Jeju, the “Hawaii of South Korea,” Rolls Out Etiquette Guide for Tourists

Why Jeju Is Setting New Ground Rules

Jeju Island has seen a travel surge since borders reopened, and the growing pains are showing. More than 13 million people visited last year, drawn by blue water, basalt cliffs, tea fields, and the snow capped volcano Hallasan. The short hop from Seoul helps fuel that demand. According to industry data, Seoul–Jeju is now the world’s busiest air route, with over 13 million passengers making the one hour and fifteen minute flight in 2024. International arrivals have also roared back, nearly quadrupling to 1.9 million in 2024 compared with the immediate post pandemic years. To keep everyday life running smoothly and protect the island’s environment, local authorities have released a new, easy to follow guide aimed at visitors.

What the New Multi-Language Guide Says

Officials printed 8,000 copies of a tourist code of conduct in Korean, English, and Chinese to reach as many travelers as possible. The booklet spells out common missteps and the penalties that can follow. Smoking outside designated areas, jaywalking, littering, and damaging natural sites can each trigger a 50,000 KRW fine, which is about $36. The guide also notes that certain violations may be subject to misdemeanor detention or a minor fine under local regulations. The message is simple and direct. Enjoy the island, but respect the rules that keep it clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.

The Incidents Driving the Crackdown

Residents have aired frustrations as visitor numbers climbed. A video of a foreign tourist smoking on a public bus went viral this spring and set off a wave of angry comments. Another widely shared image from last summer showed a child defecating on a sidewalk, which prompted calls for tougher enforcement and higher fines. These moments do not represent most travelers, but they highlight the strain that rapid growth can put on small communities. The new guide gives police and city staff a shared playbook to address problems before they become flashpoints.

Jeju’s Challenge Mirrors a Regional Trend

Jeju is not alone in trying to balance tourism and everyday life. On the mainland, Seoul’s historic Bukchon Hanok Village instituted a strict evening curfew for non residents after locals complained about noise and crowding. Across the sea, Japanese cities have been handing out etiquette leaflets for years. Kyoto’s Gion district has cracked down on rule breaking around geisha and private streets, and signs remind visitors where photography is not allowed. In Indonesia, Bali has wrestled with poor behavior by a small number of tourists, prompting its own education campaigns and enforcement drives. Jeju’s guide fits squarely within this Asia wide push for clearer expectations.

Lessons From Europe’s Overtourism Flashpoints

The conversation is global. In Spain, Italy, and Greece, protests over overtourism have become a summer ritual. Viral clips from Barcelona showed locals squirting tourists with water pistols to make a point about crowd pressure in busy neighborhoods. In Venice and other hotspots, residents and city workers have staged demonstrations and strikes to demand better crowd control. Staff at the Louvre in Paris even walked off the job over unmanageable visitor volumes. Jeju’s leaders are watching these examples closely as they try to keep the island’s magic without overwhelming the people who live there.

Fines, Courtesy, and Common Sense

The Jeju guide focuses on habits that make a big difference in daily life. Smoke only in marked areas and use the ashtrays provided. Cross at lights and crosswalks instead of darting through traffic. Pack out trash or use the bins, and never remove rocks, shells, or plants from protected zones. On buses and in small towns, keep voices low and give up seats for seniors and parents with young children. These are small acts, but multiplied by millions of visitors, they set the tone for how travel feels—for residents and for you.

How Travelers Can Be Part of the Solution

It is easy to help. Read the local signs, many of which now include English and Chinese, and follow staff instructions at beaches, parks, and trailheads. If you rent a car, learn the basic rules, watch speed limits near villages, and park only in marked spots along scenic roads. On hikes, stay on established paths to protect fragile plants and avoid sudden cliff edges. Bring a reusable bottle and small tote to cut plastic waste, and keep a mini trash bag in your daypack for snack wrappers and tissues. Small groups move more smoothly than big ones in tight spaces, so consider splitting up or staggering your times for popular views.

What Residents Say Matters Most

Local sentiment is clear. People want the benefits of tourism without losing their neighborhoods. One destination marketing expert in Italy summed it up well. A city where residents feel ignored stops working for everyone. The same idea applies to an island. If locals feel pushed aside, the character travelers come to see starts to fade. Jeju’s guide is designed to safeguard that character by setting simple, consistent standards for behavior.

What This Means for Your Trip

Do not expect a heavy handed experience. Most visitors will not notice anything beyond clearer signs and occasional reminders from staff. The biggest change is awareness. You will see more guidance about where to smoke, when to cross, and how to dispose of trash on beaches and trails. If you stick to the basics, you will spend your time snorkeling clear water, sipping green tea with ocean views, hiking volcanic paths, and soaking in hot springs—exactly what you came for.

The Bottom Line

Jeju’s popularity is not an accident. The island is beautiful, accessible, and packed with easy day trips. That success brings responsibility. The new multi language guide is a friendly nudge from locals who want to keep their home clean, calm, and fun for everyone. Travel with a little extra care, and you will find the “Hawaii of South Korea” living up to its nickname while staying true to itself.

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This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance