South Korea's Jeju Island introduces multilingual travel-behaviour guidelines

Jeju Island, grappling with rising tourist misconduct, has issued multilingual behavioural guidelines for foreign visitors. The guidelines address minor offences such as littering and public intoxication, with fines possible for repeat violations. The move mirrors broader regional efforts to manage tourism’s impact and protect the quality of life for local communities amid growing visitor numbers.

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 guidelines come as complaints from local residents about tourist misconduct rise during the peak travel season.

According to a BBC News report, the Jeju Police Agency stated that the multilingual guide, printed in Chinese, English and Korean, aims to reduce cultural misunderstandings and ensure 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, with nearly 70 per cent of tourists coming from China.

Rules and penalties

The guide outlines a range of “minor offences” 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 unoccupied properties. 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 (around $143). About 8,000 copies of the guide are being distributed initially.

An official from the Jeju Provincial Police Agency told The Korea Times that officers issue notices during patrols whenever they encounter 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 viewed as part of similar regional efforts to balance tourism growth with the quality of life for local communities.