Jeju Island, South Korea, is poised to become a major hub for marine leisure activities, with plans underway to develop specialized beaches catering to yachting, surfing, and scuba diving. This ambitious project, announced on February 19, 2026, aims to transform the island into a “Global Marine Leisure Hub” by 2030, attracting both domestic and international tourists and bolstering the local economy. The initiative involves a comprehensive survey of suitable sites across the island, beginning this month and continuing through September, with an investment of 140 million won.
The development comes as part of a broader strategy to capitalize on Jeju’s unique geographical advantages – being entirely surrounded by sea – and to diversify its tourism offerings. Beyond simply attracting visitors, the project seeks to establish Jeju as a destination capable of hosting world-class marine leisure competitions and fostering a thriving marine industry. This isn’t merely a tourism push; it’s a calculated effort to build a sustainable economic engine for the region, leveraging its natural resources and creating opportunities for local businesses and skilled professionals.
This initiative also carries political weight, being a key pledge made by President Lee Jae-myung for the Jeju region. The current plan builds upon the ‘Basic Plan for the Promotion of Jeju Marine Leisure Industry’ established in September 2025, demonstrating a commitment to long-term development and strategic investment. The focus on specialized beaches, coupled with the construction of dedicated facilities like clubhouses, signals a move towards a more sophisticated and targeted approach to marine tourism.
A Detailed Roadmap for Marine Leisure Development
The ‘Global Marine Leisure Hub’ project is structured around four core strategies: regional specialized development, expansion of dedicated facilities, training of professional manpower, and strengthening of regional coexistence. Regional specialized development will see specific areas of Jeju designated for particular water sports, maximizing the suitability of each location. For example, certain beaches will be optimized for yachting, while others will be developed with the specific needs of surfers or scuba divers in mind. This targeted approach aims to enhance the overall experience for enthusiasts and attract a wider range of visitors.
The expansion of dedicated facilities is crucial to supporting this growth. Beyond the aforementioned clubhouses, the plan envisions investment in infrastructure such as marinas, dive centers, surf schools, and improved access to beaches. These facilities will not only cater to tourists but also provide opportunities for local residents to participate in marine leisure activities. Crucially, the project also recognizes the need for a skilled workforce, with plans to invest in training programs to develop professional manpower in areas like yacht maintenance, scuba diving instruction, and marine tourism management.
Strengthening regional coexistence is a key component, ensuring that the benefits of this development are shared across the island. This involves engaging local communities in the planning process, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental impact. The goal is to create a harmonious balance between economic growth and the preservation of Jeju’s natural beauty.
Yachting, Surfing, and Scuba Diving: A Focus on Specialization
Jeju Island already has a growing reputation as a destination for yachting, as evidenced by the ‘2025 1st Jeju Cup International Yacht Competition’ held in Dodu Port from November 27-30, 2025. This event, as highlighted by Jeju Island officials, demonstrates the island’s potential to host international sailing events. The current development plan aims to build on this momentum by identifying and developing additional yachting-specific beaches and marinas.
Surfing is also gaining popularity on Jeju, with several beaches already attracting wave riders. The island’s diverse coastline offers a range of surf breaks suitable for different skill levels. The new initiative will focus on identifying beaches with optimal conditions for surfing and investing in facilities such as surf schools and rental shops. This will not only cater to experienced surfers but also encourage newcomers to try the sport.
Scuba diving is another key area of focus, with Jeju’s clear waters and diverse marine life making it an attractive destination for divers. The plan calls for the development of dedicated diving villages, offering a range of services such as dive centers, equipment rentals, and accommodation. These villages will serve as hubs for divers exploring the underwater wonders of Jeju, while also providing economic benefits to local communities.
The Role of Kim Jong-soo and the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Bureau
Kim Jong-soo, head of the Jeju Island Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Bureau, has emphasized the importance of this project in fostering the island’s marine industry. He stated that the bureau will “do our best to foster Jeju’s marine industry as a new growth engine by preparing step by step to build a marine leisure hub, starting with basic survey services for suitable sites.” This commitment from a key government official underscores the seriousness of the initiative and the determination to see it succeed. The Bureau will oversee the initial survey, scheduled to run from March to September, which will be instrumental in identifying the most suitable locations for each marine leisure activity.
The survey itself will be a comprehensive assessment of Jeju’s coastline, taking into account factors such as wave conditions, water quality, seabed topography, and accessibility. The results of this survey will be used to create a detailed roadmap for the development of the ‘Global Marine Leisure Hub,’ outlining specific projects, timelines, and investment priorities. This roadmap will serve as a guide for both public and private sector stakeholders, ensuring a coordinated and sustainable approach to marine leisure development.
Looking Ahead: Jeju’s Vision for 2030
By 2030, Jeju Island aims to be recognized as a world-class marine leisure hub, attracting visitors from around the globe and generating significant economic benefits for the local community. The success of this project will depend on a number of factors, including effective planning, strategic investment, and strong collaboration between government, industry, and local communities. The initial survey, currently underway, is a critical first step in realizing this vision.
The development of Jeju as a marine leisure destination aligns with broader trends in the tourism industry, with increasing demand for experiential travel and outdoor activities. The island’s natural beauty, combined with its commitment to sustainable development, positions it well to capitalize on these trends. The project also has the potential to create new employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in a region that has historically relied on agriculture and tourism.
The next key step will be the completion of the ‘Basic Survey of Jeju Marine Leisure District Suitable Sites’ and the subsequent publication of the detailed roadmap by the end of 2026. This roadmap will provide a clear indication of the direction of the project and the specific opportunities for investment and collaboration. We encourage readers to follow the progress of this exciting initiative and to share their thoughts and ideas on how Jeju can become a truly world-class marine leisure destination.