How Netflix’s ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ Boosted Foreign Tourism to Jeju Island

Jeju Island’s Rising Star on the Global Tourist Map

Jeju Island, a scenic South Korean destination long beloved by locals, has recently witnessed a remarkable surge in foreign visitors. The eyes of the international travel community turned toward this idyllic island following the debut of the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines. Its depiction of the island’s captivating fishing villages and natural beauty has put Jeju on the map for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and stunning landscapes.

Streaming Power Meets Tourism Growth

Between January and September of this year, foreign arrivals to Jeju Island rose by an impressive 17.5%, tallying approximately 1.74 million visitors. This upswing marks a significant rebound after uneven years caused by the pandemic and waning domestic interest. Local authorities attribute much of this momentum to the global reach of the Netflix drama, which premiered in March and captivated audiences in 190 countries.

The show’s charm lies in its intimate portrayal of daily life in Jeju, focusing on characters connected deeply to the island’s culture—like the haenyeo, the renowned female free-divers whose traditional lifestyle threads through the storyline. Scenes shot along lava-stone coastlines, vibrant canola fields, and below the UNESCO-listed volcanic crater of Seongsan Ilchulbong showcase the locale’s mesmerizing four seasons.

Critical Acclaim and Audience Enthusiasm

Besides sparking travel interest, When Life Gives You Tangerines earned glowing reviews, boasting a flawless 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a stellar 98% audience score. Its popularity in key markets, especially in Asia, has intensified the spotlight on Jeju, where tourism agencies are now embracing this wave with targeted campaigns highlighting the show’s filming locations and cultural points of interest.

The Practical Impact on Travel Infrastructure

Jeju’s airport, a pivotal gateway for tourists, has mirrored the visitor uptick with major traffic rebounds. For instance, during the recent May holidays, the airport handled over 516,000 passengers—an increase from the previous year. Despite slow traffic in the first quarter, by April arrivals rebounded to nearly 96% of the prior year’s volume, with numbers climbing steeply through summer.

The success of the series has even influenced airlines and local officials to launch promotional campaigns, expand flight options, and open new international routes connecting Jeju to cities in Taiwan and Singapore. This added accessibility ensures travelers—domestic and international alike—can easily reach the island’s must-see spots, including those featured in the drama.

Table: Jeju Island Tourism Highlights 2024

Challenges and Comebacks: The Story Behind the Surge

Jeju’s tourist allure had dimmed slightly in recent years as travelers diverted to other overseas hotspots like Japan and Southeast Asia. Falloffs in domestic flights and declining visitor numbers from South Korea’s mainland had clouded the island’s prospects. Additionally, issues such as rising prices, service concerns, and visitor safety hesitations had affected the island’s image.

However, the timely boost from the Netflix drama provided a fresh angle to renew enthusiasm, especially among foreign tourists from nearby countries such as Japan and Taiwan, as well as more distant travelers appreciating Jeju’s unique culture and natural scenery.

Refreshing Tourism Campaigns and Sustainable Growth

The provincial government is making the most of the exposure by rolling out seasonal travel promotions and emphasizing heritage sites linked to the show. Partnerships with national heritage programs aim to keep the momentum steady by spotlighting Jeju’s cultural festivals and natural wonders year-round.

New Routes and Expanded Services

Airlines have responded by adding more flights and restoring international connections, supporting the island’s comeback as a first-choice destination. The increased ease of travel paired with curated tourism experiences is now reshaping Jeju’s place on both the domestic and international tourism maps.

Implications for Taxi and Transfer Services on Jeju Island

The rising flood of visitors creates demand for reliable and convenient transportation options across Jeju. Travelers arriving at Jeju International Airport now seek hassle-free transfer services to reach the picturesque coastal areas, museums, and film locations. This trend boosts the role of taxi and private transfer companies providing comfortable rides from the airport to exact destinations.

Platforms like LocalsRide.com offer a unique edge here by allowing visitors to select specific vehicles tailored to their group size—be it private cars or larger seater vans—prior to arrival. The transparency of prices and driver ratings lets tourists book with confidence, ensuring a smooth start to their explorations without surprises. This flexibility plays perfectly into Jeju’s growing need for exact, timely, and affordable transfer services.

Key Takeaways on Jeju’s Tourism Resurgence

• The Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines has been a major factor in boosting Jeju’s foreign visitor numbers.
• Tourism recovery is supported by increased flights, promotional campaigns, and highlighting cultural heritage.
• Transportation demand is rising, particularly for airport transfers suited to individual traveler needs.
• Platforms like LocalsRide facilitate convenient, transparent booking of taxi and transfer rides with detailed vehicle and driver info.

The impact of such a popular series on global tourism highlights the power of storytelling in travel trends, turning quiet destinations into bustling hotspots seemingly overnight.

It’s worth noting, however, that while impressive reviews and ratings give a good picture, nothing beats experiencing the journey firsthand. On LocalsRide, you can hire a car with a driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. The platform’s convenience, extensive vehicle options, fair prices, and clear reviews help travelers avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure smooth rides. Book your ride on LocalsRide.com to enjoy tailored, stress-free transfers during your Jeju visit.

Looking ahead, this trend could subtly reshape the global tourism map, underlining how entertainment content influences travel decisions worldwide. While the impact might be localized to Jeju, it serves as a bellwether of how cultural exports can breathe new life into destinations. LocalsRide remains committed to tracking these changes and enabling travelers to navigate evolving landscapes with ease and confidence. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.

In summary, Jeju Island’s recent tourism surge, powered by a beloved Netflix drama, combines beautiful landscapes, cultural richness, and improved infrastructure to offer travelers an alluring destination. The synergy between media exposure and tourism growth underscores the value of reliable, exact taxi and transfer services to meet visitors’ precise needs. Platforms like LocalsRide ensure these journeys begin and end with comfort and transparency—making every trip an enjoyable experience.