Seoul, South Korea
—
The island of Jeju, also known as the “Hawaii of South Korea,” has issued a multi-language information warning worldwide visitors to behave following a string of viral vacationer incidents and instances of disorderly conduct.
Last 12 months, greater than 13 million folks had been lured to the island, famed for its glowing blue waters, inexperienced tea fields and snow-covered defend volcano, Halla-san. In reality, Seoul to Jeju is now the world’s busiest flight path, with greater than 13 million passengers making the 1 hour and 15 minute journey between the island and South Korea’s capital final 12 months, in response to the International Air Transport Association’s 2024 World Air Transport Statistics report.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic ended, the yearly whole of foreign vacationers visiting Jeju Island has virtually quadrupled to 1.9 million in 2024, in response to the Jeju Tourism Association.
In response to that development — and the difficulties which have accompanied it — officers on South Korea’s “magical island” have printed 8,000 copies of the guides, which define minor offenses that misbehaving vacationers will be fined for.
Written in Korean, English and Chinese, the information is aimed at informing foreign visitors who could lack data of native rules and tradition, say officers.
For occasion, smoking in non-designated areas, jaywalking, littering and damaging the setting might every end in a 50,000 KRW ($35.77) high quality.
“The violation of the above-mentioned offenses shall also be punishable by misdemeanor imprisonment or by a minor fine,” warns the information.
Following the post-Covid increase, as planes and cruises began bringing extra vacationers to the island province, Jeju residents started to complain about misdeeds dedicated by foreign vacationers, some sharing their frustrations on-line.
For instance, a video exhibiting a foreign vacationer smoking on a bus in Jeju went viral on-line in April, prompting anger amongst South Korean commenters.
“Deport and fine that person right now. If they don’t pay the fine, ban them from purchasing a flight ticket,” one commented under the Instagram video.
“Isn’t this basically ignoring our country?” one other wrote.
Last summer time, a photograph of a foreign baby defecating on a sidewalk in Jeju additionally stirred fury on-line, with many calling for heavier fines on worldwide vacationers.
Jeju Island is one of a number of spots in the area to face overtourism challenges following the pandemic. South Korea’s historic Bukchon Hanok Village introduced a strict curfew last year for non-residents following complaints from locals about the noise stage.
Japan has been handing out etiquette guides and issuing warnings to foreign vacationers for cultural missteps for years. Last 12 months, Kyoto’s historic neighborhood of Gion took action against foreign tourists who were reportedly ignoring the rules and taking photos of geisha in prohibited areas. Bali, Indonesia’s hottest vacationer island, has grappled with the situation of bad tourist behavior for years, too.
Meanwhile, discussions about the pitfalls of overtourism have exploded in Europe. In international locations like Spain, Greece and Italy, fed-up locals have taken to the streets to protest.
Last summer time, images of local Barcelona residents capturing water pistols at vacationers went viral round the world. It was extra of the identical this 12 months, with protestors taking to the streets throughout Spain and Italy, together with Venice, whereas in Paris, employees at the Louvre went on a spontaneous strike in response to what they felt had been unmanageable crowds.
Ruben Santopietro, CEO of Visit Italy, a advertising and marketing firm for numerous locations throughout the nation, says respecting the goodwill of residents is simply as vital as tackling the crowds.
“A city where residents are not satisfied is a city that doesn’t work,” he informed NCS in a recent interview. “It loses its identity completely. Residents feel excluded and neighborhoods become touristic.”
Sign up for Unlocking the World, NCS Travel’s weekly newsletter. Get information about locations, plus the newest in aviation, food and drinks, and the place to remain.