How is climate change affecting Jeju Province?
Jeju Island, surrounded by the sea on all sides, is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise. The Yongmeori Coast is at risk of being submerged within a few years due to sea level rise. Even the stony corals are experiencing bleaching, adversely affecting the marine ecosystem.
Jeju recorded its hottest summer ever last year. The number of tropical nights (when the lowest temperature is 25°C or more) was 2.5 times the average. The number of heatwave days with a daily high temperature of 33°C or more was 5.5 times the average.
Due to global warming, the Korean fir trees of Hallasan Mountain, commonly used as Christmas trees, are disappearing.
What action are you taking to address climate change?
We are responding quickly to climate crisis warnings from nature. As part of the 2035 Carbon Neutral plan, we are pursuing a fundamental energy transition centred on renewable energy and green hydrogen. On 14 April 2025, for the first time in the Republic of Korea, 100 per cent of Jeju's total electricity came from renewable energy by utilizing wind and solar power generation facilities and reverse transmission of surplus power using undersea interconnection lines. This marks a monumental event in the history of renewable energy in the Republic of Korea. By 2035, we will expand renewable energy power generation by over 70 per cent, to more than 7 gigawatts. We plan to produce more than 60,000 tons of green hydrogen annually and gradually convert baseload power generation to hydrogen power generation.
What are the benefits? Why is it important?
Carbon neutrality is a core policy for Jeju’s sustainable future. By proactively responding to the climate crisis, we can protect the clean value of Jeju and its pristine natural environment, reduce dependence on energy imports, and ultimately create new economic added value. Carbon neutrality through energy transition is not simply an environmental policy, but a responsible choice for Jeju's future generations.