Living on Jeju

Teaching on Jeju island

The majority of expats on Jeju Island are international educators, drawn to one of the many international schools located in the GEC (Global Education City). These schools serve predominantly local Korean students and offer a range of curriculums.

It’s important to note that on the mainland, Korean students are not permitted to attend international schools unless they meet strict criteria. They need to either hold an international passport, or have spent three or more years outside Korea studying. So Jeju schools are primarily made up of mainland students seeking an international education. There are also some teachers’ children who attend the school.

Working at Jeju International Schools

Here are a few other things to keep in mind if you’re a teacher considering working at an international school in Jeju:

• International Schools: Jeju is home to several international schools, such as NLCS Jeju, Branksome Hall Asia, Korea International School, and St. Johnsbury Academy. These schools offer boarding facilities and attract families from across Korea. They typically come with high academic pressure, which can be a big challenge for expat kids.
• Teaching Opportunities: Positions at these schools are competitive and packages can be impressive on paper. But do some research – the cost of living on Jeju has significantly risen over recent years. To teach at the best schools, you’ll need full teaching qualifications along with experience.
• Community Support: The international teaching community on Jeju is active and supportive. There are social groups and events to help newcomers integrate and build connections. But it is a small community and won’t suit everyone.
• Integration of Children: Because the majority of students who attend these international schools are Korean, it can be challenging for Western kids to integrate. While not all kids face exclusion, it’s an important consideration. It can be tough for many kids.

Other expat teachers choose to work at one of the many academies available on the island known as hagwons. These private, for profit academies are also known as ‘cram schools’. They are available outside school hours and provide supplementary education.

Hagwons are a huge part of the Korean education system, with most Korean students who attend international schools on Jeju attending a hagwon at some point in their lives.

Cost of Living on Jeju

While Jeju’s cost of living used to be lower than Seoul, in the past five years or so, it has been rising significantly due to increased demand from relocating families.

Key considerations include:

• Housing: Rental prices are high, and sourcing somewhere to rent is very competitive. If you’re planning to teach at one of the international schools, housing is usually provided. But if you want to live off-campus away from the school, securing accommodation will be challenging.
• Utilities and Groceries: Costs for utilities are comparable to mainland Korea. But groceries can be very expensive. Especially fruit and vegetables that need to be imported to Jeju Island (e.g. a watermelon can cost up to USD$50).
• Transportation: While public transportation is available, most residents purchase a car. The GEC is about an hour’s drive from Jeju City (depending on traffic), and around 35 minutes to Seogwipo. Be sure to download either Kakao Maps or NAVER as Google maps do not work in South Korea.

Healthcare

Livingn on Jeju offers modern healthcare facilities, though options are more limited compared Seoul:

• Hospitals and Clinics: Jeju National University Hospital and other private hospitals provide quality care, with some English-speaking staff available.
• Insurance: If you’re teaching at an international school you will receive coverage through the school for you (and your family). Check what’s included as there are some exclusions (and many schools have been reducing their packages in recent years to cut costs). Having comprehensive health insurance ensures you can get the quality of care you need.
• Traditional Medicine: Traditional Korean Medicine, including acupuncture and herbal treatments, is widely available and often used alongside Western medicine.

Living on Jeju With a Family

For families considering a move, Jeju itself provides a family-friendly environment:

• Childcare: Childcare in Korea is high quality and affordable. Fees often include transport (on mini buses), food, nappies etc. While there can be a language barrier, communication is done via an app that translates everything to English.
• Activities: Most activities are centred around schools (e.g. sports), but there are some independent clubs such as PSG Football Academy, and a local cheerleading club. The Branksome Hall ice skating rink is also available to use.
• Outdoor Adventure: If you’re looking for the perfect place for your kids to spend time in the outdoors, Jeju has it all! From the Olle trails, to coastal walks and forest trails, you can spend every weekend out and about in nature.
• Indoor Adventure: In the cooler months, there are lots of indoor activity centres (such as Clip’n’Climb) and plenty of random, fun, museums that offer entertainment for kids of all ages.

Social Life and Integration

While Jeju’s expat community is smaller, it offers a unique social environment:

• Outdoor Activities: The island’s natural beauty encourages outdoor activities like hiking, beach outings, and exploring volcanic landscapes.
• Cultural Events: Participation in local festivals and cultural events provides opportunities to engage with Korean traditions and customs.
• Language Learning: Learning Korean can enhance the experience and facilitate deeper integration into the community.

Visa and Residency

Moving to Jeju Island long-term requires the right visa and residency setup. Most international residents arrive on an E-2 teaching visa or E-7 professional visa, depending on their employment type. Families often hold F-3 dependent visas, allowing spouses and children to live together on the island.

Jeju has its own Immigration Office in Jeju City, where you can handle renewals, alien registration cards (ARCs), and address updates. Thankfully there is no need to visit the mainland.

If you’re planning a longer stay, options like F-2 long-term or F-5 permanent residency may be available, depending on your years in Korea and income level.

Top Tip: Many employers assist with visa paperwork, but it’s still a good idea to understand the process and timelines before arriving.

Considering a Move to Jeju?

If you’re an international teacher or expat seeking a unique living experience in South Korea, Jeju Island offers beautiful landscapes, and a slower pace of life.

But it’s definitely not for everyone. Given it’s remote location it can feel a little isolating. If you enjoy busy cities and plenty of opportunities for nightlife, then it’s probably not the right choice for you! But if you enjoy a quieter lifestyle and spending time in nature, it could be the perfect place to spend a few years – or longer.

Make sure you do your research before accepting a job here, and consider the high cost of living. Look at what your benefits or salary are and what this will mean in terms of quality of living. And be sure to ask lots of questions of fellow expats.

Like any international move, go in with your eyes wide open to work out if it offers the right lifestyle for you (and your family).