Many Haenyeo Suffer from Chronic Health Problems, Including Headaches, Ear Discomfort, Loss of Hearing and an over-Reliance on Painkillers. Between 2009 and 2014, 46 Women Died from Serious Diving-Related Conditions Such as Blackouts, Hypothermia and Heart Attacks. Unsurprisingly, Younger Jeju Females Prefer to Work in the Tourist Industry or Other Less Strenuous and Dangerous Employment.

Heavy Snowfall and Sub-Zero Temperatures in February 2018 Resulted in the Cancellation or Delay of More Than 100 Flights (Which Is Not Many on the Jeju to Seoul Route, Admittedly). Similar Conditions in January 2016 Stranded More Than 80,000 Travellers After the Airport Was Shut for Three Days Running. Comparing Jeju with Hawaii Is Reasonable If the Focus Is Limited to Idyllic Beaches and (Currently Very Active) Volcanic Landscapes But, for Warm Winter Weather, There’s Only One Winner.

The Good, Bad and Ugly Sides to South Korea’s Jeju Island

By James H. Sterling

• Oct 8, 2026 • 6 min read

The Good, Bad and Ugly Sides to South Korea’s Jeju Island

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

As Claims to Fame Go, Being at One End of the World’s Busiest Air Route Takes Some Beating. in 2017, a Mind Boggling 64,991 Flights Shuttled Between the South Korean Capital, Seoul, and a Volcanic Island an Hour Away. So What’s So Special About Jeju That Justifies the Need for 178 Departures Every Day? It Must Have Something – Even the Soil That North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un Used to Plant a Symbolic Tree for Peace at a Recent Summit with South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in Came from the Island.

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

Tags: good bad and ugly sides south koreas jeju island