Jeju-do

Jeju-do represents island biogeography applied to economics—an isolated volcanic ecosystem that evolved unique characteristics now facing carrying capacity limits. Formed by submarine eruption 2 million years ago, the island preserves geological features found nowhere else: Mount Hallasan (1,947m, Korea's highest peak), 360 parasitic volcanic cones called oreum, and the world's longest lava tube system. The gotjawal forests—12% of the island—remained pristine on 'a'a lava too rough for agriculture, creating endemic species with scientific names denoting 'from Jeju.'

This uniqueness drives tourism that now threatens it. Foreign visitors surged 17.5% in 2025, partly driven by Netflix's 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' filmed on-island. Jeju's share of South Korea's foreign tourism rose from 8.9% to 10.5% through the year. The visa-free entry policy—nearly universal access without Korean visa—functions like an open membrane strategy that maximizes visitation but limits control. As a Self-Governing Province, Jeju sets its own regulations, enabling this experiment in tourism-driven economics.

The island now confronts the overtourism paradox: the pristine landscapes attracting visitors erode under their cumulative impact. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status for Hallasan recognizes the biodiversity at stake. Authorities consider restricting access to environmentally sensitive areas—essentially creating ecological refugia within the tourism zone. Jeju's trajectory tests whether an island economy can sustain perpetual growth in visitor-dependent sectors, or whether carrying capacity eventually forces phase transition to managed scarcity.