Forget Bali! This Tiny Island Of Tangerines Holds The Key To UNSTOPPABLE Tourism Growth!

Looking for a getaway that has it all? I have got you covered. South Korea’s HAWAII, Jae-Do, or the Jeju Island, is your one-stop destination for all.  

The list goes on—from rich historical allure to mesmerising scenic beauty, from delectable cuisine to convenient accommodations.  

Moreover, the island fulfills every dream of the K-drama fans, being the location where top K-dramas were shot. Feeling curious? Read on! 

Jeju Island is one of the most renowned places in South Korea, and it has been getting its well-deserved global recognition. In 2010, Jeju Island was declared a UNESCO Global Geopark.  

Filled with picturesque volcanic mountains and lava tubes, this island has always been a go-to travel destination for the Asian crowd. The global recognition of this little gem has been slow, nevertheless, gradual.  

Here are some engrossing facts that Jeju Island has for you 

Mythical Beauty: Revisiting the Myth of Jeju Island’s Creation 

Along with its picturesque beauty, Jeju Island is also known for its mythical beauty.  

Various myths surround the creation of Jeju Island. Three stories stand out, deeply affecting local and foreign minds.  

The Myth of Creation

After a long period of darkness, dawn broke and bestowed its energy over the world filled with darkness and chaos. 

The sky opened at the first hour of the first day of the first month of the first year.  

At the second hour of the second day of the second month of the second year, the ground cracked open, and the blurry boundaries between heaven and earth became more transparent.  

When the earth cracked, the blue dew from the sky and black dew from the ground became one, so the formation took place.  

In the east, the star Altair was formed. Vega was formed in the west.  

Followed by Canopus in the south, the Big Dipper emerged in the north, and the Orion Belt came into view in the center. The sky was brimming with the brightest of the stars.  

Although darkness still prevailed, white clouds in the west, black clouds in the north, blue clouds in the east, red clouds in the south, and yellow clouds in the center came and went away like whimsical little kids. 

Finally, when the light of the day broke, all the chickens shrieked. The Cheonhwang chicken lifted its neck. The Jihwang chicken fluttered its wings, and the Inhwang chicken raised its tail.  

Furthermore, the King of Heaven and Earth sent two suns and two moons to the earth, opening the sky completely and completing creation.  

The Legend Of Grandmother Seolmundae

Long ago, an old woman named Seolmundae lived alone, commonly addressed as grandmother Seolmundae. She was exceptionally strong, with gigantic features and a mountain-like physique.  

This magical grandmother, Seolmundae, shoveled huge mounds of earth and created Mount Halla in only seven of her tosses. 

The dirt fell through her tattered skirt. Furthermore, it formed over 360 unique secondary parasitic cones, known as oreum. 

Grandmother Seolmundae was the proud mother of more than 500 sons. One day, an unfortunate incident took place. 

Grandmother Seolmundaee was cooking for her 500 sons. While she was at it, she slipped and fell into that boiling pot.  

When her sons came back, they couldn’t find their mother. Nevertheless, they were extremely hungry and ate the food voraciously without realising their mother was also involved. When they found out, they wept bitter tears of sorrow and loss.  

Through the grief they felt for their mother, they hardened into rocks. Their blood and tears, shed every spring, revive Mount Halla and cause it to bloom brightly like the royal azaleas. 

The Three Families And Tamna’s Origin

Long ago, before humans inhabited Jeju Island, three demi-gods emerged from the earth at the northern base of Mount Halla. 

They were Ko Eulla, Yang Eulla, and Bu Eulla. The location where they emerged is now referred to as Samseonghyeol. 

One day, the three demi-gods discovered a box that had washed up on a shore and opened it. They found a jade container resembling a bird’s egg, monitored by an envoy.  

Within the jade box were a young cow, a young horse, and the seeds of five grain varieties. The representative stated, “I am the ambassador of Byeoknang in the East Sea.  

Our King has three daughters, yet he has been unable to find husbands for them, despite them being of an age suitable for marriage. “When he laid eyes on you three legendary founders, he directed me to bring his daughters to you.” 

