In an unprecedented move aimed at enhancing tourist conduct, Jeju police have released a multilingual guide urging foreign visitors to adhere to local norms or risk facing fines. This initiative responds to rising concerns from residents regarding inappropriate behaviors, such as littering and allowing children to defecate in public spaces, as the island welcomes a growing influx of tourists during the peak summer season.
The guide, available in Korean, English, and Chinese, marks the first of its kind in South Korea. Jeju Police Agency chief Kim Su-young noted that the guide seeks to mitigate potential misunderstandings stemming from cultural and language barriers while fostering a deeper appreciation of Korean culture and legal norms among visitors.
Initial plans involve printing and distributing 8,000 copies of the guide. It includes a list of "minor offenses" subject to fines. Prohibited activities comprise smoking in restricted areas, littering, jaywalking, engaging in drunken disorderly conduct, dining and leaving without paying, public urination or defecation, utilizing fraudulent identification, and trespassing into vacant properties.
First-time offenders will receive a verbal warning, while repeat violations could incur penalties up to 200,000 won (approximately $143; £106), as per the guidelines outlined by the police. The release of this guide comes as South Korea sees a vigorous surge in tourism following the pandemic, with Jeju alone attracting seven million visitors this year. In 2024, foreign tourists contributed an impressive 9.26 trillion won to the local economy, a large majority hailing from China.
This initiative reflects a broader trend across Asia where popular tourist destinations are tightening regulations in response to rising concerns over over-tourism. For instance, a Japanese town recently obstructed a scenic roadside view of Mount Fuji to deter overwhelming selfie-seeking tourists.
