Vamos a Jeju!

The Vamos a Jeju Podcast!
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  • PLACES & TRAVEL
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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!

Episodes

  1. Ep 11: Where to Stay in Jeju | DIY Jeju

    6D AGO

    Ep 11: Where to Stay in Jeju | DIY Jeju

    From $25 cockroach motels to five-star Hyatts, this episode covers the full spectrum of Jeju accommodations. Ed and Soraya break down where to stay (Jeju City for convenience, Seogwipo for tranquility, beach towns or mid-mountain for authenticity) and the types of lodging available: hostels, motels/hotels, pensions, minbak (민박, traditional room rentals), hotels, temple stays, yoga/wellness retreats, and camping cars. Ed gives a primer on Korean "wet bathrooms"—where the entire bathroom is designed to get wet when you shower. The episode includes practical advice on choosing locations based on trip length and whether you're willing to pack/unpack daily. TakeawaysWhere to Stay — By Region •      Jeju City (North): Busiest area, airport, cruise port, everything you need. Best for short trips (3-4 days). •      Seogwipo City (South): Second-largest city, more tranquil, beautiful beaches nearby. •      Beach towns / Mid-mountain: For authentic Jeju experience. East and west coasts, or forest areas near Hallasan. •      With a rental car: Circle the island—one night each in north, east, south, west. •      Jeju City has two areas: Old Town (older buildings, less crowded, nice atmosphere) and New Jeju (high-rises, more restaurants/cafes/shops, like Seoul).   Types of Accommodation •      Hostel: ~$20/night for a bed •      Motel (모텔): ~$25-40/night, budget option, often no parking. Also called "love hotels" (러브호텔)—used for privacy/one-night stays. •      Pension (펜션): Like Airbnb with nice views (beach/forest), includes kitchen for cooking. •      Minbak (민박): Room in a local's home. Look for signs on houses. •      Hotels: Range from ~$40-50 to luxury. •      Temple stay: Sleep in a Buddhist temple. •      Yoga/wellness retreats: ~$150/night, includes yoga classes, meditation, tea time. •      Camping car (RV): $100-200/day (plus gas). Limited regulation—can park near ocean in most places.   Korean "Wet Bathroom" Survival Guide •      Entire bathroom gets wet when you shower—no glass partition or curtain •      Outlets have flip covers; toilet paper has partial cover •      Bathroom slippers required •      Single faucet switches between sink and shower—remember to switch back or get surprise-soaked •      Only small hand towels provided—bring your own large towel if needed   Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)어디에요? (eodieyo?) — "Where is ___?" •      Structure: [noun] + 어디에요?   Examples: •      스타벅스 어디에요? (Starbucks eodieyo?) = "Where is Starbucks?" •      화장실 어디에요? (hwajangsil eodieyo?) = "Where is the bathroom?"   Next Steps1.    Sign up for the 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/start 2.    Visit vamosajeju.com for articles, videos, and resources

    22 min
  2. Ep 10: Budgeting For Your Jeju Trip | DIY Jeju

    APR 13

    Ep 10: Budgeting For Your Jeju Trip | DIY Jeju

    How much does a trip to Jeju actually cost? This episode breaks down every budget category and covers practical flight tips for visitors. TakeawaysFlights (Seoul/Busan → Jeju) •        Price range: $15-70 one-way •        Cheapest: Mid-week, early morning or late evening flights •        Baggage: Mainline carriers allow 20kg checked baggage, but only 15kg for LCCs. All allow 10kg carry-on •        Visitors: No mobile boarding pass, need to check in at airport •        Power banks: Must be declared and tagged •        Liquids: Allowed on domestic flights. Lodging •        Hostel: ~$20 •        Motel (Private room): ~$30 •        3-star hotel: $80-100 •        Airbnb: Prices vary   Transportation •        Rental car: $100/day including insurance and roadside assistance •        Bus: ~$1 per ride •        Airport buses: ~$4 (goes to Jeju City, Seogwipo, Seongsan) •        Taxi: Within Jeju City is ~$10, to Seogwipo: ~$50 •        Tip: Use Uber app for real taxis Food & Drinks •        Convenience store meal: $3-4 •        Full restaurant meal: ~$7 (10,000 won) •        McDonald's combo: ~$7 •        Coffee (McDonalds/Mega/Compose): $1-2 •        Coffee (fancy cafe): $7-8 •        High-end/Michelin: $100+ per person Admission Fees •        Free: National museums, oreums (hiking), Hallasan (requires registration), Arboretum •        Government attractions: Usually under $5 •        Private attractions: Up to ~$10 •        Tangerine picking: ~$7 (10,000 won) Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)Sino-Korean Numbers (for prices)   Basic numbers: •        1 = 일 (il), 2 = 이 (i), 3 = 삼 (sam), 4 = 사 (sa), 5 = 오 (o) •        100 = 백 (baek), 1,000 = 천 (cheon), 10,000 = 만 (man)   Key concept: Korean groups digits by 4 zeros (만 = 10,000), not 3 zeros like English   Examples: •        4,000원 = 사천원 (sacheon-won) •        50,000원 = 오만원 (oman-won) — think "five ten-thousands" not "fifty thousand"  Next Steps1.     Sign up for the 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/start 2.     Visit vamosajeju.com for articles, videos, and resources

