Vamos a Jeju!

The Vamos a Jeju Podcast!
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Vamos a Jeju is your hub to help DIY travelers discover the rich culture, serene peace, and natural beauty of Korea's Jeju Island. It's all the magnificent vistas that Hawaii has to offer, but set in an entirely different and exciting culture, all at a fraction of the price. Come join us and unlock: the intrepid sea women who dive for seafood sans breathing aids;the ancient stories still spun by the island's shamanistic practices;the majestic landscape of fire and stone carved by magma;the breathtaking majesty of the island's hidden places. Welcome to our island home!

  1. 3d ago

    Ep 28: K-Drama Shooting Locations in Jeju — Part 1 Jeju City, North, & East

    At long last, Ed caves to pressure from "all our fans of just one in my house" and pivots to K-dramas. This two-part series maps out shooting locations from recent Netflix hits so K-drama fans can plan efficient itineraries by region rather than zigzagging across the island by show. Part 1 covers central Jeju, Jeju City, and the east coast, featuring locations from When Life Gives You Tangerines, Welcome to Samdali, Our Blues, Crash Landing on You, Boys Over Flowers, and more. Key Takeaways Why Jeju features so prominently in K-dramas: domestic vacation destination for Koreans; volcanic landscapes and coastal scenery; cheaper and faster than Hawaii; no passport required; recent shift from "vacation destination in dramas" to "dramas about life in Jeju" starting with Our Blues Jeju City / Central locations:Jeju Mokgwana (제주목관아): government office that looks like a small palace; When Life Gives You Tangerines writing competition scene; ~2,000 won admissionDodubong Oreum + Rainbow Coastal Road: Welcome to Samdali young couple scenes; plane spotting; "Kisses Zone" photo spot under tree shaped like Hershey's KissOradong Maemilbat (buckwheat field): When Life Gives You Tangerines final episode with Ae-soon and Kwan-sik; blooms May-June and September-OctoberCrash Landing on You forest scenes shot in Jeju (can't film in actual North Korea) East Coast locations:Seongsan Ilchulbong area: temple where Ae-soon did 3,000 bows for a baby boy; hydrangea in June-July; Seopjikoji (Boys Over Flowers); Seongsan-Goseong 5-Day Market (Our Blues fish vendor scenes, open on dates ending 2 and 7)Ojo Port: Welcome to Samdali poster location; second floor was built as a set and removed after filmingGwangchigi Beach: Welcome to Samdali; Running Man; Legend of the Blue SeaMaze Land: Running Man; Legend of the Blue Sea; Boys Over Flowers; now has cat caféGimnyeong Beach: When Life Gives You Tangerines young Ae-soon waiting for her mother; near windmill cafésHado and Jongdal alleys: When Life Gives You Tangerines maemilmuk and chapssaltteok selling scenesStone Culture Park (Jeju Stone Park): young Ae-soon running by stone wallsSehwa Haenyeo House (Modern Pulteo): Welcome to Samdali haenyeo locationBig tree in Pyeongdae: Welcome to Samdali gathering spot; paengnamu trees are sacred village guardians (당산나무)Saryeoni Forest (cypress forest): Welcome to Samdali wedding photo scene; popular for actual wedding photosPlan by region, not by drama, to avoid "making 100 circles around Jeju"Next StepsPlan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookSubscribe to our YouTube channel @vamosajejuShare the show!Leave a one-sentence review to help others discover the show

