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Jeju City

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Jeju City serves as the capital of Jeju Province in South Korea. It is also the largest city located on Jeju Island.

Jeju city
Jeju city

The city acts as the primary gateway for travelers entering the region. It sits in a strategic location on the island. To the north, the city overlooks the Korea Strait. Across this water lies the southern coast of South Jeolla Province. To the south, the city meets Seogwipo at the peak of Hallasan. Hallasan is the only mountain on the island and the tallest in South Korea.

Jejusine-map
Jejusine-map

The climate in Jeju City is classified as humid subtropical. This means the city experiences very warm summers and cool winters. It is one of the warmest cities in South Korea. However, the weather can change quickly due to the ocean. During the winter, an ocean effect brings snow showers and strong winds. Precipitation is heavy throughout the entire year. Most of the rain falls during the summer months. Specifically, more than half of the rain falls between June and September. The average sea temperature stays between 13.3°C and 26.1°C throughout the year.

Transportation is a vital part of how the city functions. Jeju City is the main hub for moving people across the province. It contains the island's only airport, known as Jeju International Airport. The air route between Seoul and Jeju is the busiest in the world. In 2011, 9.9 million passengers traveled this specific route. The city also hosts the largest port on Jeju Island. This port handles most of the passenger and cargo vessels. Additionally, the city sits at the center of the island's road network. Travelers can use various buses to move around. A bus trip to Seogwipo usually takes about one hour.

The history of Jeju City stretches back before recorded history. Local mythology tells of the Samseonghyeol, which are three holes in downtown Jeju. These holes are where the three ancestors of the Jeju people supposedly emerged. The city has undergone many administrative changes over time. It was separated from Bukjeju County in 1955. Later, voters approved a plan to merge the city with Bukjeju County. This change took effect in July 2006 to create larger administrative cities. The city has grown rapidly since the 1970s. Many old buildings with thatched roofs are now gradually disappearing.

Today, the city is a major center for tourism and economy. Over ten million visitors arrive on the island every year. Most of these visitors come from China, Japan, or the South Korean mainland. The city's population was 486,604 people as of May 2024. This population is divided into 225,139 households. The population density is 503.18 people per square kilometer. Many tourists stay in the Sinjeju neighborhood. This area is known for its prestigious hotels and public casino facilities. The city's central location allows it to capture most of the island's tourist traffic.

There are many unique landmarks for visitors to explore. One famous site is Dragon's Head Rock, which sits along the coast. The city also contains the Bunjae Artpia, the world's largest botanical garden. Nature lovers can visit Hallasan National Park in the interior. For those interested in culture, the Jeju Stone Park is located in Jocheon. This park focuses on the island's mythology and shamanism. Another notable site is the Yakcheonsa Buddhist temple. It is one of the largest temples in East Asia. It even features a natural mineral spring with healing powers.

Jeju City also connects to many global locations through its many ties. The city is twinned with several international locations. These include Guilin and Laizhou in China, and Rouen in France. It is also twinned with Santa Rosa in the United States. These connections help link the city to the wider world. The city's economy is also supported by local agriculture. It is surrounded by many orange and mandarin farms. These fruits are very famous throughout the region. The city serves as a vital link between local traditions and global travel.

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