    26 min
  3. Ep 09: Which Season to go to Jeju | DIY Jeju

    APR 6

    Ep 09: Which Season to go to Jeju | DIY Jeju

    Sora is finally back home in Jeju after heavy snow delayed flights and stranded travelers — including some who were caught having affairs when they couldn't return on time (K-drama in real life!). This episode breaks down what to expect in each season: winter offers fewer crowds, cheaper prices, tangerine picking, and snowy Hallasan;spring brings cherry blossoms, canola flowers, and better air quality than Seoul's yellow dust;summer means beach time, typhoon season, and crowds from mainland Korea;fall delivers the best weather, stunning autumn foliage on Hallasan, and tangerine season starting up. Ed and Sora also warn about Korea's "golden weeks" — Seollal (Lunar New Year), the August vacation shutdown, and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) — when half of Korea is on the move and competing for tickets is impossible. Key TakeawaysWinter (December - early March) Fewer crowds, cheaper flights and accommodations — great for budget travelersSnowy Hallasan is beautiful but requires crampons and hiking polesTangerine picking season (see Episode 5)Outdoor jjimjilbang (sauna) experience availableAvoid: Seollal (Lunar New Year) — impossible to get tickets Spring (late March - May) Cherry blossoms (late March - mid April) and canola flowers (Feb/March - May)Much better air quality than Seoul (less yellow dust/황사 and fine dust)Good hiking weather Summer (June - August) Beach season — can start swimming from late MayVery hot and humidBeach parasol/chair rentals: ~30,000 won ($20) for the dayBest time: June or July before the August rush when half of Korea heads to beaches Fall (late September - November) Stunning autumn foliage on HallasanTangerine season begins end-NovemberHandy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)있어요 / 없어요 (isseoyo / eopseoyo) = There is / There isn't (or: Do you have? / We don't have any) Useful for asking if stores have seasonal items: Spring 마스크 있어요? (maseukeu isseoyo?) — Do you have masks? (for yellow dust)Summer 선크림 있어요? (seонkeulim isseoyo?) — Do you have sunscreen?우산 있어요? (usan isseoyo?) — Do you have umbrellas?비옷 있어요? (bi-ot isseoyo?) — Do you have rain jackets?Fall 셀카봉 있어요? (selkabong isseoyo?) — Do you have selfie sticks?Winter 핫팩 있어요? (hatpaek isseoyo?) — Do you have hot packs?패딩 있어요? (paeding isseoyo?) — Do you have puffer jackets?If they don't have it: 없어요 (eopseoyo) = "We don't have any" Combine with 주세요 (juseyo): 핫팩 주세요 (hatpaek juseyo) = "Please give me a hot pack" Next Steps Hallasan climbing guide: vamosajeju.com/climbJeju coast guide: vamosajeju.com/coast14-part DIY Jeju email series: vamosajeju.com/startFollow: @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, FacebookShare this episode with friends planning a Korea trip!

