The Enchanting Coastal Haven of Seogwipo City

• Hello안녕하세요
  [annyeonghaseyo]
• Goodbye안녕히 가세요
  [annyeonghi gaseyo]
• Yes네
  [ne]
• No아니요
  [aniyo]
• Please/You're welcome부탁합니다/천만에요
  [butakhamnida/cheonmaneyo]
• Thank you감사합니다
  [gamsahamnida]
• Excuse me/Sorry죄송합니다
  [joesonghamnida]
• How are you?어떻게 지내세요?
  [eotteoke jinaeseyo?]
• Fine. And you?잘 지내요. 당신은요?
  [jal jinaeyo. dangsineunyo?]
• Do you speak English?영어 할 줄 아세요?
  [yeongeo hal jul aseyo?]
• I don't understand이해하지 못해요
  [ihaehaji mothaeyo]

• I'd like to see the menu, please메뉴를 보여주세요
  [menyureul boyeojuseyo]
• I don't eat meat고기를 먹지 않아요
  [gogireul meokji anayo]
• Cheers!건배!
  [geonbae!]
• I would like to pay, please결제하고 싶어요
  [gyeoljehago sipeoyo]

• Help!도와주세요!
  [dowajuseyo!]
• Go away!가세요!
  [gaseyo!]
• Call the Police!경찰을 불러주세요!
  [gyeongchareul bulleojuseyo!]
• Call a doctor!의사를 불러주세요!
  [uisareul bulleojuseyo!]
• I'm lost길을 잃었어요
  [gireul ilheosseoyo]
• I'm ill아파요
  [apayo]

• I'd like to buy...구입하고 싶어요...
  [guibhago sipeoyo...]
• I'm just looking둘러보고 있어요
  [dulleobogo isseoyo]
• How much is it?얼마에요?
  [eolmaeyo?]
• That's too expensive너무 비싸요
  [neomu bissayo]
• Can you lower the price?가격을 내릴 수 있나요?
  [gageoreul naeril su innayo?]

• What time is it?지금 몇 시에요?
  [jigeum myeot sieyo?]
• It's one o'clock한 시에요
  [han sieyo]
• Half past (10)열 시 반
  [yeol si ban]
• Morning아침
  [achim]
• Afternoon오후
  [ohu]
• Evening저녁
  [jeonyeok]
• Yesterday어제
  [eoje]
• Today오늘
  [oneul]
• Tomorrow내일
  [naeil]
• 1하나
  [hana]
• 2둘
  [dul]
• 3셋
  [set]
• 4넷
  [net]
• 5다섯
  [daseot]
• 6여섯
  [yeoseot]
• 7일곱
  [ilgop]
• 8여덟
  [yeodeol]
• 9아홉
  [ahop]
• 10열
  [yeol]

• Where's a/the...?어디에 있는 거예요...?
  [eodie inneun geoyeyo...?]
• What's the address?주소가 뭐에요?
  [jusoga mwoeyo?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?지도로 보여주실 수 있나요?
  [jidoro boyeojusil su innayo?]
• When's the next (bus)?다음 (버스)는 언제에요?
  [daeum (beoseu)neun eonjeyo?]
• A ticket (to ....)표 (....으로)
  [pyo (....euro)]

Seogwipo City, located on the southern coast of Jeju Island, is shaped by its volcanic origins. The region's unique geological formation, including the iconic Hallasan Mountain, created fertile lands that attracted early settlers. Evidence of prehistoric habitation, including dolmens and stone tools, suggests that the area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with fishing and agriculture as primary livelihoods.

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), Seogwipo developed as a fishing hub due to its proximity to rich marine resources. The local economy thrived on fishing, and the establishment of local markets facilitated trade. The area became known for its haenyeo, or female divers, who skillfully harvested seafood, a practice that remains a cultural symbol today.

The early 20th century brought significant changes to Seogwipo under Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945). The Japanese established infrastructure improvements, including roads and railways, to facilitate resource extraction and tourism. This period saw the introduction of new agricultural practices, which had lasting impacts on the local economy and culture.

Following Korea's liberation in 1945, Seogwipo experienced rapid development. The establishment of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province in 2006 further propelled its growth, promoting tourism and cultural heritage. Seogwipo became a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its natural beauty, including waterfalls and scenic coastline, as well as cultural sites like the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market.

Today, Seogwipo City is recognized for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community. The annual Seogwipo Chilsung Festival celebrates local traditions and the haenyeo culture, highlighting the importance of these female divers to the region's identity. The blending of historical influences, natural beauty, and modern development continues to shape Seogwipo's unique character within Jeju Island.

Seogwipo City is easily accessible from Jeju City, located approximately 40 kilometers to the northwest. The most common ways to reach Seogwipo are by bus or taxi. The local Jeju City bus terminal offers numerous bus routes (e.g., Bus 600, 780) that connect to Seogwipo, with a travel time of about 60 to 90 minutes. Taxis are also available, providing a more direct and comfortable option, taking around 50 minutes depending on traffic.

Seogwipo City is well-connected by public transportation, including local buses that serve various attractions. The city is compact, making it suitable for walking, especially around the downtown area. For a more leisurely exploration, consider renting a bicycle, as there are dedicated bike paths along the coastline. Taxis are readily available for longer distances or when public transport is not convenient.

Seogwipo City is regarded as a safe destination for tourists, but standard precautions should still be observed. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay vigilant, especially in busy markets or tourist hotspots.

In the event of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 119 for fire and medical emergencies. The nearest hospital is Seogwipo Medical Center, which provides 24-hour services. It is also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or natural sites; avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs—take off your shoes when entering temples, and don't disturb worshippers. Public Transport: Do be courteous to others; offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a bow; a handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like black pork and fresh seafood; don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Seogwipo like a local, visit the traditional markets such as Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with local residents who are often welcoming and eager to share insights about their culture. Don’t miss natural attractions like Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and the scenic Olle Trails, which offer beautiful hiking opportunities. Take advantage of local festivals to immerse yourself in Jeju’s cultural heritage.