Are young Koreans falling out of love with Jeju Island? This is the question that many people are asking after a dramatic fall in visitor numbers this summer. Let's find out why this is the case!
The summer of 2024 has seen a big drop in tourist numbers heading to the Korean Island of Jeju. There are several reasons for this, however in my opinion a big factor is that the Japanese Yen has fallen, which makes it more attractive for Koreans to travel to Japan than Jeju, since the cost of living is significantly cheaper in Japan at the moment.
This has however impacted many of Jeju's hotels, bars and restaurants forcing them to close or put their prices up, which in turn, puts people off of going to those establishments. In turn, this has had a devastating effect on the economy. This is not the first time Jeju has experienced a drop in numbers, as COVID-19 suspended all but essential travel, though local governments were hoping to get back to pre-pandemic numbers.
For me, I have to say that although the island is beautiful and the beaches are stunning, the prices sadly are expensive. I have been to the island a couple of times, and I was imagining that it would be like Tenerife or Lanzarote, however, the nighlife was non-existent and you needed a car to drive around the island with little to no public transportation.
There has been a surge in the number of foreign visitors to Jeju. But they tend to stay at big hotels, many of which have business deals with travel agencies that bring them to the island through their package programs therefore staying in the resort means little to no time or desire to spend money in local businesses.
For young Koreans, the ability and appeal to travel to a foreign country outside of Korea, to experience a new culture and customs is more desirable. The flights though more expensive than going to Jeju, are a competitive price and once at the destination the living cost and hotel costs are cheaper. I have also looked at heading to Jeju this year and the drawback for me along with many young Koreans is the living cost is higher in Jeju than in mainland Korea. In addition, the amount of low-cost flights to international destinations are more appealing in comparison.
For overseas visitors, Jeju does offer visa-free travel for many countries, which otherwise require a visa before traveling to the mainland such as India, so it still offers an attractive place to visit with fewer restrictions and at the same time still being able to offer an authentic Korean experience.
Jeju does still hold a charm for Koreans, and as it's known as the "Hawaii of Asia", it offers are unforgettable getaway. You will notice in my other article about (Hamdeok Beach) the pristine waters and special places to visit. Not to mention the more tropical temperatures and the vast amount of oranges that are on offer there and the famous delicious black pork!
Will the drop in tourism numbers continue? Or will they bounce back?
Let us know your thoughts on why Jeju is becoming less popular with young Koreans in the comments below .
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