South Korea imposes new 'behaviour rules' for tourists on Jeju Island

South Korea’s holiday island of Jeju has introduced its first set of behavioural guidelines for foreign tourists, warning that repeat violations could lead to fines. The issuance of guidelines comes at a time when there has been a rise in complaints from local residents over tourist misconduct during the peak travel season.

According to a BBC News report, the Jeju Police Agency said the multilingual guide, printed in Chinese, English, and Korean, is aimed at reducing cultural misunderstandings and ensuring visitors respect local laws.

Rising tourist numbers
Jeju, located south of the Korean peninsula, is a major tourism hub known for its beaches, volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, and shopping. This year alone, the island has welcomed around seven million visitors, according to local reports.

Foreign arrivals have played a significant role in Jeju’s economy. In 2024, visitors spent a record 9.26 trillion won, with nearly 70 per cent of tourists coming from China.

Rules and penalties
The guide outlines a range of “minor offences” that are punishable under South Korean law. These include smoking in restricted areas, littering, jaywalking, public drunkenness, failing to pay at restaurants, using fake IDs, and trespassing into empty homes. Acts such as urinating or defecating in public are also listed.

First-time offenders will typically receive a warning, but repeat violations could attract fines of up to 200,000 won (about $143). Around 8,000 copies of the guide are being distributed initially.

An official from the Jeju Provincial Police Agency told The Korea Times that officers distribute the notices during patrols whenever they come across minor violations.

Regional response to over-tourism
The initiative reflects broader concerns across Asia about the pressures of mass tourism. Last year, a Japanese town installed barriers to block a popular viewing spot of Mount Fuji to limit crowds and selfie-seekers.

Jeju’s move to remind tourists of acceptable behaviour is seen as part of similar efforts across the region to balance tourism growth with the quality of life for local communities.