Thanks for your comments, debussy, but your input is, unfortunately, too late to help me plan -- I returned from South Korea two weeks ago.

I am drafting a trip report, but in the meantime, I'll note that I don't necessarily agree with your views: For example, I think that many people might find good reasons for visiting Busan (whether they live in a tropical area or not) and I'm not sure that everyone would find Jeju "boring" -- but I'm sure it depends on what one does and expects.

Thanks for commenting and do, please, offer your insights once I start posting my trip report. it sounds like we could all learn from you!

Debussy, people in tropical countries would be going to Korea for things other than beaches.

I have begun my tripe report. Here is the link:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...outh-korea.cfm

Make that "trip" report. And if you DO think it "tripe," please don't tell me! Life is hard enough. ;-)