    25 min
  4. Ep 08: Unpopular Opinion | Jeju Tourist Traps to Avoid

    MAR 30

    Ep 08: Unpopular Opinion | Jeju Tourist Traps to Avoid

    Not everything on your Jeju Instagram feed is worth the trip. In this episode, Ed and Soraya rank the 10 biggest tourist traps on the island—places that are famous, often crowded, sometimes overpriced, and may leave you wondering "that's it?" Number one offender: Mysterious Road, an optical illusion that doesn't always work and isn't worth the drive. They also cover why Jeju's famous black pork tastes the same as regular pork (even locals choose white pork), why the traditional markets are overpriced for what you get, and why Udo Island's charm has faded under the weight of tour bus commissions. Some places make the list as 50-50 calls—Osulloc Tea Museum has beautiful tea fields but a food-court atmosphere, and Jusangjeolli Cliff is genuinely stunning but requires patience to navigate the crowds. The episode helps you decide what's worth your limited time on Jeju.   The 10 Tourist Traps (Ranked Worst to Best)1.    Mysterious Road (도깨비도로) — An optical illusion where things appear to roll uphill. Often doesn't work well. Both hosts agree: never go. 2.    Yongduam (용두암) & Oedolgae (외돌개) — Dragon Head Rock near the airport and Lonely Rock near Seogwipo. Fine if you're nearby, not worth a special trip. 3.    Waterfalls — Cheonjiyeon (천지연), Cheonjeyeon (천제연), Jeongbang (정방) — Small and "cute" compared to world-famous falls. Cheonjiyeon is nice for an evening walk; Jeongbang is unique (flows directly into the sea). 4.    Udo Island (우도) — Once beautiful, now overrun by tour groups due to driver commissions. Nature is still nice; atmosphere has changed. 5.    Traditional Markets — Dongmun (동문시장) & Olle Market (올레시장) — Worth 20-30 minutes to look around, but overpriced. One skewer costs what a full restaurant meal would. 6.    Black Pork (흑돼지) — Famous Jeju specialty, but even locals often choose white pork. Try it once if curious. 7.    Aewol & Hamdeok Cafe Streets — Beautiful beaches, but cafes are overpriced and crowded with people taking photos. Many quieter alternatives exist. 8.    Seongeup Folk Village (성읍민속마을) — 50-50. Real people still live here, preserved from Joseon dynasty. Worth it if staying in the south. 9.    Jusangjeolli Cliff (주상절리) — Genuinely beautiful hexagonal basalt columns. But gets very crowded with pushy tourists. Pack patience. 10. Osulloc Tea Museum (오설록) — 50-50. Biggest green tea farm in Jeju with beautiful fields, but feels like a busy food court. Not the tranquil tea experience you'd expect.   Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)Yes and No — Variations   Formal: •      네 (ne) = Yes •      아니요 (aniyo) = No   Very formal (to superiors/in professional settings): •      예 (ye) = Yes (sounds like English "yeah" but is actually more formal)   Casual: •      응 (eung) or 어 (eo) = Yes (just sounds/grunts) •      아니 (ani) = No (drop the 요)   Use it: Say 아니요 to all the tourist traps!   Next StepsSign up for the 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/startVisit vamosajeju.com for articles, videos, and resources

