I recently took a long weekend trip to South Korea’s Jeju Island. It is located off the southernmost part of the peninsula and is a frequent vacation spot for Koreans. I went the week before the start of Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) when flights from Seoul were much more affordable (they usually are when it’s not a Korean holiday).
I was excited to get in some hiking, beach time, learn about the famous Haeyeon women divers, and eat delicious seafood, but I was worried about not being able to get around by car, as I don’t have an international driver’s permit. However, there was no need to worry. I had a spectacular time traversing the island by buses, which run regularly throughout the whole island. Often, there are electronic screens at the bus stations – even in the middle of nowhere – that will tell you how far away the buses are.
I used the same metro card that I use in Seoul, and all the buses have AC and strong WiFi. It was a joy between hikes to sit and watch the ocean and mountains pass by while I read. I easily got from the South of the island to the Jeju airport with the airport express. It’s absolutely wonderful to live in a place with a functioning public transport system. I don’t know if I can go back to a place where I don’t trust that a bus will come in the next 20 minutes.
If you are studying in South Korea, I highly recommend a long weekend trip to Jeju! Living and food are cheap; the island is beautiful and steeped in unique Korean culture; there are a tremendous number of flights from Seoul to Jeju every day, making it affordable to fly to; and of course, the buses of Jeju mean you don’t need a car!
Nora Ball
Fall 2025 – GW Exchange - Yonsei University
Spring 2024 – GW Chile - Spanish Track
Fall 2023 – GW Global Bachelor's Program - Belfast Semester
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs & Philosophy Double Major
The Global Bachelor’s Program