    Ep 28: K-Drama Shooting Locations in Jeju — Part 1 Jeju City, North, & East

  2. Aug 10

    Ep 27: Haenyeo Retreat Reveal and Our Best Clips

    Sora accidentally "demotes" Ed from co-host to guest to announce her first solo tour: a Haenyeo wellness retreat on Jeju. Ed negotiates a discount for listeners (starting at 50%, ending at... 70%?), and then they revisit their most popular clips from the past year. Topics include the controversial stereotype about Jeju men, why "Olleh" means what it means, tangerine-picking etiquette, speed traps on coastal roads, the new K.ride taxi app for foreigners, and flying cheap from Gimpo to Jeju. Key TakeawaysSora's Haenyeo Retreat: September 10-12, three days/two nights. Full day with Haenyeo at their village, interview sessions (Sora translates), seafood BBQ at the 불턱 (bulteok, traditional outdoor community center), Haenyeo theater performance, temple lunch with a monk, yoga and meditation. Two spots left. Listener discount available at vamosajeju.com/sora (redirects to jejuslowly.com).Most popular clip #1: Jeju men stereotype: From Episode 4. Sora was uncomfortable discussing the historical stereotype that Jeju men were lazy while Haenyeo women did the work. "젠더 감수성 (gender sensitivity)" is a big deal in Korea. She clarifies: "This is the stereotype for Jeju men in the past. These days in modern society, if they do this, they won't be able to get married."Most popular clip #2: What does "Olleh" mean?: From the Olleh Trail episode. Short clip, huge engagement. Ed: "I stopped trying to guess why."Most popular clip #3: Don't go to jail for an orange: Sora's title. Tangerine-picking is popular with city visitors, less so with Ed's family ("We picked blueberries and apples when they were kids").Speed traps: Ed dreads them. Sora's tip: Take the mountain roads instead of coastal roads to avoid speed cameras and traffic lights.K.ride app: New Kakao Taxi app for foreigners. Same service, no Korean phone number required.Flying to Jeju: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday late-night flights are cheapest (around $20-25 USD). Incheon to Jeju direct flights now exist but are limited (one or two per week) and more expensive ($90 USD). Gimpo to Jeju is still easier, faster, and more frequent ("like taking a bus").Podcast origin story: Ed was in Oaxaca pitching a polyglot podcast idea. Sora already had a website called Vamos a Jeju. Ed: "You tricked me." Sora: "No, we were talking, talking, talking, and then Jeju..."Clip LibraryAll clips organized by category at vamosajeju.com/clip: Foodie Culture, Jeju History, DIY Traveling Tips, Getting Around Jeju, Outdoor Jeju, and more! Next StepsSora's Haenyeo Retreat: vamosajeju.com/soraClip library: vamosajeju.com/clipGot questions? We've got answers!: vamosajeju.com/ask

    Ep 27: Haenyeo Retreat Reveal and Our Best Clips

  3. Aug 3

    Ep 26: Eating Off The Beaten Path - Korean Comfort Food | Eat Like a Local

    Ed tests a hypothesis: is comfort food just anju minus alcohol? Sora says not quite. This episode covers the hearty, unglamorous Korean foods that locals turn to when they need warmth, stress relief, or a cure for last night's soju. Ed and Sora walk through the practical challenges of ordering at real Korean restaurants (no English menus, no English speakers, intimidating pace) and share tactics for navigating them. They cover sundubu (spicy soft tofu stew), haejangguk (hangover soup), kimchi jjigae, doenjang jjigae, baekban (home-style meal sets), and Jeju's own gogi-guksu. They also explore why Koreans reach for crazy-spicy food when stressed, and how temporarily replacing emotional pain with physical pain might actually work. Key TakeawaysComfort food restaurants are intimidating for visitors: all-Korean menus, no English, fast pace, not Instagrammable; but they're cheap, delicious, and worth the effortFinding comfort food: search Korean terms on KakaoMap or NaverMap; check photos for menus before arriving; use Google Translate or AI on menu photosOrdering tactic: order the first item on the menu (it's usually the specialty); use numbers and gestures ("이거 둘 주세요" or just "this one, two please")Self vs. Service: "Self" (셀프) means self-service (help yourself to banchan); "Service" (서비스) means a freebie/comp from the ownerSundubu (순두부): spicy soft tofu stew; Ilpoom Sundubu (일품순두부) is a popular chain with locations across Jeju offering unlimited banchan buffets (10,000-12,000 won); the Oedo branch has 30+ side dishes including soy sauce crab, fried chicken, tteokbokkiNurungji becomes sungnyung: the burnt rice at the bottom of the stone pot becomes a palate-cleansing soup when you add hot water and let it steep while eatingHaejangguk (해장국): "hangover soup" with variations including beef, bean sprout, pollack, intestine, or blood block (seonji); eaten any time, not just after drinking; popular with ajusshi crowdOther staples: kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew), baekban (home-style meal sets with rice, soup, and banchan)Jeju specialty: gogi-guksu (고기국수), pork noodle soup made from pork meat broth (not bone broth like Japanese ramen); there's a whole street for it near the Jeju Folklore & Natural History MuseumStress eating Korean-style: Koreans eat crazy-spicy food when stressed (dakbal, buldak bokkeum myeon, tteokbokki); the theory is that physical pain temporarily overwhelms emotional painNext StepsBlog post: vamosajeju.com/comfortPlan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookSubscribe to our YouTube channel @vamosajejuShare the show!

