# Jeju Island

> island south of the Korean peninsula, part of the Jeju Special Autonomous Province of South Korea

**Wikidata**: [Q29151](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29151)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeju_Island)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jeju-island

## Summary
Jeju Island is a volcanic island located south of the Korean Peninsula, forming the core of Jeju Special Autonomous Province in South Korea. Known for its unique biodiversity, cultural heritage, and autonomous governance, it is South Korea's largest island and a significant tourist destination.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Jeju Island (also known as Cheju Island, Quelpart Island, or Jeju-do).
- **Location**: South of the Korean Peninsula, coordinates 33.365556° N, 126.528056° E.
- **Administrative Status**: Part of Jeju Special Autonomous Province, South Korea.
- **Population**: 583,284 (as of available data).
- **Aliases**: Quelpaert, Quelpaert Island, Isle of Quelpaert, I. Quelpaert.
- **Notable Features**:
  - Home to Hallasan, South Korea's highest mountain (1,947 meters).
  - Unique species: *Campiglossa quelpartensis* (insect), *Mankyua chejuensis* (plant).
  - Origin of the Jeju dog breed.
- **Historical Event**: Site of the 1982 Jeju Island military aircraft crash (Republic of Korea Air Force).
- **Cultural Significance**: Home to *Haenyeo* (female divers), a UNESCO-listed cultural practice.
- **Related Entities**:
  - Jeju Province (administrative division).
  - Formerly part of the Jeolla region (historical province).

## FAQs
**What is the geographical significance of Jeju Island?**
Jeju Island is South Korea's largest island, located in the Korea Strait, and is renowned for its volcanic landscape, including Hallasan, a dormant volcano and the country's highest peak. Its coordinates (33.365556° N, 126.528056° E) place it strategically between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

**What unique species are found on Jeju Island?**
The island hosts endemic species such as *Campiglossa quelpartensis* (a fly) and *Mankyua chejuensis* (a fern), as well as the Jeju dog, a native breed. These species highlight the island's distinct ecological niche.

**What is the administrative status of Jeju Island?**
Jeju Island is the primary landmass of Jeju Special Autonomous Province, a self-governing region of South Korea with enhanced local legislative and executive powers compared to other provinces.

**What historical events are associated with Jeju Island?**
A notable event is the 1982 crash of a Republic of Korea Air Force aircraft on Hallasan, which remains a significant incident in the island's modern history.

**What cultural practices originate from Jeju Island?**
The *Haenyeo* (female free-divers) are a iconic cultural group from Jeju, known for their sustainable fishing practices and recognized by UNESCO for their intangible cultural heritage.

## Why It Matters
Jeju Island is a microcosm of South Korea's natural and cultural diversity, serving as a biodiversity hotspot with endemic flora and fauna. Its autonomous governance model provides insights into decentralized administration, while its volcanic geography and *Haenyeo* tradition offer unique contributions to global ecological and cultural studies. The island's strategic location and tourism appeal also make it a key economic and diplomatic asset for South Korea.

## Notable For
- **Biodiversity**: Hosts endemic species like *Mankyua chejuensis* and *Campiglossa quelpartensis*.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Birthplace of the *Haenyeo* diving tradition and the Jeju dog breed.
- **Geological Landmarks**: Home to Hallasan, South Korea's tallest mountain.
- **Autonomous Governance**: Operates under a special self-governing provincial system.
- **Historical Incidents**: Site of the 1982 military aircraft crash.
- **Tourism**: A major destination known for its volcanic landscapes and unique culture.

## Body
### Geography and Ecology
Jeju Island is situated in the Korea Strait, approximately 85 kilometers south of the Korean Peninsula. Its volcanic origins are evident in Hallasan, a shield volcano that dominates the island's center and stands at 1,947 meters, making it the highest point in South Korea. The island's coordinates (33.365556° N, 126.528056° E) place it in a subtropical climate zone, fostering diverse ecosystems.

The island is home to several endemic species, including:
- *Mankyua chejuensis*: A rare fern discovered in 2001, representing a relict species from the Tertiary period.
- *Campiglossa quelpartensis*: A fly species unique to the island.
- **Jeju Dog**: A native canine breed adapted to the island's rugged terrain.

### Administrative and Political Status
Jeju Island is the core of **Jeju Special Autonomous Province**, a self-governing entity within South Korea. This province has greater legislative and executive autonomy than standard provinces, allowing it to tailor policies to local needs. Historically, the island was part of the **Jeolla Province** during the Joseon Dynasty and later became a separate administrative division.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
The **Haenyeo** (해녀) are a defining cultural group on Jeju Island. These female divers, often working without oxygen equipment, harvest seafood using traditional methods. Their practice was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.

In 1982, the island was the site of a tragic **military aircraft crash** involving a Republic of Korea Air Force plane on Hallasan, which remains a notable event in modern Korean history.

### Related Entities and Connections
- **Jeju Province**: The administrative division encompassing the island.
- **South Jeolla Province**: A neighboring region on the Korean mainland.
- **Jeolla**: The historical province that once included Jeju.
- **Jeju City**: The provincial capital and largest urban center on the island.

### Economic and Touristic Role
Jeju Island is a cornerstone of South Korea's tourism industry, attracting visitors with its volcanic landscapes, beaches, and cultural sites. The island's economy benefits from agriculture (notably tangerines and green tea), fishing, and a thriving service sector driven by tourism. Its autonomous status allows for unique economic policies, such as visa-free entry for certain international visitors, further boosting its global appeal.

### Environmental and Conservation Efforts
The island's unique ecosystems are protected through various conservation programs. Hallasan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, preserves the volcanic mountain and its surrounding flora and fauna. Efforts to sustain the *Haenyeo* tradition also include environmental initiatives to protect marine resources.

### Technical and Identifying Details
- **Population**: 583,284 inhabitants.
- **Aliases**: Cheju Island, Quelpart Island, Quelpaert, Jeju-do.
- **Coordinates**: 33.365556° N, 126.528056° E.
- **Sitelinks**: 78 references across multilingual Wikipedia editions.

Jeju Island's blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and political uniqueness makes it a vital part of South Korea's identity and a subject of global interest.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/asia-and-the-pacific/republic-of-korea/jeju-island/)
2. [Source](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g983296-Jeju_Island-Vacations.html)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. [Source](https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2126785/south-koreas-jeju-island-suffers-too-many-tourists)
6. BBC Things
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File