South Korea tells tourists on holiday island Jeju to behave

South Korea has taken a new step to address the growing concerns about tourist behavior on Jeju Island, a popular holiday destination known for its stunning beaches, scenic walking trails, and volcanic mountains. With a record number of visitors arriving this year, local residents have raised complaints about foreign tourists not respecting local customs and laws. In response, Jeju police have released a special guide for tourists, printed in Chinese, English, and Korean, to help visitors understand what is expected of them during their stay. This guide is the first of its kind in South Korea and comes at a time when tourism is booming, especially during the busy summer season.

The guide lists several minor offenses that tourists should avoid, such as smoking in places where it is not allowed, littering, crossing the street when it is not safe, being drunk and causing trouble, leaving restaurants without paying, using fake identification, and entering empty houses without permission. There have even been reports of children being allowed to go to the bathroom on the street, which has upset many locals. The police hope that by clearly explaining these rules, they can prevent misunderstandings caused by language and cultural differences. First-time offenders will receive a warning, but those who break the rules again could face fines of up to 200,000 won, which is about 143 dollars. The Jeju Police Agency plans to distribute eight thousand copies of the guide immediately to help spread the message.

Tourism has become a major part of Jeju's economy, with seven million visitors already arriving this year. In 2024, foreign tourists spent a record 9. 26 trillion won on the island, and nearly 70 percent of these visitors were from China. While tourism brings many benefits, it also creates challenges, especially when large numbers of people do not follow local rules. Jeju's new guide is part of a wider effort across Asia to deal with the problems caused by too many tourists. For example, a town in Japan recently took steps to stop visitors from taking too many photos and selfies in certain areas.

The release of the guide shows that Jeju is serious about keeping the island clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. By helping tourists understand Korean culture and laws, the police hope to create a better experience for both visitors and locals. The guide is easy to read and available in three languages, making it accessible to most tourists. It is a reminder that while everyone is welcome on Jeju Island, respecting the rules is important. If tourists follow the guidelines, they can help protect the island's natural beauty and make sure it remains a great place to visit for years to come. The police believe that education and clear communication are the best ways to solve these problems, and they hope that the new guide will make a positive difference.

As tourism continues to grow, Jeju and other destinations in Asia will need to find ways to balance the benefits of welcoming visitors with the need to protect local communities and the environment. The new guide is a step in the right direction, showing that South Korea is willing to take action to address the challenges of over-tourism. By working together, tourists and locals can ensure that Jeju remains a special place for everyone.