Episode 9: Unraveling Jeju Dialect & Culture – Hidden Gems of Korea’s Island Paradise 🌊🍊

In Today’s Newsletter:

• What Does "Pokssak Sokassuda" Really Mean? – In Jeju dialect, it doesn’t mean “I was fooled” but “You worked hard!” Learn how it was adapted internationally and why Taiwan gave it a new meaning.

• Jeju’s Unique Dialect – Words You Won’t Hear Elsewhere! – Even Koreans find Jeju’s dialect tricky! Did you know 딸 (daughter) is 똘 and 고양이 (cat) is 고냉이?

• Why Tangerines Instead of Lemons? 🍊 – Jeju’s famous tangerines were once royal tributes! Find out what makes them so special.

• The Iconic Canola Flower Fields (유채꽃밭) 🌼 – In spring, Jeju turns golden with blooming canola flowers. Here are the best spots to visit!

• Haenyeo (해녀) – The Women Divers of Jeju 🧜‍♀️ – These fearless female divers, some in their 70s and 80s, dive deep without oxygen tanks. Did you know they’re called Jamnyeo (잠녀) in Jeju dialect?

KOREAN CULTURE

What Does "Pokssak Sokassuda" Really Mean?

At first glance, the title "폭싹 속았수다" might seem like it means "I was completely fooled" in standard Korean. However, in Jeju dialect, it actually means "You worked hard" or "You did a great job." It’s a warm phrase used to acknowledge someone’s effort, reflecting Jeju’s distinct linguistic charm.

For international audiences, the English title was changed to "When Life Gives You Tangerines", a play on the well-known saying:
👉 "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
This phrase encourages people to turn challenges into opportunities—just like Jeju locals, who have adapted to the island’s unique environment.

🔸 Taiwanese Adaptation:
In Taiwan, the drama’s title was inspired by the idiom "고진감래 (苦盡甘來)", meaning "sweetness comes after hardship." To fit Jeju’s setting, they replaced "감 (甘, sweet)" with "귤 (柑, tangerine)", creating "After Hardships, I Met You." This highlights both life struggles and Jeju’s natural beauty.

Jeju’s Unique Dialect – Words You Won’t Hear Elsewhere!

Jeju dialect is so different from standard Korean that even native speakers from the mainland struggle to understand it! Here are some must-know words:

🔸 Daughter (딸) → "Ttol (똘)"
🔸 Here (여곳) → "I-di (이디)"
🔸 There (저곳) → "Jeo-di (저디)"
🔸 Once (한 번) → "Hon-beon (혼번)"
🔸 Cat (고양이) → "Go-naeng-i (고냉이)"
🔸 Dog (강아지) → "Gang-saeng-i (강생이)"
🔸 Elephant (코끼리) → "Ko-me-gge-ra (코메깨라)"

Even common phrases sound completely different in Jeju dialect, making it a linguistic treasure trove for those interested in regional languages!

Why Tangerines Instead of Lemons? 🍊

Jeju Island is famous for its tangerines, and its warm climate makes it Korea’s largest citrus-producing region. Unlike mainland Korea, where apples and pears dominate, Jeju’s volcanic soil and mild winters create the perfect conditions for sweet, juicy tangerines.

Tangerines are not just a local specialty—they are deeply tied to Korean history. During the Joseon Dynasty, they were considered so valuable that they were used as royal tributes for the king! Today, Jeju’s tangerines remain a symbol of the island’s prosperity and warmth.

The Iconic Canola Flower Fields (유채꽃밭) 🌼

If you visit Jeju in spring (March–May), you’ll see endless fields of bright yellow canola flowers (유채꽃). These fields create one of Korea’s most breathtaking landscapes, drawing tourists and photographers alike.

🔹 Symbol of Jeju: Originally grown for oil production, canola flowers now represent warmth, joy, and new beginnings.
🔹 Best Viewing Spots: Seopjikoji, Sanbangsan, and Noksan-ro Road.
🔹 K-Dramas & Movies: Many dramas, including Warm and Cozy and Secret Garden, have filmed romantic scenes in these fields.

The sight of golden canola fields against the backdrop of Jeju’s deep blue sea makes it one of the most picturesque locations in Korea.

Haenyeo (해녀/잠녀) – The Women Divers of Jeju 🧜‍♀️

Unlike anywhere else in Korea, Jeju is home to Haenyeo (해녀/잠녀), the legendary female divers who free-dive into the ocean without oxygen tanks to harvest seafood like abalone and sea urchins.

🔹 Why Are They Special?

• These women, some in their 70s and 80s, can hold their breath for over a minute while diving deep into the sea.

• The tradition has been passed down for generations and was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

🔹 In Jeju Dialect:
Locals also call them "Jamnyeo (잠녀)", meaning "diving women." This term is unique to Jeju and reflects their strong, independent spirit.

The Haenyeo are more than just divers—they are symbols of resilience, adaptability, and the strength of Jeju’s culture.

Your Conversation Starter 💬

"Did you know that in Jeju dialect, ‘Pokssak Sokassuda’ means ‘You worked hard,’ not ‘I was fooled’?"
"What’s a unique phrase or dialect from your region that others might not know?"

Jeju’s unique culture and language make it a truly one-of-a-kind destination, full of hidden stories and rich traditions waiting to be discovered! 🌿✨

Coming Up Next: Episode 10! 🎬✨

Ever seen a pepper cushion (고추방석) in Korea and wondered why it exists? Or noticed a sickle (낫) being used in surprising ways beyond farming? 🤔

In the next episode, we’re diving into unique everyday items that are deeply tied to Korean culture—objects you might not find anywhere else!

From traditional tools to symbolic household items, we’ll uncover the fascinating stories behind these uniquely Korean essentials.

Stay tuned—this one’s going to be full of surprises! 🚀✨