Jeju, South Korea

Living in Jeju is a double-edged sword. With a population of just 670,837, the island boasts an idyllic beach lifestyle, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Tourism dominates the economy, drawing 15 million visitors annually to the "South Korea's Hawaii" - a designation that comes with tradeoffs. Rapid development has led to pollution and overcrowding, while the local dialect is a barrier for many newcomers. For those seeking an island escape with a high quality of life, Jeju may be worth considering, but the realities of living there are far from the paradise portrayed.