Netflix drama “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is bringing new hope for revitalizing tourism in Jeju Island. The drama has gained immense popularity, reportedly reaching 3.6 million views within three days of its release and entering the global TOP 10 in 24 countries.
Tourism product development utilizing the filming locations of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is also underway. Jeju Island is working to boost tourism by focusing on actual filming locations such as the buckwheat fields in Ora-dong, leveraging the drama’s popularity.
However, the Jeju tourism industry has been facing difficulties in recent years:
1. Decline in tourists: The number of Korean tourists visiting Jeju has steadily decreased from 13.8 million in 2022 to 11.86 million in 2024.
2. Reduction in flights: The number of domestic flights at Jeju International Airport has reportedly decreased from 171,754 in 2022 to 156,533 in 2024.
3. Deterioration of service quality: Overcharging, poor service, and an increase in crimes targeting tourists have tarnished the image of Jeju tourism.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that a scene in the drama showing Jeju’s landscape full of canola flowers was actually filmed at Hakwon Farm in Gochang, North Jeolla Province.
