Seoul, Korea
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Often called “Korean Hawaii,” Jeju Island has issued a multilingual guide warning international visitors to act according to a series of viral tourism incidents and examples of disorderly conduct.
Last year, more 13 million people have been seduced by the island and is famous for its shining blue seas, green tea fields, snow-covered shield volcanoes and Harasan. In fact, according to the International Air Transport Association’s 2024 World Air Transport Statistics Report, Seoul from Seoul to Jeju is currently the busiest flight route in the world, travelling for 1 hour and 15 minutes between the island and the South Korean capital last year.
Since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual 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 its growth and the difficulties that come with it, Korean “Magic Island” staff printed 8,000 guides.
Written in Korean, English and Chinese, the guide is intended to notify foreign visitors who may lack knowledge of local regulations and culture, officials say.
For example, smoking in unspecified areas, jaywalking, scattering, and damaging the environment could result in a fine of 50,000 krw ($35.77) each.
“A violation of the above-mentioned offences shall also be punished by imprisonment or minor fines for a misdemeanor,” the guide warns.
Following the post-covid boom, Jeju residents began complaining about the misdeeds committed by foreign tourists as planes and cruises brought more tourists to the island’s provinces.
For example, a video showing foreign tourists smoking on a jeju bus went viral online in April, spurring anger among Korean commenters.
“I’m going to expel that person and get a fine now. If you don’t pay the fine, please prohibit purchasing tickets,” he commented under the Instagram video.
“Isn’t this basically ignored our country?” another wrote.
Photos of foreign children who defecated on the sidewalk at jeju also stirred up rage online last summer, with many seeking heavy fines from international tourists.
Jeju Island is one of several spots in the region following the pandemic. South Korea’s historic village of Bukong Hanok introduced strict curfews last year for non-residents following complaints from locals about noise levels.
Over the years, Japan has issued warnings by handing out etiquette guides to foreign tourists due to cultural failure. Last year, the historic Zeon district of Kyoto took action against foreign tourists who reportedly ignored rules in prohibited areas and took photos of geisha. Bali, Indonesia’s most popular tourist island, has been tackling the problem of bad tourist behavior for many years.
Meanwhile, in Europe, debate exploded over the pitfalls of the vast debate. In countries like Spain, Greece and Italy, locals have taken them to the city to protest.
Images of local residents shooting pistols with tourists last summer were circulating around the world. The same thing happened this year, when protesters were taking them to the streets of Spain and Italy, including Venice, but in Paris, Louvre staff took a voluntary strike in response to what they felt were an unruly crowd.
Ruben Santopietro, CEO of Visit Italy, a marketing company for various destinations across the country, says respecting the goodwill of its residents is just as important as working on the crowd.
“Cities where residents are not satisfied are cities that do not work,” he told CNN in a recent interview. “It completely loses its identity. Residents feel excluded and the neighborhood becomes touristy.”
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