Jeju Island Cracks Down On Disruptive Tourist Behaviour With Innovative Multilingual Fines And Etiquette Measures In South Korea

Written By: Sanjana Dubey

Sanjana Dubey

A passionate storyteller and emerging journalist, I am currently doing job while diving deep into the world of journalism. With two years of practical experience, I have cultivated a knack for transforming ideas into engaging narratives that captivate readers. My journey blends academic insight with real-world reporting, allowing me to explore culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and informed lens. Committed to delivering fresh, authentic, and impactful content, I strive to make every story not just read, but truly experienced.

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August 22, 2025 10:12 GMT+5:30

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As international tourism surges, Jeju Island in South Korea is taking decisive action to address the growing challenges of overtourism. With millions of visitors flocking to the island each year, local residents have increasingly reported disturbances, littering, and public misconduct that disrupt daily life and strain public spaces. In response, authorities have introduced South Korea’s first multilingual etiquette guide, aimed at educating tourists on acceptable behaviour, local laws, and cultural norms. By clearly outlining prohibited actions and enforcing fines for repeat violations, the initiative seeks to bridge language and cultural gaps, promote respectful travel, and ensure that tourism growth does not come at the expense of community well-being.

The guide details forbidden actions that, if committed repeatedly, may result in fines reaching 200,000 won, approximately ₹12,000.

Jeju Island Tackles Overtourism With Innovative Multilingual Etiquette Guide

As global tourism rebounds, popular destinations are grappling with the challenges of overcrowding and disruptive visitor behaviour. South Korea’s Jeju Island, renowned for its natural beauty and cultural charm, is taking proactive steps to address the consequences of overtourism and promote harmony between tourists and local residents. Rising visitor numbers have prompted frustration among locals, who report increasing disturbances in public spaces, traffic congestion, and general disregard for community norms.

Jeju Police Launch Multilingual Etiquette Initiative

In response to these concerns, Jeju authorities have unveiled a groundbreaking measure: South Korea’s first multilingual etiquette guide. The guide is printed in Korean, English, and Chinese and aims to bridge cultural and language gaps between visitors and the local community. Around 8,000 copies have already been distributed, providing tourists with clear instructions on acceptable conduct and local laws. According to officials, the initiative is designed to “prevent misunderstandings due to language and cultural differences and enhance foreign visitors’ awareness of Korean culture and regulations.”

Key Rules Highlighted in the Guide

The etiquette notice outlines behaviours that are strictly prohibited, with repeated violations potentially resulting in fines of up to 200,000 won (roughly ₹12,000). These include:

• Littering or vandalism such as graffiti
• Jaywalking and other traffic violations
• Public intoxication or disorderly conduct
• Smoking in prohibited areas
• Trespassing or dine-and-dash incidents
• Public urination or defecation, possession of weapons, and actions that disturb the peace

First-time offenders typically receive warnings, while repeat offenders face monetary penalties. In a recent enforcement snapshot, police caught nine jaywalkers—mostly foreign tourists—within a single hour, issuing fines immediately. Such measures reflect a growing focus on preserving public order and respecting local customs.

The Impact of Tourism on Local Communities

Jeju Island has seen its tourism numbers skyrocket in recent years. According to the Jeju Tourism Association, the island welcomed over 7 million visitors in 2025 alone. While tourism fuels the local economy, it also places immense pressure on public spaces, infrastructure, and residents’ quality of life. Beachgoers, students, and neighborhood residents have raised concerns about noise, litter, and general disruptions at key tourist sites.

Jeju’s challenges mirror a global trend. In 2024, international arrivals reached 1.4 billion, with popular destinations around the world struggling to balance tourism growth with community welfare and environmental sustainability. Iconic sites from Vatican City to the Bahamas are increasingly facing the negative consequences of overtourism, including overcrowding, rising costs, and environmental degradation.

Global Responses to Overtourism

The social backlash against mass tourism is becoming increasingly visible worldwide. On June 15, 2025, residents in Spain, Italy, and Portugal staged coordinated protests against the impact of tourist influxes. Communities in these countries highlighted how neighborhoods are being transformed into tourist attractions, with long-term residents displaced by short-term rental platforms. In Palma, rising housing costs are directly linked to the proliferation of short-term rentals, while in Lisbon, visitors now outnumber locals in many historic districts. Traditional businesses such as cafés, bakeries, and bookshops are being replaced by tourist-oriented shops and overpriced souvenir stalls.

Governments are beginning to intervene to mitigate these issues. Spain’s national authorities have mandated the removal of 66,000 illegal short-term rental listings from platforms like Airbnb. Barcelona has announced plans to phase out all 10,000 short-term rental licenses by 2028. However, local activists argue that these measures may not be sufficient to reverse the ongoing impact of overtourism, warning that more decisive actions are needed to protect communities and preserve the character of historic neighborhoods.

Balancing Tourism and Community Welfare

Jeju Island’s multilingual etiquette guide represents a proactive effort to balance tourism growth with community needs. By educating visitors about local laws and cultural norms, authorities hope to foster mutual respect, reduce conflicts, and maintain the island’s appeal as a safe and enjoyable destination. While fines and warnings serve as immediate deterrents, the broader goal is to instill awareness and encourage responsible travel practices that benefit both visitors and residents.

As destinations worldwide grapple with the pressures of overtourism, Jeju’s approach offers a potential model for combining enforcement with education. The initiative demonstrates that addressing tourism challenges requires more than just regulations—it demands clear communication, cultural sensitivity, and cooperation between authorities, residents, and visitors.