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Learn How to Pronounce Jeju | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Jeju

Quick Answer: In Korean, the name Jeju is pronounced [tɕedʑu].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Jeju Island, officially the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, is a volcanic island and South Korea's premier tourist destination, located in the Korea Strait south of the Korean Peninsula. Formed by volcanic activity over two million years ago, its dramatic landscape is dominated by Hallasan Mountain, a shield volcano and the country's highest peak, which crowns the island at its center. This UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, also designated a Global Geopark, is famed for its unique geological features such as the vast lava tube systems at Manjanggul Cave, the dramatic coastal cliffs of Jusangjeollidae, and the iconic volcanic cones known as oreum. Beyond its natural wonders, Jeju's culture is distinct, characterized by the matriarchal haenyeo (female divers), dol hareubang (stone grandfather statues), and a history reflected in sites like the Jeju April 3rd Peace Park. The island's mild climate, pristine beaches like Hyeopjae and Hamdeok, luxury resorts, and local delicacies including black pork and mandarin oranges make it a top choice for honeymooners, hikers, and international travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct Romanization for the island is "Jeju," following the Revised Romanization of Korean system adopted by South Korea in 2000. A common historical spelling, derived from the older McCune-Reischauer system, is "Cheju," which is still encountered in older academic texts, historical references, and some international brand names (e.g., Cheju Airport). Frequent misspellings and typos include "Jeiju," "Jejue," "Jejuu," and "Jejui," often resulting from phonetic guesses. Another common error is the omission of the space in "Jeju Island," writing it as "JejuIsland," or incorrectly capitalizing it as "JeJu." When referring to the province, it is properly "Jeju Special Self-Governing Province," though it is often shortened colloquially to just "Jeju." The name of the capital city, Jeju City, should not be confused with the island itself, leading to potential redundancy in phrases like "Jeju City in Jeju."

Example Sentences

Many visitors to South Korea make a point of extending their trip to explore the natural wonders of Jeju.

A hike to the summit of Hallasan Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island.

The haenyeo, Jeju's famed female divers, represent a unique and enduring cultural tradition as they harvest seafood without the use of breathing apparatus.

We sampled the island's famous Jeju black pork barbecue at a bustling restaurant in Jeju City.

The unique geology of the island, from lava tubes to columnar joints, makes it a fascinating destination for geotourism.

Due to its self-governing status, Jeju has certain administrative and visa policies that differ from the Korean mainland.

Related Pronunciations


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