New to Jeju or thinking about visiting? This episode introduces your hosts and what the podcast will help you do: travel Jeju independently, beyond the typical tourist itineraries. You'll meet Ed, who completed the entire 437-kilometer Jeju Olleh Trail, and Soraya, a professional tour guide based in Jeju with a master's degree in Korean language teaching. They share how they connected over a shared love of languages during a palace tour in Seoul, why Soraya left corporate Korea for the tourism industry, and what motivated them to create resources for DIY travelers. You'll also get a preview of upcoming topics—the Olleh Trail, haenyeo sea women, the April 3rd Massacre, and shamanism—plus a quick Korean lesson to get you started.

 

Takeaways

•      The podcast is designed for independent travelers who want to experience Jeju beyond fixed tour itineraries

•      Ed's completion of all 437 km of the Olleh Trail means you'll get firsthand, trail-tested advice (even most Jeju locals haven't finished it)

•      Soraya's background—corporate Korea refugee, multilingual tour guide, Korean language instructor—gives her a unique perspective on what foreign visitors actually need

•      Jeju shamanism is still actively practiced today, tied to haenyeo culture and the risks of sea work; you can witness annual rituals like the Yeongdeung Halmang ceremony

•      The 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/start compiles everything the hosts know about DIY Jeju travel

 

Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)

Hello: 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)

•      Memory trick: "onion" + "Han Solo" → say it fast and mumble

•      Koreans speak quickly, so don't over-enunciate

 

Goodbye: Two versions

•      안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) — "go well" (said to someone leaving)

•      안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) — "stay well" (said when you're the one leaving)

•      Memory trick: If you can't remember which is which, just mumble "ㄱ세요" and let context do the work

 

Casual: 안녕 (annyeong)

•      Use only with friends or people you know well

•      Foreigners can get away with it (Koreans will find it endearing), but stick to the formal versions in shops and restaurants

 

Next Steps:

1.    Sign up for the 14-part email series at vamosajeju.com/start

2.    Follow Vamos a Jeju on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

3.    Share the episode with friends to help the podcast grow

4.    Visit vamosajeju.com for articles, videos, and resources

5.    Sign up for dispatches at vamosajeju.com/update