Jeju Island, located in the southernmost part of the Korean Peninsula, is the largest island in Korea. It is a volcanic island characterized by a mild subtropical climate, four distinct seasons, and a winter which rarely dips below zero. Jeju Island features 1950m-high Hallasan Mountain at its center, from whose crater peak you can see the entirety of the island laid out in an oval all around. The beautiful natural ecosystem, created by lava flows, boasts wonderful scenery, including both large and small parasitic volcanoes, called ‘oreum,’ the Gotjawal area, and volcanic rocks. For these reasons, Jeju has become a famous tourist destination, with more than 15 million people visiting each year.

Jeju Island is a UNESCO-designated World Natural Heritage Site with Volcanic Areas and Lava Tubes, and is also designated as a Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar Wetland. These features make a wonderful living laboratory for ecologists. Connected to both Hallasan Mountain and the Pacific Ocean, Jeju Island has a unique natural ecosystem, a unique language, and culture, making it a very special place to visit.

On behalf of the Ecological Society of Korea, I invite you to experience Jeju's cool sea breeze and forests in this summer. And also I look forward to meeting fellow ecologists and sharing knowledge together.