    Ep 26: Eating Off The Beaten Path - Korean Comfort Food | Eat Like a Local

  4. Jul 27

    Ep 25: Food You Pair with Alcohol - Anju | Eat Like a Local

    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, anju is a cultural practice tied to Korea's drinking rounds (il-cha, i-cha, sam-cha), third-place culture, nunchi, and even dating (hunting pocha). The episode covers classic pairings from dried squid with beer to jeon with makgeolli, and reveals that yes, pizza with beer counts as anju too. Key TakeawaysAnju (안주) literally means "hold down the alcohol"; refers to food paired with drinks, but also the cultural practice of eating while drinkingDry anju (dried squid, fish jerky, nuts, chips) is common for beer, especially at convenience stores or during sam-cha (third round)Soju pairs with spicy and salty foods: samgyeopsal, dakbal (spicy chicken feet), jokbal (pig feet), bossam; the spice is "washed off" with sojuMakgeolli pairs with jeon (Korean pancakes) and kimchi-tofuBeer pairs with chicken (chi-maek) or pizza (pi-maek)Anju can be anything: pizza, cheese platter with wine, stew with soju; if you drink alcohol with food, that food is anjuKorean drinking culture involves rounds: il-cha (first round, real meal like samgyeopsal), i-cha (second round, maybe chicken and beer), sam-cha (third round, dried anju to extend hangout time)Nunchi drives the round system: you don't monopolize one table for hours; you move to give the restaurant spaceThird-place culture: small apartments mean Koreans socialize outside the homeHoesik (company dinners) often feature "safe" anju like samgyeopsal that everyone likesJeju anju leans toward fresh seafood with soju; beachside pocha (pop-up bars) serve raw seafood at nightHunting pocha: bars in Seoul (Hongdae, Itaewon) where groups of young people meet other groups; age-restricted (under 30)Banju: eating a regular meal with alcohol simultaneously (common among Jeju farmers and fishermen)Sora's favorites: fish cake soup with soju, kimchi-jeon with makgeolli, dried squid with beerNext StepsPlan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookSubscribe to our YouTube channel @vamosajejuShare the show!

    Ep 25: Food You Pair with Alcohol - Anju | Eat Like a Local

  5. Jul 20

    Ep 24: Same but Different - Korean Fast Food | Eat Like a Local

    Ed and Sora tackle the question: what counts as fast food in Korea when all Korean food is fast? This episode covers both Western-style chains (McDonald's, Burger King, Lotteria, KFC, Subway, Mom's Touch) and Korean bunsik classics (tteokbokki, kimbap, twigim, sundae, omuk). Along the way, they explore why Koreans prefer restaurants with one menu item (specialization = quality), why too much choice is overwhelming, and why the real Korean fast food might just be the 24-hour convenience store. Key TakeawaysWestern chains in Korea: McDonald's has a "Taste of Korea" series with regional limited-edition burgers (garlic from Changnyeong, green onion from Jindo, etc.); Lotteria is a Korean chain with creative limited menus (Culinary Class Wars collaboration, black squid burger, kalbi burger); Mom's Touch is popular near schoolsKorean fried chicken chains (Goobne, Kyochon, BHC) are considered far superior to KFC; they offer many variations (cheese powder, sauces) and serve beer; open afternoon to late night as anju spots, not lunch placesSubway exists but ordering is stressful for Koreans; too many choices is a minus, not a plus; Koreans follow Instagram guides for "perfect orders"Korean pizza has many toppings (potato, bulgogi, sweet potato, steak); 반반 (banban) pizza lets you get two flavors on one pie; Pizza Alvolo is Sora's favorite chainKorean bunsik (snack shops near schools): tteokbokki (rice cakes in sweet-spicy sauce), kimbap (rice rolls), twigim (battered deep-fried items like mandu, vegetables, glass noodle rolls), omuk-gochi (fish cake skewers in free broth), sundae (blood sausage with glass noodles, not ice cream)Tteok-twi-sun: a combo set of tteokbokki + twigim + sundaeConvenience stores (pyeonuijeom) are the "real" Korean fast food: triangle kimbap, regular kimbap, dosirak (lunchbox), cup ramyeon; open 24 hours, everywhere, DIY meal hacks on InstagramIsaac Toast (이삭토스트): popular Korean street toast chain with grilled sandwiches filled with cabbage, egg, and sweet-salty sauces; found near schools and universitiesNext StepsBlog post: vamosajeju.com/fastPlan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookSubscribe to our YouTube channel @vamosajejuShare the show!