    33 min
  5. Ep 07: The Oreums of Jeju | Jeju Essentials

    MAR 23

    Ep 07: The Oreums of Jeju | Jeju Essentials

    Sora and Ed wrap up the "Jeju Essentials" series with an exploration of Jeju's 368 oreums — small volcanic cones scattered across the island. Unlike Hallasan or Seongsan Ilchulbong, most oreums are easy to climb (some just 10 minutes to the top), uncrowded, and offer spectacular views. Sora shares her favorites near Jeju City — Sarabong, Byeoldobong, and Dodubong — where you'll find kindergartners on picnics, elderly locals exercising, wild rabbits, and cherry blossoms in spring. Ed recounts his accidental discovery of Gunsan Oreum while hiking the Olle Trail, where a challenging forest climb suddenly opened up to a breathtaking southern Jeju panorama. For travelers who find Hallasan too challenging or Seongsan too crowded, oreums offer an authentic, peaceful alternative — and you might be the only tourist there. Takeaways Oreums are small volcanic cones — 368 across Jeju; as of 2024, no longer called "parasitic cones" since some are older than Hallasan itselfWhy climb oreums: Easy (10-15 minutes), quiet (walking meditation vibes), beautiful views without crowdsOreums near Jeju City:Sarabong: 10 min climb, views of old Jeju City/airport/ocean, cherry blossoms in spring, very local (kindergartners, exercising elders, wild rabbits)Byeoldobong: Connected to Sarabong, harbor views, lighthouse with cafeDodubong: Near airport, K-drama filming location ("Welcome to Samdali"), great for plane-watchingYongnuni Oreum (Sora's favorite): Sunrise views of Seongsan and Udo, horses roaming, trail through horse paddocksGunsan Oreum (Ed's favorite): Southern Jeju — discovered accidentally on Olle Trail; can drive up and walk 5 minutes, or hike through forest like Ed did ("like an idiot")Government closes some oreums periodically for nature recovery — check before you goEven non-hikers should try one oreum — easier than Hallasan, more peaceful than Seongsan, authentic local experience Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)천천히 (cheoncheonhi) = Slowly / Take your time The opposite of Korea's famous 빨리빨리 (pali pali / hurry hurry). 천천히 하세요 (cheoncheonhi haseyo) - Please do it slowly/ Take your time 천천히 해 주세요 (cheoncheonhi hae juseyo) - Please do this slowly 천천히 가세요 (cheoncheonhi gaseyo) Go slowly 천천히 오세요 (cheoncheonhi oseyo) Come slowly/Take your time coming Tip: Korean allows omitting words — just saying 천천히 works and people will understand from context. Key verbs: 하세요 (do), 가세요 (go), 오세요 (come) Next Steps 14-part DIY Jeju email series: vamosajeju.com/startFollow: @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, FacebookShare this episode with friends planning a Korea trip!

    21 min
  6. Ep 06: The Fabulous Jeju Coast | Jeju Essentials

    MAR 16

    Ep 06: The Fabulous Jeju Coast | Jeju Essentials

    Jeju's 12 official beaches are just the beginning—this episode covers everything the island's coastline has to offer. Ed and Soraya share where to spot wild dolphins (the Sunset Coastal Road in the southwest, with 120+ dolphins in residence), the best spots for sunrise (Gwangchigi Beach near Seongsan Ilchulbong) and sunset (Hallim-Hyeopjae with views of Biyangdo island). They cover family-friendly beaches with shallow water (Hamdeok, Pyoseon), the iconic windmill coastal roads, water sports options from scuba diving to transparent kayaks, and what you'll encounter while hiking the coast: haenyeo drying their wetsuits, ajummas hanging thousands of squid to dry, and over 100 small fishing ports. Plus practical tips on when and where to actually see haenyeo at work.   Takeaways•      Wild dolphins: 120+ dolphins live around Jeju, mostly spotted on the west coast; check local cafe Instagram accounts for recent sightings •      Best sunset: Sunset Coastal Road (southwest) or Hallim-Hyeopjae beach (northwest) •      Best sunrise: Gwangchigi Beach (광치기 해변) near Seongsan Ilchulbong—at low tide you get tide pools and rock formations in the foreground •      Windmills: Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road (신창풍차해안도로) in the northwest is the most famous; also find them near Kimnyeong and Woljeongni beaches •      Family-friendly beaches: Hamdeok (northeast) and Pyoseon (southeast)—both have shallow water; Pyoseon becomes a massive sandy play area at low tide •      Water sports: Scuba/freediving mainly around Seogwipo; transparent kayaks at Woljeongni and Gwakji; surfing at multiple beaches (check wave conditions) •      Seeing haenyeo: Go early morning (they finish before noon); bad weather may cancel diving; late in the day you can still see them harvesting seaweed or clams at low tide •      Coastal cafes: Hundreds of oceanfront cafes, especially in the northwest and northeast—Koreans love to enjoy coffee with a view •      Sun protection: Koreans take it very seriously—expect to see long sleeves, rash guards, and even gloves at the beach   Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)Ordering coffee at a cafe •      Coffee words are Konglish (Korean + English): 아메리카노 (amerikano), 라떼 (latte), 모카 (mocha), 에스프레소 (espresso) •      Korean word order: [item] + [number] + 주세요 •      아메리카노 하나 주세요 (amerikano hana juseyo) = "One Americano, please"   아아 (ah-ah) — Iced Americano •      Koreans shorten "ice Americano" to just 아아 (the first syllable of each word) •      아아 하나 주세요 (ah-ah hana juseyo) = "One iced Americano, please" •      Most Koreans drink iced Americano—it's the default coffee order   Next Steps1.    Check out the companion blog post at vamosajeju.com/coast 2.    Sign up for the 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/start 3   Visit vamosajeju.com for articles, videos, and resources

