Jeju Island: A Unique Study Experience in Korea | Admissions.kr

Studying on Korea's Island Paradise

Jeju Island sits 80 kilometers off the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, a volcanic island of extraordinary natural beauty that feels worlds apart from mainland Korea. With its subtropical climate, UNESCO World Heritage sites, unique culture, and growing international education sector, Jeju offers an academic experience that is genuinely unlike anything else in Korea.

For most international students, Jeju is not an obvious choice. It is remote, smaller, and has fewer university options than mainland cities. But for those who choose it — for its natural environment, its emerging international school ecosystem, its quality of life, or simply its distinctiveness — Jeju delivers an experience that students consistently describe as transformative.

Jeju's population of approximately 680,000 is growing steadily, fueled by domestic migration (Koreans seeking a slower pace of life), tourism (15 million+ visitors annually), and a deliberate government strategy to develop the island as an international education hub.

Universities and Educational Institutions

Jeju National University (JNU)

The island's flagship institution, Jeju National University is a comprehensive national university with approximately 11,000 students. Located in Jeju City, JNU offers a wide range of programs, though its agricultural, marine, and environmental sciences departments are particularly strong — reflecting the island's natural resources.

Tuition: ₩2.5–4 million/semester (national university rates — among the cheapest in Korea)
International students: ~1,500 (growing rapidly)
Strengths: Marine science, agriculture, subtropical horticulture, tourism studies, Korean language
English programs: Select graduate programs available in English; Korean Language Institute is popular
Campus: Large, modern campus with ocean and mountain views
Scholarships: National university scholarships + Jeju-specific international student support

International Schools

Jeju has become Korea's international education hub, with several major international schools:

North London Collegiate School Jeju (NLCS Jeju): One of Asia's most prestigious international schools, offering the IB curriculum. While primarily K-12, it has created an international education ecosystem on the island.

Branksome Hall Asia: Canadian international school offering the IB program. Part of the Jeju Global Education City complex.

Korea International School Jeju (KIS Jeju): American-curriculum international school.

St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju: U.S.-accredited boarding school.

These schools are not directly relevant for university-level international students, but they are important for understanding Jeju's international character. The families and teachers at these schools form a significant English-speaking community, and some university students find tutoring and assistant teaching opportunities at these institutions.

Jeju Global Education City

The Jeju Global Education City (JGEC) in Seogwipo is a planned educational district housing the international schools listed above. It represents a deliberate attempt to make Jeju an international education destination. While primarily focused on K-12, the infrastructure and community it has created benefit university students as well.

Island Lifestyle

The Pace of Life

The first thing every student notices about Jeju is the pace. Coming from Seoul — or any major Asian city — Jeju feels dramatically slower. Traffic is lighter, commutes are shorter, stress levels are lower, and the relationship with nature is fundamentally different. The ocean is never more than 30 minutes away, and Hallasan Mountain dominates the skyline from every point on the island.

This slower pace is either Jeju's greatest strength or its most significant drawback, depending on your personality. Students who thrive here tend to be:

Self-motivated (less peer pressure than competitive urban environments)
Nature-loving (hiking, diving, surfing, cycling are daily possibilities)
Comfortable with solitude (the social scene is smaller)
Interested in sustainable living and environmental issues

Climate

Jeju's climate is the warmest in Korea:

Season	Temperature	Notes
Spring (Mar–May)	10–20°C	Canola flower fields bloom (yellow carpets)
Summer (Jun–Aug)	24–32°C	Warm, humid, occasional typhoons
Fall (Sep–Nov)	12–22°C	Clear skies, silver grass on mountains
Winter (Dec–Feb)	3–10°C	Mild by Korean standards, windy

Winters are notably milder than mainland Korea — you will rarely see snow at sea level. However, Jeju is the windiest place in Korea, and the wind can make temperatures feel colder than they are.

Nature: Jeju's Defining Feature

Hallasan Mountain (한라산)

Hallasan (1,950m) is South Korea's tallest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dormant volcano at the island's center offers multiple hiking trails ranging from casual walks to full-day summit attempts. The Baengnokdam crater lake at the summit is one of Korea's most spectacular natural sights.

Summit hike: 8–10 hours round trip, advance reservation required
Cost: Free (national park)
Best seasons: Spring (azaleas), fall (foliage and silver grass)
Tip: The Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails reach the summit; Yeongsil and Eorimok trails stop at the sub-summit

Olle Trails (올레길)

The Jeju Olle Foundation has created 27 walking trails (totaling 425 km) that circumnavigate the island along the coast and through villages. Each trail is 11–23 km long and takes 5–8 hours to complete. Walking Olle trails is one of the most popular activities for both tourists and residents.

Cost: Free
Difficulty: Mostly easy to moderate
Best routes for beginners: Route 7 (Seogwipo coastline), Route 10 (Songaksan views)

Beaches

Hyeopjae Beach: White sand, turquoise water, view of Biyangdo Island
Jungmun Saekdal Beach: Unique multicolored sand, surrounded by columnar joints
Hamdeok Beach: Shallow, calm water, popular with families and swimmers
Woljeong-ri Beach: Trendy cafe-lined beach, popular with young people

UNESCO Sites

Jeju boasts three UNESCO designations:

World Natural Heritage: Hallasan, Geomun Oreum lava tube system, Seongsan Ilchulbong
Global Geopark: The entire island's volcanic geology
Biosphere Reserve: Hallasan and surrounding areas

Marine Activities

Scuba diving: Jeju's waters are home to soft corals and diverse marine life. Certification courses: ~₩400,000–600,000
Surfing: Growing surf culture at Jungmun Beach and Iho Tewoo Beach. Board rental: ₩20,000–30,000
Haenyeo culture: Jeju's female divers (해녀) are a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Watch them work at multiple coastal spots

Cost of Living

Jeju's cost of living is moderate — cheaper than Seoul but slightly higher than some mainland regional cities, mainly because goods must be shipped to the island.

