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Travel to Jeju Island responsibly! Discover the new Jeju Code of Courtesy to avoid common missteps, including littering and jaywalking.
Jeju Island, South Korea’s stunning “Hawaii,” welcomes millions of travelers each year. You will find picturesque beaches, volcanic landscapes, and beautiful waterfalls here. Green tea fields and the majestic Halla-san volcano also await you. Jeju truly offers a unique experience.
However, with so many visitors, local residents have shared concerns. They worry about tourist behavior and how crowds affect their daily lives. To keep Jeju beautiful for everyone, local police recently launched new travel guidelines.
Why New Guidelines for Jeju Travel?
Jeju has seen a huge increase in visitors. Over 7 million people arrived this year. Foreign tourist numbers quadrupled to 1.9 million in 2024 after the pandemic. This growth puts a strain on the island’s roads, natural habitats, and local neighborhoods.
Residents expressed frustration over various incidents. Some tourists littered or crossed streets in unsafe ways. Other issues included smoking in restricted zones or excessive public drinking. A video of a tourist smoking on a bus went viral. A photo of a child defecating on a sidewalk also caused anger. These actions led to discussions about overtourism and its impact on local life.
Your Guide to Respectful Travel in Jeju
The Jeju Provincial Police Agency created a “Code of Courtesy” to help international guests. This multilingual pamphlet is the first of its kind in South Korea. It comes in Korean, English, and Chinese.
The guide clarifies local norms and legal expectations. It helps prevent misunderstandings between different cultures. By following these simple rules, you show respect for Jeju’s traditions.
Key behaviors to remember:
- Do not drop rubbish. Littering can result in a fine.
- Cross streets safely. Avoid jaywalking.
- Smoke and vape only in designated areas. Smoking in restricted zones is not allowed.
- Drink responsibly in public. Excessive public drinking is discouraged.
- Respect local customs and private property. Avoid loud parties or entering private land without permission.
- Stick to posted paths and travel softly to protect the environment.
How Jeju Police Help and What Happens If Rules Are Broken
Jeju police officers carry these multilingual notices (Jeju Code of Courtesy) on their patrols. If they see a minor offense, they will first offer you a notice. This notice explains the local rules clearly. It serves as an educational warning.
However, if a traveler breaks a minor rule again, they could face a fine. This fine can be up to 200,000 Korean Won. For example, littering, jaywalking, or smoking in non-designated areas could each bring a 50,000 KRW ($A55.20) fine. More serious problems, like loud parties or breaching private land, can result in instant tickets and fines. Violations can also lead to misdemeanor imprisonment or minor fines.
Building a Sustainable Future for Jeju Tourism
These guidelines are part of Jeju’s larger plan for sustainable tourism. The goal is to preserve the island’s warm welcome and its clear, calm vistas. By promoting respectful conduct, Jeju aims to protect its local community and enhance your visitor experience. Officials hope that a shared environment will allow both travelers and residents to prosper.
Jeju is not alone in these efforts. Many popular destinations worldwide face similar challenges with overtourism. Kyoto in Japan, Bali in Indonesia, and even Bukchon Hanok Village in South Korea have introduced measures to manage tourist behavior. Cities in Europe, like Barcelona and Venice, also deal with overcrowding. These efforts show a global movement towards more mindful travel.
Travel Kindly, Experience Jeju Fully
Jeju Island’s new guidelines are a thoughtful step. They offer a clear blueprint for responsible travel that other places might follow. By understanding and respecting local customs, you contribute to a more enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
Your mindful choices help protect Jeju’s natural beauty and authentic culture. This ensures that your trip to Jeju will be both memorable and responsible. So, explore Jeju, embrace its unique charm, and travel with courtesy!
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