    25 min
  7. Ep 05: When Jeju Gives You Tangerines | Jeju Essentials

    MAR 12

    Ep 05: When Jeju Gives You Tangerines | Jeju Essentials

    Tangerines are so iconic to Jeju that they made it into the podcast's logo—so this episode is overdue. Ed and Soraya cover the history (tangerines were once so precious that Joseon kings gave them as rewards to scholars), the scale (over 50 varieties grown on the island), and the best way to experience them: tangerine picking at a U-pick farm. For about 5,000 won (~$3-4 USD), you get one hour of unlimited eating plus a bag to take home. The hosts explain when to go (November is peak season), how to find farms (search 감귤체험 on Naver or Kakao Map), and why farm-fresh tangerines taste noticeably better than supermarket ones. They also share tips on the sweetest varieties, where to buy tangerines (farms > roadside stands > markets > supermarkets), and what to do with any extras—including shipping boxes home via Taegbae delivery.   Takeaways•      Jeju has over 50 varieties of tangerines; the Hallabong (with the distinctive bump on top) is the most famous •      Best season: Late October through February/March, with November being the peak time to see orange-laden trees •      U-pick farms cost about 5,000 won (~$3-4 USD) for one hour of unlimited eating plus ~1kg to take home •      To find farms: Search 감귤체험 (gamgyul cheheom) on Naver Map or Kakao Map; no booking usually required •      Price/quality ranking: Farm (best, cheapest) > Roadside stands > Markets (tourist prices) > Supermarkets •      For the sweetest tangerines, look for Tyvek (타이벡 감귤)—grown with reduced water to concentrate sugars •      "University tree" (대학나무): Tangerine trees were once so valuable that one tree could pay for a child's university tuition •      Pro tip: Do tangerine picking early in your trip so you have time to enjoy what you harvest •      Tangerine Museum near Seogwipo is a decent rainy-day activity but not worth a special trip   Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)하나 둘 셋 (hana dul set) — "One, two, three" (Korean numbers) •      Korean has two number systems: native Korean (하나, 둘, 셋) and Sino-Korean (일, 이, 삼) •      Use Korean numbers for counting things: 하나 (one), 둘 (two), 셋 (three) •      Use Sino-Korean numbers for larger amounts, prices, phone numbers   Tangerine vocabulary: •      귤 (gyul) = tangerine •      귤 하나 주세요 (gyul hana juseyo) = "One tangerine, please" (but they'll probably give it to you for free!) •      감귤체험 (gamgyul cheheom) = tangerine picking experience (search term for maps)   Next Steps1.    Sign up for the 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/start 2.    Follow vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook 3.    Share the episode with friends to help the podcast grow 4.    Visit vamosajeju.com for articles, videos, and resources 5.    Sign up for dispatches at vamosajeju.com/update

