork slices), Momguk (몸국, gulfweed soup) and Gogiguksu (고기국수, pork noodles).
Where to eat it ↗
Abalone rice porridge, sometimes called the "King of porridge" in Korea. Best from April to June.
Grilled cutlassfish, seasoned only with salt and served whole.
Fried chicken in a tangerine cream sauce.
Sweet, chewy millet rice cake rolled in bean powder or mashed red bean.
Seaweed soup with sea urchin roe, seasoned with salt and soy sauce. Served with rice on the side.
Most Korean tangerines come from Jeju. Citrus season is from November till March, starting with regular tangerines and ending with Hallabong, a Jeju specialty.
Source: © Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사). Gamgyul Chicken: Author's own photo.
