It goes without saying that Jeju is one of Korea’s premier vacation destinations, especially during the summer. The hordes of tourists boost demand for a lot of services and products, and that means prices rise quickly. Mike Laidman reports
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Iho Taewoo Beach, Jeju City

Jeju is one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations during the summer.

Most of the island’s main beaches are full to capacity with vacationers. While they enjoy what the island has to offer, they are often put off by the high prices.

Interview
Han Gyeo-rye / Tourist
I think prices must have doubled or tripled in the summer, especially at hotels and for food.
<인터뷰 : 한겨례/관광객>
"가을이나 봄보다 2~3배 비싸다고 생각해요. 숙소도 그렇고 먹을거리도 2배 정도 비싸요."


The price increase rate for food and accommodations was 3.3 percent in July, 0.9 points ahead of the national average and the highest since 2011.


However, it was only the third highest in the country, with (부산) Busan and (광주) Gwangju both clocking in higher.

As summer is the season for vacations and barbecues, pork prices shot up last month, as well.

Prices of pork ribs rose 4.3 percent and pork belly, 6.6 percent - both way above the national average.


INTERVIEW
Kim Ju-yong / Meat manager, Local supermarket
During the summer holiday season, many people visit the island and go camping. Demand for pork is high, and so prices rise.
<인터뷰 : 김주용/○○마트 축산 매니저>
"성수기라서 관광객들도 많이 오고 도민들도 캠핑을 많이 해서 돼지고기 수요가 많아 가격 변동이 있습니다."

[Reporter] Mike Laidman
[Camera] Kim Seung-cheol

The summer might bring fun and sun, but it also means higher prices - and not only for tourists. Islanders, too, feel the summer sting.

Mike Laidman KCTV