This popular destination is fed up with bad tourists: here’s what could cost you a fine

South Korea’s Jeju Island has long been a popular destination with the island often known as the ‘Hawaii of the Korean Republic’. But over tourism and and disrespectful behavior has started to see a strain on the island’s resources and the quality of life for its residents.

A primary source of frustration is the increase in what officials and locals call “unruly tourist behavior.” In response, Jeju police have begun a campaign and issued South Korea’s first multilingual etiquette guide to tourists and are targeting tourists who litter, jaywalk and acts of public indecency, which includes offenses like public urination or defecation.

Drunken tourists are another area of concern.

Over tourism

Jeju Island has seen a massive surge in tourism, with over 7 million visitors in the first half of 2025 alone. This high volume of people places immense pressure on the island’s limited resources and impacts on the resident population of about 700,000, the ratio of visitors to locals is extremely high, leading to overcrowding.

Traffic Congestion and waste management issues have arisen due to the sheer volume of visitors to the island.

Fines to be issued

Jeju Island’s new etiquette guide is an attempt to address these issues by educating visitors on local norms and laws. While the goal is to prevent misunderstandings, it also warns that repeat violations may result in fines of up to 200,000 Korean Won (about $143), signaling a more serious approach to maintaining order and preserving the island’s integrity.

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