Jeju is known for its beautiful natue. Some attractions have been designated as UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites, and it possesses a reputation as a world class tourist destination. Not only can one experience Manjang cave, Seongsan Ilchulbong, and Mt. Halla, but also beautiful beaches and 'Olle' walking tour. Where else in the world can one experience so much in such a small space? As Jeju’s tourism potential grows, the industry needs more and more human resources. JNU has a department to help students plan their future as leaders in the tourism industry. It is the department of Tourism Development. The Islander met with junior Oh Jun-young, the department’s student leader of the department, to learn more about what it has to offer.

1. When and for what purpose was the Department of Tourism Development established?

Our department was established back in 1994 to educate talented students in the tourism industry, a key industry in Jeju. In particular, the department has been designated as a specialized department in JNU to develop all the capabilities necessary for the growth of Jeju’s tourism industry. Our mission is to promote tourism by focusing on tourist companies as well as coming up with new policies to deal with tourist-related matters in such diverse areas, transportation or environmental preservation or development.

2. Are there any special events hosted by the department?

Unlike other departments, we have an exploration club named 'Da-deum'. Students can search for hidden potential tourist attractions in Jeju and visit there through this club’s activities. Also we invite the public to join in a prize contest for best new tourist products. By attracting student interest through such activities, students come to pay more attention to tourism development.

3. What can graduates do with a Tourism Development degree?

We can be involved in all things related to tourism. This means not only service industries, like hotels, resorts, and tourist attractions, but also other fields, such as development companies, tourism corporations, landscape architecture, events, theme parks and leisure companies. Graduates can advance into various fields and play a pivotal role in planning, operations and management. Also we can be professional convention planners related to the MICE[Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition] industry, planning and organizing events for convention centers or conferences.

4. Please give a few final words about the Department of Tourism Development.

"The more developed the Department of Tourism Development is, the more successful the students are."

Our department has a small number of students when compared with other departments in the College of Economics and Commerce, but we never fall behind them in terms of establishing a strong and friendly relationship with one another. Our students are overflowing with talent, aptitude, and passion. As our slogans states, I want to continue to get along well with my peers, and I hope that all of them achieve success in their future endeavors.

The students from the Department of Tourism Development in the College of Economics and Commerce of JNU are full of passion and ambitious spirits. Jeju hopefully will become a globalized tourism industrial complex by virtue of their passions, a driving force for the development of Jeju tourism industry.