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. Ep 20: The Jeju Olleh Trail - The Hike of a Lifetime| Outdoor Jeju

    12h ago

    Ep 20: The Jeju Olleh Trail - The Hike of a Lifetime| Outdoor Jeju

    Ed has been waiting 20 episodes to talk about his favorite thing in Jeju: the 437-kilometer Jeju Olleh Trail. This episode covers everything a potential hiker needs to know, from the meaning of "Olleh" (a Jeju dialect word for the narrow pathway between a traditional house and the village road) to the passport stamping system, the blue (clockwise) and orange (counterclockwise) trail markers, and how to get the completion certificate at the Seogwipo headquarters. Ed shares his top three favorite courses and Sora teases a future guided Olleh tour for English speakers. Key Takeaways27 routes totaling 437 km; most people do one trail (5-8 hours) or half a trail, not the whole thingNo registration required to walk; just follow the blue and orange ribbons with the Ganse horse symbolOptional passport system: buy a booklet at any Olleh visitor center; stamp at the start, midpoint, and end of each trail; endpoint of one trail is the start of the nextBlue arrows = clockwise direction; orange arrows = counterclockwiseCompletion certificate and pin awarded at Jeju Olleh Foundation HQ in Seogwipo (warning: they make you ring a bell and read an award speech)Who should try it: people who like walking, have time, are comfortable navigating buses (some routes have buses only every 2 hours), and are okay staying in local pensionsEd's top 3 courses: Course 21 (Haenyeo Museum through Sumbisori Gil, farmlands, Hado Beach, Jimibong); Course 8/9 (Gunsan Oreum descent through horse trail tunnel to a Mediterranean-style port); Course 1 (ending at Gwangchigi Beach with sunset or sunrise views of Seongsan Ilchulbong)Sora is developing a 1-2 week guided Olleh tour in English; contact soraya@vamosajeju.comBlog post: vamosajeju.com/ollehNext StepsPlan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookShare the show with someone who needs a walking challenge

    25 min
  2. Ep 19: Hikes for People who Hate Hiking Part 2 | Outdoor Jeju

    Jun 15

    Ep 19: Hikes for People who Hate Hiking Part 2 | Outdoor Jeju

    Continuing Ed's menu of hike-hater-friendly options for his family trip, this episode covers coastal headlands, windmill walks, historically significant trails, tea plantation strolls, and waterfall visits. These are all designed with the same principles: not too long, not too steep, interesting throughout, and easy to bail out of when needed. Key Takeaways Coastal headlands: Seopjikoji (east coast, flat, canola flowers March-May, views of Seongsan); Songaksan (southwest, loop trail, K-drama filming location for When Life Gives You Tangerines)Windmill walks: Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road (west coast, 30-60 minutes depending on route, raised platform over water); Haengwon to Gimnyeong Beach (east coast, Camel Coffee starting point, Woljeong and Gimnyeong beaches, snorkeling in summer)Historical hikes: Sumbisori Gil from Haenyeo Museum through farmlands to Hado and Byeolbangjin fortress (2 hours full loop; take bus one way to halve it); Altereu Airfield (WWII Japanese hangars among garlic and radish fields, connects to Seodal Memorial and April 3rd massacre site; dark tourism, requires car)Tea plantation: Osulloc (walk past the crowded cafe into the plantation itself; biggest in Jeju; rows of tea as far as you want to walk)Waterfalls: Jeongbang (only waterfall in Korea that flows directly into the sea); Sojeongbang (small Jeongbang; peaceful, fewer crowds); both connect to Lee Jung-Seop Street walk; art gallery and Sora's House (shell museum) nearbyBlog post with all hikes: vamosajeju.com/hike Next Steps Plan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookLeave a review and let us know which hike you tried

