There’s a proper Korean island takeover happening at United Square this week, and it’s brilliant for anyone who’s been eyeing Jeju as their next vacation. The ‘A Taste of Jeju’ pop-up (running until 9 November) is basically a test drive of South Korea’s largest island—without the flight. I’m talking actual Jeju tangerines, traditional seafood caught by those incredible Haenyeo women divers, and enough skincare to make your face very happy indeed. Whether you’re planning a trip to Jeju or just fancy a proper Korean cultural experience without leaving Singapore, this is your weekend sorted.
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Table of Contents
What’s Actually Worth Your Time at This Pop-Up
Here’s what makes this different from your typical food fair: the Jeju Business Agency has brought over 70 products that you genuinely cannot find elsewhere in Singapore. We’re not talking about things you can grab at FairPrice.
The seafood selection is the real star. Everything’s caught using the traditional Joo-nak method—basically the fish are treated with respect, which means better quality and less environmental damage. You’ll find silver belt fish, abalone, and conch harvested by Haenyeo (those legendary women free-divers who’ve been doing this for centuries without any equipment).
Food You’ll Want to Try
The free samples alone make the trip worthwhile:
- Chocolate covered orange snacks
- Barbecued conch
- Grain chips with Tangerine
- Hahyomom Tangerine Guazle
- Korean style biscuits
- Samdasoo water—South Korea’s top-selling bottled water, filtered through volcanic rock
- Fishcake made with Jeju olive flounder
- and loads more
They’re also giving away Jeju tangerines to visitors. These aren’t your standard mandarins—they’re famously sweet and ridiculously easy to peel.
The Skincare Situation
If you’re into K-beauty (and let’s be honest, who isn’t at this point?), the skincare range here is properly good. Everything’s made with Jeju ingredients: Hallabong vitamin C products, Centella-based creams, and sun protection made from white lotus grown in volcanic soil. Which I have taken home to try for myself, so watch this space!
What caught my attention: waterless pet shampoos made from Jeju’s volcanic lava water. Ten times more minerals than regular water, apparently similar to amniotic fluid, which makes it brilliant for sensitive pet skin. Finally, something for your four-legged travel companion.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Bits
Where: United Square atrium (Basement 1, 101 Thomson Road)
When: 3-9 November 2025
Getting there: Novena MRT, then about a 10-minute walk. Grab/taxi is easier if you’re planning to buy products.
What to Budget
Spending SGD 50 gets you the first redemption perk (Jeju Flounder Fish Cake worth $7.60—limited to first 20 people daily). Any purchase qualifies you for the roulette wheel with Jeju souvenirs.
The products range from affordable snacks to premium skincare, so you can easily spend anywhere from $20 to $200+ depending on what catches your eye.
The Cultural Experience Bit
Beyond shopping, there’s proper cultural immersion happening. The official opening on 4 November at 4pm features K-pop performances by Jeju Hunters and Jeju1Cut. There’s a photo zone with traditional Korean hats (gats), a “When Life Gives You Tangerines” wall inspired by the Netflix series, and a Haenyeo exhibition.
If you’re genuinely interested in Jeju’s education system (based on autonomy, diversity, and creativity), they’ve got information displays about that too. Slightly random, but fascinating if you’re an education nerd like me.
Why This Matters for Your Travel Plans
Jeju is definitely worth adding to your Asian itinerary. I am so excited because I will be hosting a trip there in March 2026! So this could not have come at a better time. This pop-up is basically reconnaissance—you get to taste the food, understand the culture, and decide if Jeju deserves a spot on your travel list. (Spoiler: it does.)
Jeju’s famous for:
- Volcanic landscapes and hiking
- Fresh seafood and unique citrus fruits
- UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Those incredible Haenyeo divers
- Being South Korea’s top honeymoon destination (for good reason)
What to Buy
Must-buys:
- Hallabong products (chocolates, wine, skincare)—you can’t get these easily outside Korea
- Traditional Korean confectionery (guazle)
- Natural grain snacks made by Korean working mothers using Jeju ingredients
- Volcanic lava water skincare
Skip if you’re on a budget:
- Things you can find at Korean supermarkets in Singapore
- Products you can order online
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I actually buy Jeju tangerines to take home?
The tangerines are complimentary giveaways from Korea Citrus Export Corporation—while stocks last. They’re not for sale, so show up early if you want some. They’re genuinely the best mandarins you’ll taste.
Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. Beyond the seafood, there’s Hallabong wine, skincare products, natural grain snacks, and various confectionery. The K-beauty section alone could keep you busy for ages.
How busy does it get?
Opening day (4 November) will be packed, especially at 4pm for the official ceremony. Early mornings or weekend afternoons will be manic.
Can I use my credit card rewards?
Standard payment methods accepted. If you’ve got a DBS/POSB card, check if there are any mall-wide promotions running at United Square. The specific Jeju promo from Singapore Airlines (DBS50OCT) has already ended, but worth checking United Square’s own offers.
Is this actually worth the trip if I’m not planning to visit Jeju?
Honestly? Yes. The free samples alone (abalone, conch, premium water) would cost you $30+ at a restaurant. Plus, where else in Singapore can you try products from a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage (the Haenyeo divers)? It’s a unique cultural experience even if Jeju never makes your travel list.
Read More
This pop-up is part of a larger ‘Invitation to Jeju, Korea’ initiative that includes business matching events and startup meetings. The Jeju Business Agency has been in Singapore since June 2023, working to connect our two islands. Nice to see cultural exchange that benefits actual consumers, not just corporations.
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