Monthly Budget

Category	Jeju (₩)	Seoul (₩)	Notes
Rent (studio)	300,000–450,000	450,000–700,000	25–35% cheaper
Food	280,000–400,000	350,000–500,000	Fresh local produce is cheap; imported goods cost more
Transport	40,000–60,000	55,000–80,000	Bus-dependent; car helpful
Utilities	55,000–85,000	80,000–120,000	Lower heating costs (milder winter)
Entertainment	60,000–120,000	100,000–200,000	Nature is mostly free
Flights to mainland	30,000–60,000	N/A	Budget for occasional trips
Health Insurance	70,000–90,000	70,000–90,000	Same
Monthly Total	835,000–1,265,000	1,105,000–1,690,000	~25% cheaper

Transportation Note

Jeju has no subway or rail system. Public buses cover the island but are less frequent than mainland city buses. Many residents — including students — eventually get a driver's license and a used car. International students can use their home country license (with IDP) or obtain a Korean license. Used cars on Jeju can be found for ₩2–5 million.

Alternatively, electric scooter rentals and bicycle use are popular among students in Jeju City.

Tourism Industry Opportunities

Jeju receives over 15 million visitors per year, making tourism the island's dominant industry. For international students, this creates unique opportunities:

Part-Time Work

Tourism services: Guide assistance, hotel staff, restaurant work (₩10,320+/hour)
Translation and interpretation: Multi-language demand during peak tourist seasons
Cafe and guesthouse work: Many small businesses in tourist areas seek English-speaking staff
International school tutoring: English, math, and subject tutoring for international school students (₩25,000–40,000/hour)

Career Paths

Hospitality management: Jeju's hotel and resort industry is substantial (Shilla, Lotte, Hyatt, etc.)
Tourism planning: Local government actively hires for tourism development
Environmental conservation: Growing sector given Jeju's UNESCO designations
Agriculture and food: Jeju tangerines, green tea, and specialty foods are major industries

Food Culture

Jeju's food reflects its island geography and unique agriculture:

Dish	Description	Price
Black pork (흑돼지)	Jeju's famous heritage pig breed, grilled	₩15,000–20,000/person
Haemul ttukbaegi (해물뚝배기)	Seafood stew with Jeju catch	₩8,000–12,000
Abalone porridge (전복죽)	Rice porridge with fresh abalone	₩12,000–18,000
Gogi guksu (고기국수)	Pork broth noodles — Jeju comfort food	₩7,000–9,000
Hallabong (한라봉)	Jeju's famous citrus fruit	₩5,000–10,000/bag
Omegi tteok (오메기떡)	Millet rice cake, traditional Jeju dessert	₩3,000–5,000

The Dongmun Market in Jeju City is the best place to experience the full range of Jeju cuisine at local prices.

Neighborhoods

Jeju City (제주시) — North Side

The island's main city (population ~490,000) is where JNU and most commercial activity are concentrated. The Old Town area around Dongmun Market has character, while the New Jeju area (신제주) near City Hall is more modern. Most international students live in Jeju City.

Student areas around JNU: ₩250,000–350,000/month rent
New Jeju (Nohyeong-dong, Yeon-dong): ₩350,000–500,000/month

Seogwipo (서귀포시) — South Side

The second city (population ~190,000) has a warmer microclimate, more tourism infrastructure, and a more relaxed feel. The Jeju Global Education City is located here. Farther from JNU but closer to some of the best beaches and natural sites.

Aewol / Hallim — West Side

Trendy cafe districts that have become popular with domestic tourists and remote workers. Beautiful sunsets, quieter atmosphere. Less convenient for university commuting.

Practical Tips

Budget for flights: You will want to visit the mainland occasionally. Low-cost carriers (Jeju Air, Jin Air, T'way) offer Seoul-Jeju flights from ₩30,000–80,000 one way if booked early.
Get comfortable with buses or get a license: Without a subway, mobility on Jeju requires planning. The "카카오버스" app is essential for bus routes and schedules.
Explore beyond the tourist trail: The interior of the island — Gotjawal forests, hidden oreums (volcanic cones), and village trails — is where Jeju's true beauty lies.
Join the haenyeo experience: Some haenyeo cooperatives offer introductory experiences for visitors. It is a unique cultural immersion.
Prepare for wind: Jeju wind is legendary. Invest in windproof outerwear and secure anything on your balcony.
Connect with the international community: The international school community and growing number of foreign residents create more English-speaking connections than you might expect.

For a broad comparison of all Korean study destinations, see our Regional Guides.

Is Jeju Right for You?

Choose Jeju if you:

Want a completely unique study experience
Love nature, outdoor activities, and island life
Are interested in marine science, agriculture, tourism, or environmental studies
Value quality of life and mental health
Are self-motivated and do not need urban stimulation

Consider mainland cities if you:

Need extensive program options (Jeju has fewer universities)
Want a large international student community
Prioritize career networking in corporate industries
Need easy access to other Korean cities without flying
Prefer urban convenience and nightlife

Jeju is not the practical choice — it is the inspired choice. For students who choose it, the island offers something that no mainland city can: the feeling of being somewhere truly different, where the rhythm of waves replaces the rhythm of subway announcements, and where the most important thing you learn might not come from a textbook.