In a major step toward enhancing South Korea’s content industry and tourism, Netflix and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province signed a memorandum of agreement on May 16. The signing was attended by Netflix’s Asia-Pacific (excluding India) Vice President of Content, Kim Min-young, and Jeju Governor Oh Young-hoon, along with key institutional representatives.
The partnership aims to strengthen the K-content ecosystem—a driving force in the global cultural zeitgeist—by turning Jeju Island into a dynamic hub for production. The deal also seeks to revitalize the local economy by boosting tourism and job creation, while providing tangible support for creators and production companies.
Jeju has recently gained popularity thanks to Netflix shows such as ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines,’ which sparked increased tourism to the island. Other programs, like ‘Kian’s Bizarre B&B’ and the upcoming reality show ‘Better Late Than Single,’ have further elevated Jeju’s profile as a desirable filming location.
As part of the agreement, Netflix and Jeju will implement a series of measures to make filming on the island more accessible and attractive to producers. These include expanded incentives for content shot in Jeju, simplified administrative procedures for obtaining filming permits, reduced fees for renting local facilities and equipment, and enhanced support for overseas production teams working locally. These efforts aim to create a stable and efficient production environment, enabling creatives to focus on storytelling while benefiting from institutional backing.
The collaboration is expected to open new doors for domestic content creators while amplifying the global appeal of K-content, renowned for its high production value and strong local narratives. The initiative also underscores Netflix’s commitment to leveraging its global marketing channels to promote Jeju’s cultural and tourism assets to a worldwide audience.
Promotional strategies will include the use of official Netflix content, such as trailers and posters, in campaigns, and cross-promotion through domestic and international events, thereby increasing Jeju’s global visibility and brand value. Additionally, both parties will engage in joint research to assess the cultural and economic impact of Jeju-based productions.
Kim Min-young described the agreement as a meaningful step toward sustaining South Korea’s competitive content industry and fostering local economic growth. Governor Oh hailed the partnership as a historic milestone, making Jeju the first local government in Korea to collaborate with Netflix, and pledged full support to transform the island into a global K-content powerhouse.
With its scenic beauty and growing international recognition, Jeju Island is poised to become a central player in the next wave of Korean cultural exports, fueled by strategic partnerships and captivating storytelling.
Written by: MANSHA CHAUHAN
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