Once he had completed his speech, the messenger ascended to the heavens on a white steed.  

The three demi-gods engaged in a festive ceremony in Heaven, bathed in the Honinji pond, and wed the three princesses.  

United, they built their households and families, and from then on, they cultivated the five grains and tended to livestock. With the plentiful harvests, they established the Tamna State. 

Jeju Island: Spilling The Tea: Since ’70s

Although South Korea’s love for this beverage existed before, the class structure, followed by the Japanese invasion, caused the tea culture to die out.  

It was revived in the 70s by the establishment of the Korean Tea Culture Revival Movement.  

The OSULLOC tea gardens in Jeju Island are a sight for sore eyes, cultivated by its founder, Jangwon Seo Seong-wan. 

OSULLOC was certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with the National Organic Program (NOP) certification in 2010. 

 A few famous tea fields are: 

The Dolsongi (or Dosun) Field  

Close to the Hallasan mountains and tea, this field produces tea leaves enriched with a strong flavour and an even stronger aroma. This taste comes from the abundance of salty mountain winds. 

The Hannam Field  

This tea field is the worldwide producer of green tea and the most flavourful fermented teas, including Tangerine tea.  

Due to the enriched soil and rainy winds in Hannam, the tea plants experience a regular spa day.  

The Seogwang Field  

The tea leaves cultivated here are beautiful in colour and have a lovely, comforting taste. The colour is the blessing of the clouds and mists that look over the Seogwang tea fields.  

OSULLOC is one of the largest tea-producing companies worldwide. Over the years, it has gained momentum in countries like the US, Japan, China, and India.  

Gweneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba have endorsed OSULLOC, giving it a major breakthrough to global recognition.  

Jeju was once a barren land where there were no possibilities for any cultivation to take place.  

In contemporary times, Jeju has worked immensely to revive its tea culture, one of the island’s most impeccable cultural aspects. 

Jeju Island: A Pilgrim-Age for Skincare Enthusiasts

A long list of interesting facts about this beautiful island is still unknown. However, Jeju Island has already received global recognition for its contributions to the skincare world.  

Although South Korea is famous for its skincare secrets, the hub of these secrets will ultimately be Jeju. Considering the various geographical benefits that Jeju possesses,  

Its water is an excellent moisturiser and a powerful source of vitamins. The soil here is rich in minerals, so the plants and different types of seaweed—red, green, and brown—act as a natural antiseptic that deeply cleanses the skin. 

As the name suggests, Pilgrim India is an Indian skincare brand that uses ingredients from Jeju Island.  

A line of its products is named The Secrets of Jeju Island, considering all of them are prepared with holistic raw ingredients imported from this island.  

Here’s a list of Jeju’s top-notch ingredients incorporated in these products 

Volcanic Lava

Volcanic lava is a much-coveted substance from Jeju Island and an age-old beauty secret. It is suitable for all skin types and naturally extracts stubborn black and whiteheads.  

Scientists have discovered that Jeju volcanic lava or lava water has been proven to reduce melanogenesis, which produces melanin in our skin.  

The overproduction of melanin influences hyperpigmentation and increases dark spots.  

Therefore, Volcanic Lava from the island of Jeju has been scientifically proven to fight the stubborn skin issue of hyperpigmentation and control sebum.  

Green Tea

No longer a secret, green tea has always been a master ingredient in skincare.  

Jeju Island’s freshly cultivated green tea is rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Whether you drink it or apply it to your face, it will become a must-have.  

Green tea also has anti-inflammatory attributes, which enhance skin texture and reduce puffiness and redness.  

Camilia Extract

Among Jeju’s native flora, Camila has quickly become the top-rated one. 

Another miracle ingredient, this flower grows beside the harsh volcanic mountainsides in Jeju and is another go-to solution for most skin issues.  

Due to its low molecular weight, Camilia oil is absorbed into the skin quickly, leaving a sticky feeling. 

It has anti-aging properties, and several Korean idols and actresses are solely devoted to this product.  

Whew! I would already consider myself a superstar if I had so many qualities. But wait! You thought this was over? Did you know the myth behind this miraculous island?  