    22 min
  8. Ep 04: Dive into the World of the Haenyeo | Jeju Essentials

    MAR 9

    Ep 04: Dive into the World of the Haenyeo | Jeju Essentials

    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 oxygen tanks, sometimes to depths of 20 meters. Ed and Soraya discuss the Haenyeo Museum in Hado, why it's located at the site of anti-Japanese protests, and what you'll learn inside: the evolution of diving outfits (they once dove naked before Confucian officials made them cover up), the bulteok gathering shelters, and the democratic cooperative system that still supports these women. You'll also hear about the harsh realities of haenyeo life, the three skill levels, why modern women aren't signing up, and Soraya's plans to attend Haenyeo School herself. With only about 3,000 haenyeo left—90% over age 60—this may be the last generation.   Takeaways•      Haenyeo (해녀) means "sea woman"—they dive without oxygen tanks, harvesting seafood like abalone and conch •      The Haenyeo Museum in Hado is built where haenyeo gathered to protest Japanese occupation; it's one of the best places to learn about this culture •      Three skill levels exist: beginners work shallow waters; the most advanced (sanggun) dive to 20 meters for up to 2 minutes—deeper than many scuba divers go •      The bulteok (불턱) is the stone shelter where haenyeo gather before/after diving, process their catch, nurse babies, and learn from senior divers •      Haenyeo cooperatives operate democratically—members vote on decisions and support each other financially when someone is sick or unable to work •      Jeju saying: "It's better to be born a cow than a woman in Jeju"—haenyeo did housework, childcare, AND diving while (stereotypically) men drank and gambled •      Only ~3,000 haenyeo remain today (down from 15,000-20,000 in the 1960s-70s); 90% are over 60 years old •      Two government-run Haenyeo Schools exist; Soraya plans to attend the beginner course this year •      Annual shamanic rituals honor the Dragon King (for safe diving) and the Wind Goddess (for seafood reproduction)   Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)Getting attention: 저기요 (jeogiyo) — "Excuse me" •      Use to get a server's attention or call out to someone •      저기요, 이거 얼마예요? — "Excuse me, how much is this?" •      저기요, 티켓 얼마예요? — "Excuse me, how much is a ticket?"   Passing through: 잠시만요 / 잠깐만요 (jamsimanyo / jamkkanmanyo) — "Just a moment" •      Use when you need to pass someone on a crowded bus or train •      Literally means "just a moment"—implies "let me pass, please" •      Different from 저기요: use 저기요 to get attention, 잠시만요 to move past someone   Next Steps1.    Sign up for the 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/start 2.    Follow Vamos a Jeju on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook 3.    Visit vamosajeju.com for articles, videos, and resources Sign up for dispatches at vamosajeju.com/update

    27 min
  9. Ep 03: Seongsan Sunrise Peak | Jeju Essentials

    MAR 7

    Ep 03: Seongsan Sunrise Peak | Jeju Essentials

    Seongsan Ilchulbong is Jeju's second most iconic landmark after Hallasan—and for many visitors, the most accessible and memorable natural experience on the island. This episode gives you everything you need to plan your visit: what the peak actually is (a 5,000-year-old hydrovolcano with a massive crater), how long the climb takes (about 30 minutes up, 15-20 down), how to avoid crowds (early morning, late afternoon, or weekdays outside of school field trip season), and what you can do for free versus the 5,000 won paid entrance. Ed and Soraya also discuss the daily haenyeo diving demonstration at 2pm—including Ed's candid take on its authenticity—and explain why the peak earned its place among the New Seven Wonders of Nature.   Takeaways•      Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산일출봉) means "Castle Mountain Sunrise Peak"—named for its castle-like shape and famous sunrise views •      The climb takes about 30 minutes up, 15-20 minutes down; it's paved with stairs and railings, manageable for most fitness levels •      Entrance fee: 5,000 won (~$3 USD) to climb to the peak; the coastal trail and haenyeo show are free •      Avoid crowds by going early morning (for sunrise), late afternoon, or on weekdays—especially outside May and October when school field trips flood the site •      The free haenyeo demonstration happens daily at 2pm near the beach; you can also eat fresh seafood at the haenyeo restaurant there •      Jeju Island (including Seongsan Ilchulbong) is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, alongside places like the Amazon, Ha Long Bay, and Iguazu Falls •      At the top: a green crater (no water—volcanic rock is too porous), panoramic views of Hallasan, dozens of oreums, and Udo island; no shelter, so bring sun protection   Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)얼마예요 (eolmayeyo) — "How much is it?" •      Structure: [thing] + 얼마예요? •      아메리카노 얼마예요? (amerikano eolmayeyo?) — "How much is an Americano?" •      오렌지 얼마예요? (orenji eolmayeyo?) — "How much is an orange?" •      티켓 얼마예요? (ticket eolmayeyo?) — "How much is a ticket?"   이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmayeyo?) — "How much is this?" •      이거 (igeo) means "this thing"—use it when you don't know the Korean word for something •      Pro tip: Have a calculator app ready on your phone; shopkeepers will punch in the price if you can't understand the number   Next Steps1.    Sign up for the 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/start 2.    Follow Vamos a Jeju on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook 3.    Share the episode with friends to help the podcast grow 4.    Visit vamosajeju.com for articles, videos, and resources 5.    Sign up for dispatches at vamosajeju.com/update