    Ep 24: Same but Different - Korean Fast Food | Eat Like a Local

  6. Jul 13

    Ep 23: Delicious Culture - Butcher Shop BBQ | Eat Like a Local

    Ed and Sora kick off the Food Jeju series with an episode on one of the most authentic ways to enjoy Jeju's famous black pork: the butcher shop barbecue. Unlike the touristy Black Pork Street restaurants, a butcher shop barbecue (정육점 식당) combines a ground-floor butcher counter with a second-floor restaurant. You pick your meat from the refrigerated display, weigh it, pay at the counter, then head upstairs to grill it yourself. The episode walks through the entire experience, from choosing cuts to understanding the self-service culture, and introduces one of the most iconic tools in Korean cuisine: the meat scissors. Key TakeawaysHow it works: select meat from the refrigerated case on the ground floor, weigh and pay at the counter, then go upstairs to the restaurant where staff set up the grill; table setting fee is around 3,000 won (~$2) per person and includes lettuce wraps, sauces, and side dishesCommon pork cuts: 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal, three-layer pork belly), 오겹살 (ogyeopsal, five-layer with skin), 목살 (moksal, pork neck with less fat)Common beef cuts: 갈비살 (galbisal, rib meat), 부채살 (buchaesal, flat iron), and others; 한우 (hanwoo, Korean beef) is significantly more expensive than imported beef from Australia or the USBlack pork vs. regular pork: most Jeju locals eat regular pork daily; black pork is for special occasions or touristsWhy self-cooking? Koreans prefer communal dining at their own pace; the youngest person (막내, maknae) typically handles grilling first, then hands off to the next youngest; seniors rarely cook눈치 (nunchi) = reading the room: Koreans prefer self-service to avoid bothering staff or being bothered; refill your own side dishes and water; don't overstay when it gets crowdedMeat scissors: the most iconic Korean BBQ tool; cutting meat while grilling increases surface area for faster cooking and ensures no pink remains (Koreans prefer fully cooked meat)Smoke vents: the pipe above your table sucks up most smoke; check under your seat for a hidden compartment to store jackets and bags away from cooking smellsPractical tips: start with small portions (you can always refill side dishes for free); observe what locals do; ask questions if unsure (Koreans are kind to foreigners); don't worry about grilling perfectly on your first try!Next StepsPlan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookShare the show with a friend who loves Korean BBQ

