The winter citrus season in Jeju has just kicked off — and the recently concluded 2025 Jeju Citrus Expo, held this year at the Seogwipo Agricultural Technology Center from November 20-24, reminded us why Jeju tangerines remain a beloved favourite across generations. Held every year in Seogwipo-si, the Jeju Citrus Expo is the island’s largest citrus-themed festival, bringing together farmers, producers, researchers, and visitors. The programme ranges from citrus exhibitions and sampling booths to education zones on cultivation techniques, sustainability, and the future of Jeju’s citrus industry. There are also processed citrus products such as jams, drinks, sweets, and more! It is both a cultural event and an agricultural showcase — celebrating Jeju’s most iconic fruit from blossom to harvest.
🏆 Key Competitions at Jeju Citrus Expo
There are also programs relating to agricultural innovation and industry future. The Jeju Citrus Expo also highlights excellence within the citrus sector through two signature competitions:
1. 황감제 (Hwanggamje)
A competition spotlighting innovative and high-performing young farmers. Participants are evaluated on areas such as cultivation techniques, productivity improvements, sustainability efforts, and their contributions to the future of Jeju agriculture.
2. 만감류 품평회 – 우수농가 선정 (Excellent Farmer Challenge)
A judged quality assessment for late-season citrus varieties, including Hallabong, Cheonhyehyang, and Redhyang. Farms with outstanding fruit quality — based on sweetness, size, texture, and overall ripeness — are recognised as “우수농가 (excellent farms).” These awards help set quality benchmarks and strengthen the competitiveness of Jeju citrus.
🍊 Why Is Jeju Citrus Special?
Jeju citrus is known for being naturally sweet, juicy, and easy to peel — thanks to the island’s volcanic soil, sea breeze, and mild climate. It’s also rich in vitamins A and C, making it a popular winter fruit for immunity, fatigue recovery, and overall wellness.
Beyond flavour and nutrition, citrus is one of Jeju’s most important agricultural sectors, generating over 1 trillion KRW in annual revenue and supporting thousands of farming households.
🌞 Whole-Year Round Season of Citrus
Jeju’s citrus calendar is unique:
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May brings the soft scent of white citrus blossoms, with greenhouses bursting with house tangerines.
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August is the season of refreshing, zesty young green tangerines.
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From November onward, a wide range of varieties arrives in sequence — from classic Jeju mandarins to premium types such as Hallabong, Cheonhyehyang, and Redhyang.
✈️ What’s Next — And How You Can Enjoy It
This annual expo helps strengthen the domestic and international reputation of Jeju citrus by showcasing quality, innovation, and the farmers behind the fruit. As the harvest season continues, more varieties will reach their peak from November through winter. Fresh citrus from new harvests will reach our shores in no time — taste the season while it lasts.
And if you’re planning a trip, you can even visit Jeju for hands-on tangerine picking, one of the island’s most popular seasonal activities.