South Korea’s Jeju Island has initiated the first-ever behavioral guide for tourists amidst rising issues of misconduct among foreign visitors, including littering and public urination. This measure aims to foster respect for local customs and laws during the busy tourist season.
Jeju Island Authorities Address Tourist Misconduct with New Guidelines
Jeju Island Authorities Address Tourist Misconduct with New Guidelines
In response to increasing complaints from locals, Jeju Island's police issue behavioral guidelines for foreign tourists to enhance cultural understanding and maintain public order.
The police in Jeju Island, a popular holiday destination in South Korea, have taken a significant step by issuing guidelines for foreign tourists on how to behave while visiting. This decision comes as a response to a growing number of complaints from local residents regarding tourists' inappropriate behavior, which has included incidents of littering and allowing children to defecate in public areas.
The newly released guide, which has been printed in Chinese, English, and Korean, marks a pioneering effort in communicating acceptable conduct to visitors in the region. Jeju Police Agency’s chief, Kim Su-young, expressed that the guidelines are intended to "prevent misunderstandings due to language and cultural differences" and to help tourists better understand local customs and laws.
Approximately 8,000 copies of the guide will be distributed right away to ensure that it reaches a significant number of the seven million visitors Jeju has already seen this year. Among the minor offenses listed in the guidelines are smoking in restricted zones, jaywalking, disorderly behavior after drinking, leaving restaurants without settling bills, and public urination or defecation.
While first-time offenders will receive warnings, those who repeatedly violate these laws may face fines that could amount to 200,000 won (around $143). The surge in tourism following the pandemic has proven beneficial for Jeju's economy, with foreign visitors contributing to a record 9.26 trillion won influx in 2024, primarily from China, who make up nearly 70% of the tourists.
Jeju's approach mirrors wider trends in tourism management across Asia, where various destinations are exploring strategies to tackle the challenges posed by over-tourism and maintain a pleasant experience for both visitors and residents. For example, a town in Japan took steps to block a popular viewpoint of Mount Fuji to mitigate tourist foot traffic. These developments underscore the evolving landscape of tourism and local engagement, highlighting the importance of mutual respect between visitors and local communities.
