a day ago
'Behave Or Face Fines': This South Korean Island Has Issued A Conduct Guide For Tourists
Jeju police issued guidelines warning foreign visitors to behave or risk fines after a surge in complaints.
Police on South Korea's resort island of Jeju issued guidelines warning foreign visitors to behave or risk fines- for the first time- after a surge in complaints from residents about misbehaviour. The move comes as the island, famed for its beaches, volcanic scenery and hiking trails, experiences a sharp rebound in international tourism. Local police said the guide- printed in Chinese, English and Korean- is the first of its kind in the country and is being rolled out during the peak summer season.
Authorities said the decision followed reports of foreign visitors littering, smoking in prohibited areas and even allowing children to defecate in public. The booklet lists 'minor offences" punishable by fines, including jaywalking, urinating or defecating in public, drunk and disorderly conduct, dining and dashing, using fake IDs and trespassing.
'We aim to prevent misunderstandings due to language and cultural differences and improve foreigners' understanding of Korean culture and laws," Jeju Police Agency chief Kim Su-young said as per BBC.
Jeju has attracted more than seven million visitors so far this year, according to local media. In 2024, foreign tourists injected a record 9.26 trillion won into the island's economy, with nearly 70% arriving from China. The new guidelines reflect a broader push across Asia to manage overtourism and its impact on local communities. Last year, a Japanese town erected a barrier blocking a famous roadside view of Mount Fuji after large crowds flocked to take selfies.
view comments
First Published:
August 20, 2025, 19:56 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Loading comments...