In brief
In response to increasing incidents of misbehavior by foreign tourists, including littering and public disturbances, Jeju Island police have launched a multilingual guide reminding visitors to adhere to local laws and customs. The initiative comes during a peak tourism season and emphasizes cultural understanding while outlining specific fines for various minor offenses.
Police in Jeju Island, South Korea, are taking a proactive approach by releasing a set of behavioral guidelines aimed at foreign tourists. This initiative marks the first time such guidelines have been introduced in the region, responding to rising complaints from local residents about disruptive activities by visitors. Common reports include littering and inappropriate behavior from children, prompting the need for clearer communication.The guide, available in Chinese, English, and Korean, seeks to enhance visitors’ comprehension of South Korean cultural norms and regulations. The Jeju Police Agency, led by Chief Kim Su-young, highlighted the initiative's dual aim: to mitigate misunderstandings caused by language barriers and to foster a better relationship between locals and tourists.Initially, 8,000 copies of the guide will be circulated as Jeju attracts millions of visitors, particularly from China, who contribute significantly to the local economy. With around seven million arrivals already noted this year, the importance of respectful tourist behavior has gained urgency.The guide outlines a series of minor offenses that could lead to fines, such as smoking in restricted areas, littering, jaywalking, being drunk and disorderly, and public urination. While first-time offenders will receive warnings, repeat violators risk being fined up to 200,000 won (approximately $143 or £106).This crackdown on tourist misconduct in Jeju reflects a broader trend in popular Asian tourist destinations, where local authorities are increasingly responding to the challenges posed by the surge in international travel.