    Ep 23: Delicious Culture - Butcher Shop BBQ | Eat Like a Local

  7. Jul 6

    Ep 22: Climbing Hallasan, The Heart of Jeju | Outdoor Jeju

    Ed has been waiting 22 episodes to talk about his favorite mountain in the world: Hallasan, South Korea's tallest peak at 1,947 meters. 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. Ed shares his hard-won lessons about wet rocks, knee braces, and the humiliation of being passed by children and seniors on the descent, while Sora reveals she climbed to the summit solo on a snowy November day and made friends along the way. Key TakeawaysHallasan is the tallest mountain in South Korea (1,947m) and a bucket-list climb for Koreans; about 900,000 people climb annuallyTwo summit trails (reservation required): Gwaneumsa (north, shorter but steeper, many rock stairs) and Seongpanak (east, longer but gentler, more forest); 1,500 spots per day total (1,000 Seongpanak, 500 Gwaneumsa)Book on the 1st of the month for the following month; weekdays are easier for visitors since Koreans tend to book weekendsRecommended strategy: climb up Gwaneumsa (steep but faster), descend via Seongpanak (longer but easier on knees); you must start from your registered trailhead but can descend either wayTime cutoffs: must pass checkpoints by certain times (varies by season, roughly 11:30am-12:30pm for checkpoints, 1-2pm to leave summit); start by 7am at the latest, 5am is betterTwo partial trails (no reservation): Eorimok (longer, wooden decks, famous for autumn foliage at Eorimok Gyegok) and Yeongsil (shorter, steeper, famous for 500 rock formations called the "500 sons of the goddess"); both meet at WitsaeoreumNo convenience stores in the park; bring all food and water; bathroom water is not confirmed potableKoreans bring thermos flasks to make ramyeon at rest stops; at altitude, water boils at a lower temperature so noodles don't fully cook (this is apparently the point)Gear: hiking poles, knee braces (especially for descent), crampons in winter; wet volcanic rock stairs on Gwaneumsa are treacherousBus 240 connects Jeju City to Eorimok, Yeongsil, and Jungmun (once per hour), but plan a 30 minute hike from the bus stop to the trailheadsKoreans are friendlier on hiking trails; strangers share snacks and encouragement (파이팅!)Next StepsBlog post: vamosajeju.com/climbPlan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookSubscribe to our YouTube channel @vamosajejuShare the show with a friend!

    Ep 22: Climbing Hallasan, The Heart of Jeju | Outdoor Jeju

  8. Jun 29

    Ep 21: Mini Jeju Olleh Trails: 80% of the Majesty, 30% of the Effort | Outdoor Jeju

    Ed invented the "mini Olleh trail" concept as a secret strategy to get his hiking-averse family members hooked on the Jeju Olleh Trail. The idea: walk a short, easy section that includes at least one stamping station, get them a passport with a few stamps, take them to the gift shop, and hope they come back to finish the rest someday. This episode maps out mini trails across the island, all under 90 minutes, close to bus stops, and featuring at least one passport stamp. Key TakeawaysMini Olleh standards: under 90 minutes, not too difficult, within 15 minutes of bus stops on both ends, includes at least one stamping stationNorth coast (Jeju City): Sarabong Oreum (Trail 18 start, under 1 hour, murals, harbor views); Dodubong + Rainbow Coastal Road (Trail 17 midpoint at Eoyong Park, 1-1.5 hours, cafes, plane views)Northeast coast: Haengwon to Gimnyeong Beach (Trail 20 midpoint near Camel Coffee and windmills, flat walk, emerald beaches, K-drama location, bus 201 nearby)East coast: Gwangchigi Beach to Seongsan port (Trail 1 endpoint, walk through town, cross bridge for Iceland-like views, bus 201 serves both ends)East coast: Sehwa Beach and Haenyeo Museum (Trail 21 start, Sumbisori Gil loop through farmlands, Byeolbangjin fortress with canola flowers, optional push to midpoint for two stamps, kalguksu restaurant with money on the walls)South coast (Seogwipo): Olleh HQ is the stamping station for Trail 6 end / Trail 7 start; east fork goes to Jeongbang and Sojeongbang waterfalls (60-75 min); west fork goes past Jeju's only rice field to a temple and coastal road (45-60 min)More mini trails in the blog post: vamosajeju.com/hikeNext StepsPlan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookGet a passport, collect a few stamps, and come back to finish the trail

    Ep 21: Mini Jeju Olleh Trails: 80% of the Majesty, 30% of the Effort | Outdoor Jeju
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About

Vamos a Jeju is your hub to help DIY travelers discover the rich culture, serene peace, and natural beauty of Korea's Jeju Island. It's all the magnificent vistas that Hawaii has to offer, but set in an entirely different and exciting culture, all at a fraction of the price. Come join us and unlock: the intrepid sea women who dive for seafood sans breathing aids;the ancient stories still spun by the island's shamanistic practices;the majestic landscape of fire and stone carved by magma;the breathtaking majesty of the island's hidden places. Welcome to our island home!

Information

  • Creator
    The Vamos a Jeju Podcast!
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Vamos a Jeju Podcast!
  • Show Website
    Vamos a Jeju!

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