The Essence of Jeju in 14 Emails
January 27, 2026
A free-14 part DIY guide to unlock all that Jeju has to offer, packed with practical tips to discover the island yourself. Welcome to our island home!
A free-14 part DIY guide to unlock all that Jeju has to offer, packed with practical tips to discover the island yourself. Welcome to our island home!
Ed has been confused about the word “anju” for three years. In this episode, Sora finally explains: anju (안주) literally means “hold down the
What counts as fast food in Korea when all Korean food is fast? This episode covers both Western-style chains and Korean bunsik classics. Along
Our very own Soraya is currently attending Haenyeo School once a week, getting her behind kicked by the instructors who are grannies in their
Forget the tourist-trap Black Pork Street—this episode reveals how locals actually enjoy Korean BBQ: at a butcher shop barbecue. You walk into a butcher
Ed has been confused about the word “anju” for three years. In this episode, Sora finally
What counts as fast food in Korea when all Korean food is fast? This episode covers
Ed has been confused about the word “anju” for three years. In this episode, Sora finally explains: anju (안주) literally means “hold down the alcohol,” but in practice it refers to the food Koreans pair with specific drinks. More than just food,
What counts as fast food in Korea when all Korean food is fast? This episode covers both Western-style chains and Korean bunsik classics. Along the way, they explore why Koreans prefer restaurants with one menu item, why too much choice is overwhelming,
Forget the tourist-trap Black Pork Street—this episode reveals how locals actually enjoy Korean BBQ: at a butcher shop barbecue. You walk into a butcher shop, pick your meat from the refrigerated display, weigh and pay for it, then head upstairs to grill
This episode breaks down everything visitors need to know about climbing Hallasan, from the two summit trails (Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak) to the two partial trails (Eorimok and Yeongsil) for those who want the experience without the full commitment.
Want just a taste of the Olleh trail without the time and effort for a full trail? Give the the “mini Olleh trail” a shot. The idea: walk a short, easy section that includes at least one trail stamping station, with bus
You don’t have to complete any of the 27 Olleh trails to appreciate the beauty of the island. Here’s everything a potential hiker needs to know before they go!
Part 2 of Hikes for Hike Haters cover coastal headlands, windmill walks, historically significant trails, tea plantation strolls, and waterfall visits. All were designed to be not too long, not too steep, interesting throughout, and easy to bail out of when needed.
If you hate hiking but don’t want to completely miss out on the natural beauty of Jeju, here’s a good compromise: a curated menu of hikes designed for reluctant walkers.
Slow travel doesn’t require months of time; even a week works if you skip the tourist checklist and pursuing meaningful local experiences. Ed and Sora wrap up the Hidden Jeju series by exploring activities perfect for slow travelers who want to experience
Our very own Soraya is currently attending Haenyeo School once a week, getting her behind kicked by the instructors who are grannies in their 60s and 70s. This is her story thus far.
Ed has been confused about the word “anju” for three years. In this episode, Sora finally explains: anju (안주) literally means “hold down the alcohol,” but in practice it refers to the food Koreans pair with specific drinks.
What counts as fast food in Korea when all Korean food is fast? This episode covers both Western-style chains and Korean bunsik classics. Along the way, they explore why Koreans prefer restaurants with one menu item, why too
Our very own Soraya is currently attending Haenyeo School once a week, getting her behind kicked by the instructors who are grannies in their 60s and 70s. This is her story thus far.
Forget the tourist-trap Black Pork Street—this episode reveals how locals actually enjoy Korean BBQ: at a butcher shop barbecue. You walk into a butcher shop, pick your meat from the refrigerated display, weigh and pay for it, then
This episode breaks down everything visitors need to know about climbing Hallasan, from the two summit trails (Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak) to the two partial trails (Eorimok and Yeongsil) for those who want the experience without the full commitment.
Want just a taste of the Olleh trail without the time and effort for a full trail? Give the the “mini Olleh trail” a shot. The idea: walk a short, easy section that includes at least one trail
Our very own Soraya is currently attending Haenyeo School once a week, getting her behind kicked by the instructors who are grannies in their 60s and 70s. This is her story thus far.
You don’t have to complete any of the 27 Olleh trails to appreciate the beauty of the island. Here’s everything a potential hiker needs to know before they go!
The Free Show, the Coastal Villages & the Best Times to Go You came to Jeju for the volcano, the tangerines, and the coastline. But the thing you’ll still be talking about a year from now is the
The Free Show, the Coastal Villages & the Best Times to Go You came to Jeju for the volcano, the tangerines, and the coastline. But the thing you’ll still be talking about a year from now is the moment you watched a
Jeju’s 9 five-day markets (오일장) are the antidotes to touristy Dongmun and Olle markets. Fresh produce, fair prices, no crowds, and an authentic window into local Jeju life. The hosts share some of their favorites.
Jeju has 368 volcanic cones, 258 kilometers of coastline, and more Instagram-worthy cafés than you can visit in a week. What most visitors never find is silence. Real silence. The kind that only comes when you’ve put on grey temple clothes and
There is some nuance when we talk about Korean Fast Food, because there are the Western-style chains you’ll recognize from home. And then, the Korean alternatives that are at once similar and different!
Korean comfort food and the Korean concept of Anju overlap and make up a whole dine-and-drink culture that most visitors never get to because it looks intimidating from the outside. Local places with signs and menus all in Korean, staff who speak
The five-day markets (오일장, o-il-jang) of Jeju are treasure troves of authentic experiences, quality produce, and fair prices. There are nine of them and each appears every five days at a fixed facility. The stalls are operated almost entirely by older locals
Want to understand one of Jeju’s most iconic cultural traditions before it fades? This episode dives deep into the world of the haenyeo (해녀)—the women divers who harvest seafood without air tanks, sometimes to depths of 20 meters.
How much does a trip to Jeju actually cost? This episode breaks down every budget category: flights from Seoul, accommodations, transportation, food & drinks, and admission fees.
Jeju International Airport is one of Jeju’s largest massacre site. And almost no tourists know this. Whether it markets itself as a dark tourism destination or not, the trauma of the 4:3 massacre makes it one.