Jeju is South Korea's largest island province, located off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and unique cultural heritage. Often called the 'Hawaii of Korea,' the island is home to Hallasan, South Korea's highest peak, UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites, and the legendary haenyeo female divers. With a subtropical climate and year-round appeal, Jeju blends natural wonders with modern resorts.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Remove your shoes when entering homes, traditional guesthouses (hanok), and many traditional restaurants — look for a step-down entryway as a cue
Bow slightly when greeting locals — a short nod of the head shows respect; handshakes are acceptable in tourist contexts
Use two hands when giving or receiving objects, business cards, or money — offering with both hands shows respect
Wait for the eldest person to begin eating before you start your meal at shared tables
Jeju has its own distinct dialect (Jeju-eo) that even mainland Koreans can struggle to understand — learning basic Korean phrases is appreciated
Haenyeo female divers are an integral part of Jeju's living cultural heritage — observe their work respectfully and don't interrupt diving sessions
Basalt stone walls (doldam) are a defining feature of Jeju's traditional landscape — these centuries-old walls are protected cultural heritage, do not climb or damage them
Dol hareubang (stone grandfather statues) are Jeju's cultural symbol — touching is fine but treat them respectfully
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Remove shoes when entering traditional spaces — guesthouses, temples, and some restaurants
- Bow to acknowledge greetings and show appreciation
- Use both hands when offering or receiving items, especially business cards or gifts
- Taste local specialties like black pork and abalone — this genuinely delights local hosts
- Learn a few Korean words (annyeonghaseyo = hello, gamsahamnida = thank you)
- Observe haenyeo diving from designated viewing areas with respect and quiet
- Carry cash for traditional markets and smaller local restaurants
- Ask permission before photographing local people, especially haenyeo divers and market vendors
Don't
- Don't stick chopsticks vertically into rice — this resembles incense sticks used at funerals
- Don't pour your own drink when dining with others — pour for companions first, then others will reciprocate
- Don't raise your voice or show anger publicly — maintaining composure is valued culturally
- Don't photograph people without permission, especially elderly haenyeo divers and market vendors
- Don't climb or damage the traditional basalt stone walls (doldam) found throughout the island
- Don't litter — Jeju takes environmental cleanliness very seriously
- Don't touch sacred shrine objects at sites like Samseonghyeol
- Don't be overly affectionate in public in traditional or rural areas
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Haenyeo (Female Free-Diver) Culture
Jeju's iconic haenyeo women dive without breathing apparatus to harvest seafood from the ocean floor, a practice over 1,500 years old. Listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the haenyeo community maintains its own social structures, rituals, and sea rights. Visitors can observe this living tradition respectfully.
Dol Hareubang
The distinctive porous basalt grandfather statues (dol hareubang) are Jeju's most recognizable cultural symbol, traditionally placed at village entrances for protection. Some 47 original statues survive, and they appear throughout the island as cultural icons.
Yeongdeung Festival
Held during the second lunar month (usually February-March), this traditional festival welcomes the wind deity Yeongdeung, who visits Jeju for two weeks. Communities hold prayers for good fishing and abundant harvests, and haenyeo abstain from diving during this period out of respect.
Tangerine Harvest Culture
Jeju's hallabong tangerine harvest in November is a significant seasonal event. Orchard visits during harvest season are popular, and Jeju tangerine products make the most beloved local souvenirs.
Shamanic (Musok) Traditions
Jeju maintains stronger shamanic ritual traditions than the mainland, with gut (shamanic ceremonies) performed for protection and abundance. Jeju shamans (mu-nyeo) are primarily women, connected to the island's female-centered traditions.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- A slight bow with a soft handshake is standard. The deeper the bow, the greater the respect shown. 'Annyeonghaseyo' (안녕하세요) is the standard polite greeting.
- Dining
- Wait for elders to begin eating first. Don't raise the rice bowl when eating (a mainland Korean custom not universal to Jeju). Share dishes communally from shared plates.
- Dress
- Smart casual for restaurants; modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) at traditional or religious sites; swimwear is appropriate only at beaches
- Gifts
- Bringing a small gift (fruit, sweets, or a souvenir from your home country) when visiting Korean homes is appreciated; present it with both hands
- Business
- Business cards are presented and received with both hands with a slight bow; take a moment to look at the card before putting it away
- Tipping
- Tipping is not standard in Korean culture and can sometimes cause confusion or embarrassment — excellent service is simply expected
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
Hello
An-nyeong-ha-se-yo
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)
Thank you
Gam-sa-ham-ni-da
죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)
Excuse me / Sorry
Jweh-song-ham-ni-da
얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)
How much?
Eol-ma-ye-yo
...어디예요? (...Eodiyeyo?)
Where is...?
Eo-di-ye-yo
맛있어요! (Masiteoyo!)
Delicious!
Ma-shi-sseo-yo
모르겠어요 (Moreugesseoyo)
I don't understand
Mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo
부탁드립니다 (Butakdeurimnida)
Please
Bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da
네 (Ne) / 아니요 (Aniyo)
Yes / No
Neh / A-ni-yo
물 주세요 (Mul juseyo)
Water please
Mul ju-se-yo
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Jeju.
Main: Buddhism and Christianity are the major religions in Jeju; traditional shamanic practices remain culturally significant, particularly among older generations and in fishing communities
Sites: Beophwasa Temple (Hallasan foothills), Gwaneum-sa Temple (Hallasan Gwaneumsa Trail base), small village shrines and haenyeo ritual sites throughout the island
Holy Days: Buddha's Birthday (Vesak, 4th month of lunar calendar) — temple visits, lantern festivals. Major Korean holidays: Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Autumn Harvest Festival) — expect reduced services and crowds.
Conversations: Avoid sensitive political topics including North-South Korea relations. Questions about Korea's political situation should be approached with sensitivity. Religion and politics are considered private matters.