Jeju Island Issues Behavior Guidelines for Tourists Amid Rising Visitor Numbers

In a move prompted by an uptick in tourist-related incidents, Jeju Island authorities have released a multilingual guide outlining acceptable behaviors and associated penalties for visitors. The initiative aims to foster respect for local customs and reduce misbehavior, highlighting the balance between tourism and community wellbeing.

Police in Jeju Island, a sought-after South Korean tourist destination, have taken action to improve the behavior of foreign visitors by issuing guidelines that stress the importance of following local laws and customs. This initiative arises in response to growing complaints from local residents about issues such as littering and public indecency, such as children defecating in streets.

The behavior guide, available in Chinese, English, and Korean, marks a significant first for South Korea's tourism approach and is introduced during the bustling summer travel season. Jeju Island, famous for its beaches, hiking routes, and stunning volcanic landscapes, has become a hot spot for both tourism and leisure activities, including shopping and gambling.

Kim Su-young, the chief of the Jeju Police Agency, explained that the guide aims to bridge cultural differences and enhance tourists' understanding of Korean laws. An initial batch of 8,000 brochures will be distributed, detailing specific "minor offenses" that could lead to fines, such as littering, smoking in restricted areas, and public drunkenness.

While first-time offenders may receive a warning, repeat violations may incur fines up to 200,000 won (approximately $143 or £106), according to the Jeju police's statement.

The initiative highlights the growing pressures of tourism in South Korea, where the island has received about seven million visitors this year alone. As the tourism sector rebounds from the pandemic, local authorities increasingly focus on managing tourist behavior to ensure a sustainable tourism experience. Similar measures have been observed in other Asian tourist destinations facing the challenge of over-tourism, exemplified by actions taken in Japan to deter unwanted influxes of visitors.