Jeju Island Police Issue Conduct Guidelines for Tourists Amid Growing Concerns

Fri Oct 17 2025 12:25:49 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

South Korea's Jeju Island has released its first-ever guidelines for foreign tourists, aiming to curb misbehavior as visitor numbers surge.

The Jeju Police have launched a guide in multiple languages to remind foreign tourists of proper conduct, amidst rising complaints from locals about behavior such as littering and public defecation. The initiative comes as Jeju sees a spike in tourism, with the island welcoming millions of visitors this year.

Police in Jeju, South Korea's popular holiday island, have taken a significant step by issuing conduct guidelines aimed at foreign tourists, a move prompted by increasing complaints from residents about visitor behavior. This initiative, introduced for the first time, is designed to remind tourists of the expected etiquette while they enjoy the island's attractions.

The guidelines, printed in Chinese, English, and Korean, are being distributed during the peak summer tourism season, as Jeju experiences a surge of visitors. Local police reports indicate that concerns such as littering, public defecation, and other misbehaviors have prompted the need for these reminders.

Jeju Police Agency chief, Kim Su-young, emphasized that the guide aims to bridge cultural discrepancies and enhance tourists' understanding of Korean customs and laws. An initial batch of 8,000 copies of the guide will be made available to tourists immediately.

The guide details various "minor offenses" that can lead to fines, including smoking in restricted areas, jaywalking, participating in disorderly drunken behavior, leaving restaurants without paying, and public urination or defecation. First-time violators will receive a warning, while repeat offenders may face fines of up to 200,000 won (approximately $143 or £106).

The introduction of this guide reflects a broader trend across Asia, where popular tourist destinations are implementing measures to tackle the challenges associated with overtourism. Jeju has already welcomed 7 million visitors this year, with a notable number coming from China. As tourism rebounds post-pandemic, the island aims to promote enjoyable experiences for both locals and tourists, while safeguarding its cultural integrity.