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. 23h ago

    Ep 30: K-Drama — Welcome to Samdal-ri | K Culture Deep Dive

    Ed confesses he's not a rom-com person but watched all of Welcome to Samdal-ri anyway to prepare for this episode. What hooked him wasn't the love story but the cultural issues the show reflects: workplace bullying (gabjil), witch hunting culture, the Sonbei-Hubei hierarchy, and Jeju as a safe harbor for people fleeing Seoul's toxicity. Sora reveals she sees parallels to her own story of escaping corporate Korea for Jeju, and admits that judging people quickly is "automatic" for Koreans who grew up in a ranking-obsessed education system. The conversation turns surprisingly personal when Ed shares his experience being ranked near the bottom of his class in 1970s Singapore, and Sora confesses she was near the top, which might explain why she judges and Ed doesn't. Key TakeawaysGabjil (갑질): Abuse of power by those in authority; the protagonist Cho Samdal was falsely accused of this by her assistant (Hubei) who wanted to take her position and boyfriendSonbei-Hubei (선배-후배): Senior-junior hierarchy in Korean workplaces and schools; no direct English translation, increasingly used as-is in EnglishWitch hunting (마녀사냥, manyeo-sanyang): Korean online phenomenon of piling on and attacking individuals, similar to cancel culture; people send hate comments, threatening letters, and try to destroy careersNeutral gear (뉴트럴 기어): New Korean slang meaning "I'll delay my judgment" rather than pile on immediately; a small cultural shiftJeju as safe harbor: Theme in the show where characters flee Seoul's toxicity for their hometown; Sora relates to this even though she wasn't born in Jeju, she and Jaden "found their home" thereHan (한): Deep, long-lasting sorrow in Korean culture; explains why Yongpil's father held onto grief/hatred for 20+ years after losing his loveSamchon (삼촌) in Jeju: Unlike mainland Korean where it means "uncle" (father's brother), in Jeju dialect it's used for any respected elder regardless of gender; Sora calls her female Haenyeo teachers "Samchon"Jeju language vs. dialect: Linguists consider Jeju language a separate language from Korean, not just a dialectRealistic vs. unrealistic elements: The Haenyeo diving scenes used expensive scuba goggles instead of traditional ones; Yongpil's rebellious behavior in a government job would be "not possible" in real Korean civil serviceEd's street smart vs. book smart backstory: He was ranked near the bottom in 1970s Singapore schools and got caned by his parents; this made him careful not to judge othersSora's confession: She was good at tests and ranked high, which may explain why judging comes automatically to her; she catches herself doing it and has to consciously stopTrip Planner now has 100+ usersNext StepsPlan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookSubscribe to our YouTube channel @vamosajeju.Next episode: Time to Be Strong (힘을 낼 시간), a movie about failed K-pop idols healing in Jeju

    Ep 30: K-Drama — Welcome to Samdal-ri | K Culture Deep Dive

  2. Aug 24

    Ep 29: K-Drama Shooting Locations in Jeju — Part 2 West and South

    Part 2 wraps up the K-drama shooting locations tour with the west and south coasts of Jeju. Sora finally watches Time to be Strong on Ed's recommendation and realizes the foreigner knows more about Korean indie films set in Jeju than she does. The episode covers locations from When Life Gives You Tangerines, Our Blues, Welcome to Samdali, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and Time to be Strong, plus a sidebar about the word "foreigner" and why Ed finds it mildly devastating. Key TakeawaysEd's note on "foreigner" (외국인): literal translation from Korean/Chinese but carries an outsider connotation in English; Koreans use it neutrally but visitors may prefer "traveler" or "tourist"West Coast locations:Dolphin spotting area / rock pools (tide pools, Jeju dialect: 도구리알): When Life Gives You Tangerines Episode 10 fight scene between Eunmyeong and Hyunsook; also sunset coastal areaHallim Port: When Life Gives You Tangerines scene where Ae-soon picks up Eunmyeong; ferry to Biyangdo (15 min); fish market for cheap raw fishGeumneung area: Our Blues handsome boat captain's RV/camper location with view of Biyangdo; entire Hallim-Geumneung area is Our Blues territorySinchang Windmill Coastal Road: Our Blues driving/wide shots; Welcome to SamdaliNote: Dodongri village in When Life Gives You Tangerines was actually filmed in Andong, not JejuSouthwest locations:Songaksan Dulle-gil: When Life Gives You Tangerines biking scene; Olleh Trail 10; WWII kamikaze boat caves at baseGapado Island: Our Blues couple's first trip; Welcome to Samdali (Yongpil tying Samdal's shoelaces); Olleh Trail 10-1; green barley (청보리) festival in April; 30-min ferry from Moseulpo; day trip or pension overnight; most visitors are KoreanGunsan Oreum: When Life Gives You Tangerines drone shot of Ae-soon and Kwan-sik with flowers; can drive to the topSanbangsan area: Time to be Strong temple bell scene and small amusement parkSouth Coast locations:Seogwipo KAL Hotel: When Life Gives You Tangerines Episode 15 outdoor wedding scene with ocean view and Munseom/Saepseom/Beomseom islands; near Jeongbang WaterfallSaeyeongyo Bridge to Saeseom Island: Extraordinary Attorney Woo couple scenes; Ed's continuity complaint about the convenience store that doesn't exist on the island; bridge lights up at night; romantic walk spot; near Cheonjiyeon Waterfall; fishing boats leave at dusk with lightsBeopwanpo: Welcome to Samdali CEO/secretary scene; beautiful Olleh trail section worth walking even if not doing full trailReal-life update: the "handsome boat captain" (Kim Woo-bin) and "depression girl" (Shin Min-a) from Our Blues got married this year; he recovered from cancerOrganize trips by region, not by dramaNext StepsPlan your Jeju trip at vamosajeju.com/tripFollow @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookSubscribe to our YouTube channel @vamosajejuShare the show!

  3. Aug 17

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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!

Information

  • Creator
    The Vamos a Jeju Podcast!
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Vamos a Jeju Podcast!
  • Show Website
    Vamos a Jeju!

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