In a first for South Korea, police on the popular holiday island of Jeju have issued a formal etiquette guide for international visitors, warning that misconduct could result in fines.
The move responds to a surge in tourist numbers and growing complaints from local residents about visitor behavior.
The guidelines, printed in Korean, English, and Chinese, were introduced during the busy summer season to address issues such as littering and public indecency.
According to Chief Kim Su-young of the Jeju Police Agency, the initiative seeks to "prevent misunderstandings arising from cultural and language barriers and to enhance foreigners' awareness of local laws and customs."
An initial batch of 8,000 copies will be distributed across the island, which is known for its volcanic landscapes, coastal trails, and duty-free shopping.
The pamphlet outlines a range of fineable offenses, including smoking in non-designated areas, jaywalking, public intoxication, dining and dashing, public urination or defecation, using counterfeit identification, and trespassing on private property.
While first-time offenders will receive a warning, individuals caught repeatedly violating these rules may face penalties of up to ₩200,000 (approximately HK$1,100).
The measure comes as Jeju experiences a strong post-pandemic recovery in tourism, having already received seven million visitors this year.
In 2024, foreign tourists contributed a record 9.26 trillion won to the local economy, with nearly 70 percent of international arrivals originating from China.
Jeju’s new policy reflects a broader trend across Asian destinations struggling with overcrowding and tourist misconduct. Last year, for example, a town in Japan obstructed a famous view of Mount Fuji to deter overcrowding and disruptive photo-taking by tourists.
(Marco Lam)