Jeju Island’s myth of creation is one of the most popular myths in South Korea and other parts of South Asia.  

Jeju’s Tourism: Unravelling the Drawbacks

Due to all the aforementioned reasons and more, Jeju Island’s tourism business was booming till the 2000s.  

Jeju was also declared the honeymoon destination, and it acquired designations such as HAWAII in South Korea.  

Nevertheless, Jeju’s Tourism business was massively affected as time went by.  

Jeju Island is considered to be South Korea’s Hawaii. Its botanical presence, alluring water bodies, and luscious, green amalgam create a piece of heaven on earth.  

According to the Jeju Tourism Association, the number of Korean visitors to Jeju has continuously declined, from 13.8 million in 2022 to 12.66 million in 2023 and 11.86 million in 202. Extreme crime rates, poor services, and the local people’s cultural and economic neglect are most likely the reasons behind this. 

However, the government is taking steady steps to preserve Jeju’s tourism.  

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Korea Heritage Service organized a campaign called Visit Jeju Heritage 2025, which will last four seasons until November 16.  

Furthermore, Boo Seungkwan of the K-Pop band SEVENTEEN, has officially been appointed as the public ambassador of Jeju Island.  

Additionally, he has also donated his Hometown Love Donation Fund to the Jeju Communication and Cooperations Centre. These are two massive steps that kickstarted the Jeju tourism revival journey.  

When Life Gives You Tangerines: A Boost To Jeju’s Tourism

Jeju Island has always been the most favoured tourist spot in South Korea. 

Although many top-rated KDramas have their shooting location in Jeju Island, the newest sensation, When Life Gives You Tangerines, might just be the fresh start Jeju needed.  

This web series, released in March 2025, has quickly become a global sensation. The drama features the female protagonist, Jeju-born Oh Ae-sun (played by IU), the male protagonist, Yang Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum), and the evolution of their relationship over four seasons on the island. 

Is It Just a Story(?)

K-drama fans consider their male leads to be the ultimate green flags. Well, SO DO I!  

Nevertheless, not to burst anyone’s bubble, the male protagonist of When Life Gives You Tangerines is not just another K-green flag.  

He does exist! He is a real-life man who inspired the character. Doo you know where the emotional core of this drama lies?  

In its real-life story! The story is about Hong Kyung Ja, a woman diver who belonged to Jeju Island in South Korea. 

Miss Hong lost her mother at the tender age of five, and since then, she has taken care of her younger siblings. Unlike Ae Sun, she took care of her eight siblings alone.  

She began working as a haenyo, a woman diver, a traditional specialty of Jeju Island.  

Kyung-Ja fell in love with a boy she had known since childhood; their romance lasted for six years before they decided to marry.  

The one big constant similarity throughout the drama was her husband’s unconditional love and support.  

Hyung-ja’s husband has been a pillar of great support for her, which allures the audience deeply.  

The Indian Reception

The whole concept of attaching emotional values to movies and art is something that Indian audiences, particularly, quite look up to.  

Indian citizens fascinatingly accepted this K-Drama because it showcases a very emotional connection with a forgotten landscape and impeccably portrays family and marital values.  

The undeniable support that a marital connection should aim for has been showcased in this K-Drama pretty thoughtfully.  

Although Indian audiences have always been one of the prime audiences of K-dramas because of their shared values, tastes, and many other similarities, this drama has ensured a global and especially massive impact on Indian minds.  

Final Thoughts on Jeju Island: The Island of Wonders

To conclude everything written above, I can’t help but say that Jeju Island is on my 2025 travel bucket list.  

There are very few places on earth that share a massive historical, cultural, and emotional impact on its native as well as foreign citizens. Undoubtedly, Jeju Island is one of them.  

We must preserve such places to the maximum of our ability. Although K-Entertainent, most importantly, K-Dramas, have ensured the revival of Jeju’s tourism, it must not be left to the entertainment, or any other external factor, to make us want to protect and preserve something of our own.  

Soon enough, Jeju Island will be considered a valuable resource for South Korea and the world. Therefore, as citizens, we should start taking care of it. Better late than never!