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lite.cnn.com - on gopher - inofficial
ARTICLE VIEW:
Jeju, the ‘Hawaii of South Korea,’ issues guidelines aimed at
misbehaving foreign visitors
By Gawon Bae, CNN
Updated:
11:19 PM EDT, Mon August 25, 2025
Source: CNN
The island of Jeju, often referred to as the “Hawaii of South
Korea,” has issued a multi-language guide warning international
visitors to behave following a string of viral tourist incidents and
cases of disorderly conduct.
Last year, more than 13 million people were lured to the island, famed
for its sparkling blue waters, green tea fields and snow-covered shield
volcano, Halla-san. In fact, , with more than 13 million passengers
making the 1 hour and 15 minute trip between the island and South
Korea’s capital last year, according to the International Air
Transport Association’s 2024 report.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic ended, the yearly total of foreign tourists
visiting Jeju Island has almost quadrupled to 1.9 million in 2024,
according to the Jeju Tourism Association.
In response to that growth — and the difficulties that have
accompanied it — officials on South Korea’s “magical island”
have printed 8,000 copies of the guides, which outline minor offenses
that misbehaving tourists can be fined for.
Written in Korean, English and Chinese, the guide is aimed at informing
foreign visitors who may lack knowledge of local regulations and
culture, say officials.
For instance, smoking in non-designated areas, jaywalking, littering
and damaging the environment could each result in a 50,000 KRW ($35.77)
fine.
“The violation of the above-mentioned offenses shall also be
punishable by misdemeanor imprisonment or by a minor fine,” warns the
guide.
Following the post-Covid boom, as planes and cruises started bringing
more tourists to the island province, Jeju residents began to complain
about misdeeds committed by foreign tourists, some sharing their
frustrations online.
For example, a video showing a foreign tourist smoking on a bus in Jeju
went viral online in April, prompting anger among South Korean
commenters.
“Deport and fine that person right now. If they don’t pay the fine,
ban them from purchasing a flight ticket,” .
“Isn’t this basically ignoring our country?” another wrote.
Last summer, a photo of a foreign child defecating on a sidewalk in
Jeju also stirred fury online, with many calling for heavier fines on
international tourists.
Jeju Island is one of several spots in the region to face overtourism
challenges following the pandemic. South Korea’s historical for
non-residents following complaints from locals about the noise level.
Japan has been handing out etiquette guides and issuing warnings to
foreign tourists for cultural missteps for years. Last year, Kyoto’s
historic neighborhood of Gion in prohibited areas. Bali, Indonesia’s
most popular tourist island, has grappled with the issue of for years,
too.
Meanwhile, discussions about the pitfalls of overtourism have exploded
in Europe. In countries like Spain, Greece and Italy, fed-up locals
have taken to the streets to protest.
Last summer, shooting water pistols at tourists went viral around the
world. It was more of the same this year, with protestors taking to
across and Italy, including , while in Paris, staff at the went on a
spontaneous strike in response to what they felt were unmanageable
crowds.
Ruben Santopietro, CEO of , a marketing company for various
destinations across the country, says respecting the goodwill of
residents is just as important as tackling the crowds.
“A city where residents are not satisfied is a city that doesn’t
work,” he told CNN in a “It loses its identity completely.
Residents feel excluded and neighborhoods become touristic.”
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