    21 min
  10. Ep 02: Introducing Jeju - Our Island Home

    MAR 2

    Ep 02: Introducing Jeju - Our Island Home

    Planning a trip to Jeju but not sure what makes it different from mainland Korea? This episode gives you the essential context you need before you go. You'll learn why Jeju has its own dialect, culture, and identity—rooted in its history as the independent Tamna Kingdom before being absorbed into Korea. Ed and Soraya explain how Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea, shapes everything from road networks to weather patterns (pro tip: if it's raining on one side of the island, drive to the other). They also cover the best seasons to visit, why cherry blossom chasers should start in Jeju and head north, and what visitors remember most: the calming natural beauty, the resilience of the haenyeo divers, and yes, the tangerines.   Takeaways•      Jeju was once an independent kingdom called Tamna (탐라)—that's why its dialect, culture, and traditions differ significantly from mainland Korea •      Hallasan (1,947m) dominates the island: it affects road routes, creates different weather on the north vs. south sides, and holds deep cultural significance •      Best seasons: Spring (late March–May) for cherry blossoms and mild weather; Autumn (late September–November) for fall foliage; Winter (November–February) for tangerine season •      Cherry blossoms bloom in Jeju about a week before Seoul—if you're chasing blossoms, start south and move north •      The island is about the size of Maui (73km east-west, 31km north-south) with 368 small volcanic cones scattered across it •      What visitors remember most: the healing quality of Jeju's natural scenery, the haenyeo's resilience, and the tangerines   Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)주세요 (juseyo) — "Please give me..." •      The most useful phrase for travelers in Korea •      Structure: [thing you want] + 주세요 •      아메리카노 주세요 (amerikano juseyo) — "Americano, please" •      라떼 주세요 (latte juseyo) — "Latte, please" •      아이스크림 주세요 (ice cream juseyo) — "Ice cream, please" •      Note: 주 (ju) means "give," so this literally means "please give me"   Next Steps1.    Sign up for the 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/start 2.    Follow Vamos a Jeju on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook 3.    Share the episode with friends to help the podcast grow 4.    Visit vamosajeju.com for articles, videos, and resources 5.    Sign up for dispatches at vamosajeju.com/update

    21 min
  11. Ep 01: Welcome to Vamos a Jeju!

    FEB 26

    Ep 01: Welcome to Vamos a Jeju!

    New to Jeju or thinking about visiting? This episode introduces your hosts and what the podcast will help you do: travel Jeju independently, beyond the typical tourist itineraries. You'll meet Ed, who completed the entire 437-kilometer Jeju Olleh Trail, and Soraya, a professional tour guide based in Jeju with a master's degree in Korean language teaching. They share how they connected over a shared love of languages during a palace tour in Seoul, why Soraya left corporate Korea for the tourism industry, and what motivated them to create resources for DIY travelers. You'll also get a preview of upcoming topics—the Olleh Trail, haenyeo sea women, the April 3rd Massacre, and shamanism—plus a quick Korean lesson to get you started.   Takeaways•      The podcast is designed for independent travelers who want to experience Jeju beyond fixed tour itineraries •      Ed's completion of all 437 km of the Olleh Trail means you'll get firsthand, trail-tested advice (even most Jeju locals haven't finished it) •      Soraya's background—corporate Korea refugee, multilingual tour guide, Korean language instructor—gives her a unique perspective on what foreign visitors actually need •      Jeju shamanism is still actively practiced today, tied to haenyeo culture and the risks of sea work; you can witness annual rituals like the Yeongdeung Halmang ceremony •      The 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/start compiles everything the hosts know about DIY Jeju travel   Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)Hello: 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) •      Memory trick: "onion" + "Han Solo" → say it fast and mumble •      Koreans speak quickly, so don't over-enunciate   Goodbye: Two versions •      안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) — "go well" (said to someone leaving) •      안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) — "stay well" (said when you're the one leaving) •      Memory trick: If you can't remember which is which, just mumble "ㄱ세요" and let context do the work   Casual: 안녕 (annyeong) •      Use only with friends or people you know well •      Foreigners can get away with it (Koreans will find it endearing), but stick to the formal versions in shops and restaurants   Next Steps:1.    Sign up for the 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/start 2.    Follow Vamos a Jeju on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook 3.    Share the episode with friends to help the podcast grow 4.    Visit vamosajeju.com for articles, videos, and resources 5.    Sign up for dispatches at vamosajeju.com/update

    27 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
15 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
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Vamos a Jeju Podcast!
  • Show Website
    Vamos a Jeju!

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