    23 min
  3. Ep 18: Hikes for People who Hate Hiking Part 1 | Outdoor Jeju

    Jun 8

    Ep 18: Hikes for People who Hate Hiking Part 1 | Outdoor Jeju

    Ed is planning a family trip to Jeju for Christmas 2026, and some family members love hiking while others absolutely hate it. This episode presents his solution: a curated menu of hikes designed for reluctant walkers. He establishes four benchmarks for hike-hater-friendly trails: under 90 minutes, minimal elevation gain, interesting things to see throughout, and places to rest (preferably cafes). A bonus criterion: easy bail-out options via bus or taxi. Part 1 covers urban walks in Jeju City and Seogwipo, easy Oreums near the airport, and beach walks at low tide. Key TakeawaysUrban walks in Jeju City: Jeonnongno Cherry Blossom Street has murals, cafes, and souvenir shops even without cherry blossoms; 30 minutes to 2 hours; quit anytimeUrban walks in Seogwipo: Lee Jung-Seop Street starts at the Olle daily market and goes downhill past cafes and shops to the artist's museum (closed for renovation until 2027, but free gallery available); can extend to Saeyeongyo Bridge and Saeseom IslandSarabong Oreum: 7-15 minutes to the top; one of the top 10 views from Joseon dynasty (Sabong Nakjo sunset); local kids, rabbits, exercising elders; cherry blossoms in springDodubong Oreum + Rainbow Coastal Road: views of planes landing; cafes with rooftops and elevators; Eoyong Park near the runway; Daiso escape hatch for shopping; buses run hourlyBeach walks: Pyoseon (check tide tables; combine with Jeju Folk Village); Gwangchigi Beach near Seongsan (green carpet of seaweed on lava rock at low tide; stunning sunrise or sunset views of Ilchulbong)Blog post with all hikes: vamosajeju.com/hikeNext StepsPlan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookShare the show with a friend who hates hiking but loves views

    24 min
  4. Ep 17: Jeju for DIY Slow Travelers | Hidden Jeju

    Jun 1

    Ep 17: Jeju for DIY Slow Travelers | Hidden Jeju

    In this episode, Ed and Sora wrap up the Hidden Jeju series by exploring activities perfect for slow travelers who want to experience Jeju on a deeper level. Slow travel doesn't require months of time; even a week or 10 days works if you're intentional about skipping the tourist checklist and pursuing meaningful local experiences. The episode covers four off-the-beaten-path activities: walking rescue dogs at a no-kill shelter, Buddhist temple stays, hands-on haenyeo diving experiences and performances, and plane spotting at secret locations near Jeju Airport. This is also the final episode of Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem, where they finally teach the most important phrase they'd somehow never covered: 감사합니다 (thank you). Key Takeaways Slow travel is about depth over breadth: stay longer, see fewer places, meet more peopleNo-kill dog shelter volunteering: contact jeju.now on Instagram or email soraya@vamosajeju.com to arrangeTemple stays: four temples in Jeju offer overnight stays; two program types (full itinerary with 4am wake-up vs. relaxed rest); food is vegetarian and bland (no garlic or strong herbs); book at the national temple stay website; vamosajeju.com/templeHaenyeo experiences: shallow-water diving with a haenyeo guide (wetsuit, basket, catch pre-planted seafood); Woman Divers Kitchen offers a media art dinner or a theatrical play based on an 89-year-old haenyeo's life story, followed by Q&APlane spotting: Dodubong Oreum for distant views; Granada Cafe rooftop for runway shots; spots along Rainbow Coastal Road and near the runway approach lights for planes flying directly overhead (bring earplugs); rental car required for the best spots Final Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤) 쌤 (ssaem) = shortened from 선생님 (seonsaengnim), meaning teacher감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) = thank you (formal); trick: "come some eat up"고마워요 (gomawoyo) = thank you (casual); 고마워 (gomawo) = even more casual안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) = hello; trick: "onion on sale"Pro tip: mumble and bow — Koreans will appreciate the effort Next Steps Plan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookShare the show with a friend who needs a reason to visit Jeju

    26 min
  5. Plan Your Jeju Trip With This Free Planner!

    May 28 ·  Bonus

    Plan Your Jeju Trip With This Free Planner!

