The Curious Museums of Jeju Island
When I think of Jeju Island, I immediately imagine the quiet warmth of a harmonious and romantic place, interrupted only by the cries of seagulls.
Many people describe its beauty: the ancient history, the traditional folk village, the statues carved from volcanic stone about three hundred years ago, and the wonderful panorama overlooking the port of Seogwipo.
There are spectacular waterfalls and many places where the sunset paints the sky red, while in winter snow whitens the summit of Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea.
Jeju is often called the “island of love” and is a favorite destination for young Korean couples on their honeymoon.
It is a volcanic island surrounded by crystal-clear waters, with sandy beaches and blooming meadows. Here you can also see the famous Haenyeo, the legendary female divers of the island.
These extraordinary women dive to depths of 10–20 meters, often without oxygen tanks, to collect shellfish, seaweed, and seafood that they later sell at the market.
Their profession is ancient, passed down from mother to daughter. Over time, however, with the arrival of new job opportunities, this tradition has gradually declined.
In 2016, the culture of the Haenyeo was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Haenyeo Museum is dedicated to them and is one of the most interesting places on the island.
The Island of 100 Museums
Here is an interesting curiosity: did you know that Jeju hosts around 100 museums?
For those who love art and culture, the island is not only about nature and the sea.
On a territory of about 1,800 km², inhabited by around 700,000 people, there is an astonishing concentration of themed museums. A true paradise for curious travelers.
Haenyeo Museum
The Haenyeo Museum is one of the most meaningful museums on Jeju Island because it tells the extraordinary story of the Haenyeo, the island’s famous female divers.
These brave women have become a symbol of local culture. For generations they have dived into the sea without oxygen tanks, reaching depths of 10–20 meters to collect shellfish, sea urchins, seaweed, and other seafood.
Their work requires strength, endurance, and a special breathing technique called sumbisori, a distinctive whistle they make when resurfacing.
What to see in the museum
The museum offers a fascinating journey into the lives of these extraordinary women of the sea.
Inside you can find:
- Traditional diving equipment
- Historical photographs of fishing communities
- Reconstructions of the daily life of the Haenyeo
- Videos and documentaries about diving techniques
Outside the museum there is also a panoramic seaside park featuring statues and installations dedicated to the divers.
At certain times of the year, visitors can even watch live diving demonstrations, when Haenyeo enter the sea in front of the audience.
A tradition at risk of disappearing
In the past, thousands of Haenyeo formed the economic heart of the island.
Today their numbers have dropped dramatically. Younger generations often choose different careers, and many of the divers still active are over sixty years old.
For this reason, the museum is not only an exhibition space but also a place dedicated to preserving a unique tradition.
Teddy Bear Museum
Among the most unusual museums on the island is the Teddy Bear Museum.
Located in Seogwipo, in the southern part of the island, it is the first major museum in Korea entirely dedicated to teddy bears.
This museum tells over one hundred years of teddy bear history, one of the most beloved toys in the world, through creative displays, historical reconstructions, and artistic installations.
A journey through history… with teddy bears
Inside the museum visitors can see hundreds of teddy bears from different countries and historical periods.
Some rooms recreate moments of 20th-century history, represented by teddy bears acting out famous events.
You will find:
- Teddy bears dressed as historical figures
- Reconstructions of famous world events
- Rare and valuable collections of antique bears
- Artistic displays created by designers
The largest teddy bear in the world
One of the most popular attractions is a giant teddy bear over seven meters tall, made entirely of flowers.
This installation has become one of the most photographed spots in the museum.
Build your own teddy bear
Visitors can also create their own personalized teddy bear, choosing clothes, accessories, and details — a perfect souvenir from Jeju.
Chocolate Museum of Jeju
The Chocolate Museum is one of the sweetest and most original museums on the island.
Located in the south-western area of Jeju, the building itself is unique: it is made from volcanic basalt stone, typical of the island, and resembles a small castle.
A journey into the history of cocoa
Inside the museum, visitors can discover the history of cocoa and chocolate — from the ancient civilizations of Central America to its spread in Europe and the rest of the world.
The exhibition shows:
- The history of cocoa cultivation
- Chocolate-making processes
- Tools and machinery used in production
- Artistic sculptures made entirely of chocolate
Amazing chocolate sculptures
One of the most impressive attractions is the collection of chocolate sculptures.
Among them stands a large Spiderman statue made entirely of chocolate, welcoming visitors at the entrance.
Tastings and chocolate shop
At the end of the visit, guests can relax in the museum café, tasting different types of chocolate and handmade desserts.
The shop also sells Jeju-produced chocolate, perfect as a culinary souvenir.
Well… not bad for chocolate lovers. Sluurp!
Hello Kitty Island Museum
The Hello Kitty Island is one of the sweetest and most colorful museums on Jeju.
Located in the tourist area of Seogwipo, the museum is entirely dedicated to the famous character created by Sanrio.
Entering this museum means stepping into a pink fantasy world, where every room is decorated with Hello Kitty-themed scenery.
A colorful world of Hello Kitty
Inside visitors will find:
- Colorful themed rooms
- Collections of Hello Kitty objects
- Artistic installations and photo sets
- Multimedia spaces about the character’s history
Each room is designed to be perfect for photos and selfies, making it extremely popular with visitors.
I LOVE THE PINK COLOR.
While writing this article, I almost feel like staying forever on this wonderful island. With so many museums matching my tastes, I would visit a different one every day.
O’Sulloc Tea Museum – The Tea Museum of Jeju
The O’Sulloc Tea Museum is one of the most elegant and relaxing museums on the island.
Located in the south-western part of Jeju, it is surrounded by vast green tea plantations stretching like a green carpet across the volcanic hills.
This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Korean tea, a drink that has been part of daily life in Korea for centuries.
A journey into tea culture
Inside the museum visitors can learn about:
- The history of tea in Korea
- Traditional tea-making tools
- Different varieties of green tea grown in Jeju
- The harvesting and processing of tea leaves
The green tea plantations
Outside the museum lie immense tea fields where visitors can walk among perfectly aligned rows of tea plants and admire one of the most photographed landscapes on the island.
I imagine the fragrance of tea at sunset, when the day slowly quiets down and I sip it from a white ceramic cup while reflecting on its history.
The Most Curious Museum on the Island
Among the many museums on Jeju — including the Jeju National Museum and others dedicated to citrus fruits, shells, and optical illusions — there is one that stands out as the most unusual:
Jeju Loveland (Museum of Sex and Health)
The Jeju Loveland, often called the Museum of Sex and Health, is one of the most curious and unconventional museums on the island.
Located near Jeju City, it is actually a large outdoor park dedicated to sexuality and sex education, presented in an artistic, humorous, and creative way.
A unique sculpture park
The park hosts more than 140 sculptures representing human sexuality in symbolic and artistic forms.
These statues depict:
- Couples in romantic poses
- Symbolic scenes related to love
- Artistic representations of the human body
The goal is not provocation but rather to address sexuality naturally through art and humor.
A museum designed for couples
Jeju has long been known as a honeymoon island for Korean couples.
For this reason, the museum was also designed as a playful and curious place for couples to visit together, where they can take fun photos and explore themes related to intimacy.
An Island of Creative Museums
Among museums dedicated to tea, teddy bears, chocolate, Hello Kitty, and the legendary Haenyeo divers, Jeju proves to be an island full of creativity and unexpected attractions.
Between nature, culture, and imaginative museums, it offers visitors an experience that is both surprising and unforgettable.
