Jeju-do, located beneath the Korean peninsula, is the biggest island in Korea. It is a popular tourist site with sandy beaches and picturesque hiking trails along with the Hanla Mountain. It is also famous for the tangerines and various seafoods produced on the island. Recently, it became the first place in the world to obtain UNESCO designations in all 3 natural sciences: World Natural Heritage Certificate, Global Geopark Certificate, and Biosphere Reserve Certificate.

           However, an interesting project being done on the island is making Jeju-do even more special. Numerous policies have been launched to promote electric (hybrid) cars on the island to protect its precious and unique environment. First of all, it started a project that funded drivers who bought electric cars on the island. They were subsidized up to 2600 Korean won, or about $30000, thanks to funds provided by the Ministry of Environment and the Jeju government. As a result, there are currently more than 226 electric cars on the island.

           Not only does the island provide subsidies for electric car drivers, but it also launched an electric car rental service for visitors on the island. Visitors can rent these electric cars at a relatively inexpensive price of 75000 won per day. Additionally, there are countless electric car chargers around the island, making it easy for visitors to get around almost anywhere. What?s more is that the charging fee is currently free, and visitors can save any money spent on gasoline.

           Most recently, the island planned to host the 1^st Electric Car Expo to promote electric cars not only on the island but also in other regions in Korea. Various electric cars are being advertised, raising awareness of these green cars. Thanks to all of these efforts, Jeju Island is now the region with highest electric car usage rate in Korea, with 1.12 electric cars per family. In a recent interview, a Jeju official stated that the island is planning to reach its goal of 100% electric car use by 2030 as a part of an effort to make the island carbon-free.

*Photos and (some parts of) information sources: Joongang Ilbo.