    Ed and Sora announce a free trip planner app they built to help DIY travelers organize Jeju itineraries. The app features 50+ activities, from popular Instagram spots to slow traveler experiences, with KakaoMap links for each destination. Ed confesses the real reason he built it: his entire family is going to Jeju for Christmas and he needed a way to get everyone on the same page. Sora tries to get Ed to build one for New York too. He declines. Key TakeawaysWhat the Trip Planner does:50+ activities to browse and add to a wishlistOrganize activities across 1-5 day itineraries with time slotsWarns you if activities are in opposite regions (east vs. west) to avoid wasting time driving around HallasanFlags seasonal activities (cherry blossoms in April, tangerine picking Nov-Jan) if they don't match your travel monthSends your completed itinerary to your email with KakaoMap links and additional info for each activityHelps visualize where activities are clustered so you can decide where to book hotelsWhat the Trip Planner does NOT do:Not a booking serviceNot based on crowd-sourced reviews; activities are curated based on Ed and Sora's personal experienceDoes not include every possible option in a category (e.g., not every green tea farm in Jeju, just the ones they've been to)Who it's for:DIY travelers who need to research and plan independentlyTour participants who want to compare what tour companies offer against what they actually want to doAccess: vamosajeju.com/tripNext StepsTry the Trip Planner at vamosajeju.com/tripSubscribe to our YouTube channel @vamosajeju

    13 min
  6. Ep 16: Local 5 Day Markets | Hidden Jeju

    May 25

    Ep 16: Local 5 Day Markets | Hidden Jeju

    Ed champions the five-day markets (오일장) as the antidote to touristy Dongmun and Olle markets — fresh produce, fair prices, no crowds, and an authentic window into local Jeju life. Sora explains how these rotating markets date back to the Goryeo dynasty, with vendors traveling between villages on a 5-day cycle (dates ending in 2 and 7, or 3 and 8, etc.). Their favorites: Sehwa (near Haenyeo Museum, statue commemorating anti-Japanese resistance)Seongsan (shooting location for Our Blues)Hallim (famous gimbap lady with a waiting list) Seogwipo (lots of food options). Check dates before you go — they're only open one day then gone for four. TakeawaysFive-day markets (오일장): Rotate on fixed dates (e.g., 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd, 27th of each month)Much more authentic than touristy Dongmun/Olle markets — fresh produce, local vendors, fair pricesVendors are mostly grandmas/grandpas; arrive early (6-7am), leave by 3-4pm regardless of official hoursSehwa Market: Near Haenyeo Museum, statue commemorating anti-Japanese resistance — combine with museum visitHallim Market: Sora's favorite; famous gimbap lady (book first, stroll for an hour, then pick up)Seogwipo Market: Watch grandmas bargaining in Jeju dialect; sit and eat while observing local lifeGoseong Market: Near Seongsan, small, K-drama "Our Blues" filming location Must-try foods: 빈떡 (bintteok, Jeju-only buckwheat crepes)꽈배기 (kkwabaegi, twisted donuts)호떡 (hotteok)떡볶이 (tteokbokki)순대 (sundae, blood sausage — not ice cream!)뻥튀기 (ppong-twigi, puffed rice discs)짜장면 (jajangmyeon) Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)Review of previous phrases for market use: 이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmayeyo?) — How much is this?이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) — Please give me this감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) — Thank you맛있어요 (mashisseoyo) — It's delicious안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) — Goodbye (to someone staying) Sora's tip: Get straight to the point, but always say 감사합니다, 안녕히 계세요 when leaving. Next StepsFive-day market guide: vamosajeju.com/market14-part DIY Jeju email series: vamosajeju.com/startFollow: @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

