Surge of migrants headed to Jeju

Jeju Island is seeing an upward trend when it comes to population growth. 

According to the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the net migrant inflow was 1,864 people during the first quarter of this year. 

That represents a huge 83.5% more than same period last year and second highest growth in the nation. Sejong City is currently growing the fastest as an effect of government building transfers.

Examining the numbers more closely, the net inflow of migrants to Jeju showed a decline between 2008 and 2009. However, it has shown remarkable growth since 2010. Last year saw a total number of 4,876 migrants.

Looking at migration numbers by region, 238 people settled in Nohyung dong, 153 in Aewol, 136 in Jocheon, and 89 in Seongsan. These people are mainly distributed amongst towns as opposed to cities.
Jeju reasons that the influx to towns is connected with either people’s preference of living on farms or due to interest in the more nearby global education city.

The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province plans to continue to improve the living conditions for Jeju migrants through a special team and program dedicated to the task.



Number of foreign residents Jeju Island surges

In the last 10 years, the number of foreigners residing in Jeju has increased about six times. Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants account for more than half that number.

According to the Jeju Immigration Office, the total number of registered foreigners currently living in Jeju was 9,615 as of February this year.

In 2005, the initial surge of foreigner immigrants was mainly due to an increase in marriages and foreign students, but presently the surge is more due to foreign sailors and workers.

Recently, the influx of immigrant families investing in real estate, the growing number of global education school teachers, and professionals employed in the tourism industry are contributing to Jeju Island’s image as a free international city.