    26 min
  7. Ep 15: Cherry Blossoms and More! | Hidden Jeju

    May 18

    Ep 15: Cherry Blossoms and More! | Hidden Jeju

    Ed and Sora cover cherry blossom season in Jeju, a great alternative to fighting crowds in Japan. Jeju has its own endemic species — the King Cherry Blossom (왕벚꽃) — discovered in the early 1900s and native only to Jeju. They share five spots: Jeonnongro Street (tunnel effect, murals as consolation prize)Noksan-ro (canola flowers + windmills + cherry blossoms triple threat)Jeju National University campus (local picnic vibe, cheap restaurants nearby)Samseong-hyeol (traditional architecture, paid entry ~4,000 won)Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (open until 10pm for night viewing). Cherry blossoms bloom late March to mid-April but can end abruptly with rain.TakeawaysJeju's King Cherry Blossom (왕벚꽃) is endemic to Jeju — different species from Japan and mainland KoreaSeason: Late March to early-April; can end abruptly with rain/windCanola flowers (yellow): February to April/May — longer season, good consolation prizeJeonnongro Street: Near Jeju City, cherry blossom tunnel effect, 100+ murals, cafes — 3-4 hour visitGasiri Noksan-ro: Southeast, 1 hour from city, triple combo of cherry blossoms + canola flowers + windmills; need rental car; nearby: Folk Village, Snoopy GardenJeju National University: Local picnic spot, cheap restaurants nearby; consolation: Gwaneumsa Temple (Attorney Woo filming location), Crash Landing on You forest sceneSamseong-hyeol: Downtown Jeju near City Hall, traditional architecture, ~4,000 won entry; nearby: Noodle Street (국수거리) for gogi guksuCheonjiyeon Waterfall: Seogwipo, open until 10pm for night cherry blossom viewing, ~2,000 won entryHandy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)벚꽃 (beotkkot) = cherry blossom Describing beauty: 예쁘다 (yeppeuda) — pretty (for flowers, women, things)잘생겼다 (jalsaenggyeotta) — handsome (for men only)멋있다 (meositta) — cool/impressive (for mountains, scenery, men)Next StepsSign up for the 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/startFollow: @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, FacebookVisit vamosajeju.com for articles, videos, and resources

    24 min
  8. Ep 14: Green Tea on the Green Island | Hidden Jeju

    May 11

    Ep 14: Green Tea on the Green Island | Hidden Jeju

    Ed and Sora kick off the "Hidden Jeju" series with green tea. Despite being coffee people (Sora quotes the Korean phrase 얼죽아 — "I'd freeze to death before giving up iced Americano"), they've grown to appreciate Jeju's tea culture. Jeju's volcanic soil, clean filtered water, and humid climate make it ideal for tea cultivation, now rivaling Japan's famous Uji region. They discuss the difference between green tea (brewed leaves) and matcha (ground whole leaf), and recommend several tea plantations: Osulloc (biggest, but crowded — go early)Seogwi Dawon (small, 80-year-old grandma serves tea, no tour groups)Orteas (reservation-only tea ceremony)Onulun (lava cave underneath, green tea foot bath).TakeawaysJeju tea rivals Japan's Uji region; volcanic soil, filtered water, and humid climate are ideal for cultivation말차 (malcha) = matcha in Korean; 녹차 (nokcha) = green teaMatcha = ground whole leaf (more caffeine, more nutrients); green tea = brewed extractHarvest season: April-June; early harvest (April) is smoother and more expensive; June harvest is strongerOsulloc Tea Museum: Biggest, free entry, beautiful fields — but crowded (tour buses, food court vibe); go early morningSeogwi Dawon: Small, tranquil, 80-year-old grandma owner, 5,000 won entry includes 2 teas, views of Hallasan peak, no large tour groupsOrteas: Reservation-only, Airbnb experience, 4-tea ceremony (green, black, hojicha, matcha) — no random touristsOnulun Green Tea House: Lava cave underneath tea fields, green tea foot bath (~$10)Aewol area: Matcha bingsu, matcha ice cream, croiffle  Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)마실래요 (mashillaeyo) = Would you like to drink? / I would like to drink 뭐 마실래요? (mwo mashillaeyo?) — What would you like to drink?말차 마실래요 (malcha mashillaeyo) — I'd like to drink matcha녹차 마실래요 (nokcha mashillaeyo) — I'd like to drink green tea Tea vocabulary: 녹차 (nokcha) — green tea말차 (malcha) — matcha홍차 (hongcha) — black tea생강차 (saenggang-cha) — ginger tea유자차 (yuja-cha) — citron tea한라봉차 (hallabong-cha) — Hallabong tangerine teaNext StepsGreen tea blog post: vamosajeju.com/tea14-part DIY Jeju email series: vamosajeju.com/startFollow: @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

    24 min
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

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!

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  • Creator
    The Vamos a Jeju Podcast!
  • Years Active
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  • Episodes
    21
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    Clean
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    © 2026 The Vamos a Jeju Podcast!
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