Jeju Island Tourist Rules 2025 | Travel Etiquette Guide
Jeju Island Tourist Rules, often described as the “Hawaii of Korea,” is one of Asia’s most beloved travel destinations. With its UNESCO-listed volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, pristine beaches, and unique cultural traditions, it attracts millions of international visitors every year.
In 2025 alone, Jeju welcomed over seven million tourists—a record that highlights its global popularity. But with this surge in tourism comes new challenges: environmental concerns, cultural misunderstandings, and even cases of visitor misconduct. To address these issues, Jeju authorities have introduced the island’s first official multilingual behaviour rules for tourists.
If you’re planning to explore Jeju’s magic, this guide will help you understand the new etiquette rules, avoid fines, and travel responsibly while enjoying one of South Korea’s most beautiful destinations.
Why Jeju Introduced Tourist Behaviour Rule
Over the past few years, Jeju residents have voiced concerns about a rise in inappropriate behaviour among some visitors. Viral incidents included:
Tourists smoking on public transport,
Children relieving themselves in open spaces,
Visitors trespassing on private property for photo spots,
Littering beaches and hiking trails.
For locals, these behaviours felt disrespectful and harmful to their environment. Jeju Island is deeply proud of its culture and natural beauty, and authorities recognized the need to balance warm hospitality with order and respect.
To tackle this, Jeju police are distributing 8,000 etiquette notices in Korean, English, and Chinese, so that travellers from around the world clearly understand local expectations. These notices are easy to find at airports, hotels, and tourist attractions.
The aim is not to discourage tourism—but to preserve Jeju’s treasures while ensuring every visitor has a positive and respectful experience.
The Official Tourist Behaviour Rules in Jeju
Here are the main rules every traveller should know before exploring the island:
No Littering – Protect Jeju’s Pristine Beauty
Jeju is famous for its breathtaking nature: Hallasan Mountain, volcanic craters, lava tubes, and beaches with turquoise waters. Littering threatens these landscapes and angers locals who work hard to keep their home clean.
✅ Always use designated trash bins or carry your waste until you find one.
❌ Do not leave bottles, food wrappers, or cigarette butts behin
Use Crosswalks & Follow Traffic Signals
In South Korea, traffic safety is taken seriously. Jaywalking is not just unsafe but also viewed as disrespectful to the law.
✅ Wait for the pedestrian signal to turn green.
❌ Avoid crossing the road wherever you please, even if there are no cars.
Smoking Only in Designated Areas
Smoking in public, especially indoors or in non-smoking zones, is strictly prohibited. Authorities are firm about this rule due to health and safety concerns.
✅ Look for clearly marked smoking zones
❌ Avoid lighting up in parks, bus stops, or near families.
Drink Responsibly in Public Spaces
South Korea has a strong drinking culture, but being rowdy or drunk in public is frowned upon. In Jeju, this especially applies to beaches, parks, and residential areas.
✅ Enjoy alcohol moderately and keep celebrations calm
❌ Avoid loud or disruptive behaviour.
Always Pay for Services
Running away without paying—whether at a restaurant, taxi, or café—is considered theft. Even if it’s unintentional, it reflects badly on visitors..
✅ Double-check that you’ve settled your bills before leaving.
❌ Never assume you can leave without paying.
Use Public Toilets, Not Outdoor Spaces
Jeju offers plenty of clean and accessible restroom facilities. Using outdoor areas for urination or defecation is not only illegal but also offensive to locals.
✅ Find a public toilet, usually located at beaches, parks, and attractions.
❌ Do not relieve yourself in public spaces.
No Trespassing or Fake IDs
Many tourists are tempted to explore abandoned houses or restricted areas for photos. However, entering private or vacant properties is a serious offence. Similarly, using fake identification (e.g., for age-restricted purchases) is illegal.
✅ Respect private property and cultural sites.
❌ Do not climb fences, enter closed-off buildings, or use false documents.
Penalties for Breaking the Rules
To maintain fairness, Jeju applies a tiered enforcement system: First-time minor offenders → usually receive a warning. Repeat offences → can result in fines up to 200,000 won (about $143 USD). Serious violations → such as theft, trespassing, or fake ID use, are handled immediately with stricter consequences. Police officers hand out etiquette notices calmly during patrols to minimize conflict, encouraging tourists to learn and adjust rather than feel targeted.
How to Avoid Misunderstandings in Jeju
Travelling to a new country always comes with cultural differences. Here are practical tips to ensure you stay respectful and enjoy your trip:
- Read the multilingual notices at airports, hotels, and attractions.
- Dispose of waste properly - littering is taken seriously.
- Cross at designated pedestrian zones and follow signals.
- Only smoke in designated areas.
- Drink moderately - don’t disturb families or locals.
- Pay for meals, taxis, and services fully and promptly.
- Use public restrooms - they’re widely available and clean.
- Respect property rights - never trespass, even if the area looks empty.
- Ask politely if unsure - Jeju locals are warm and welcoming, and most will gladly help.
- Learn a few polite Korean phrases like, “Annyeonghaseyo” (안녕하세요) → Hello, “Gamsahamnida” (감사합니다) → Thank you
Jeju in the Global Context: A Shift Toward Responsible Tourism
Jeju’s crackdown is not unique. Around the world, popular tourist destinations are enforcing similar measures to protect heritage and communities
Venice, Italy → introduced fines for sitting on monuments or littering in canals.
Bali, Indonesia → banned tourists from climbing sacred temples in inappropriate clothing.
Mount Fuji, Japan → requires visitors to follow strict climbing etiquette.
Barcelona, Spain → implemented regulations on noise and drinking in public.
This global trend reflects a simple truth: tourism must be sustainable. For travellers, following these rules not only avoids fines but also enriches the experience by building positive connections with locals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I drink alcohol at the beach in Jeju?
Yes, but avoid excessive drinking or causing disturbances. Keep it calm and respectful.
Q2: Are smoking fines common in Korea?
Yes. Smoking outside designated areas can result in immediate penalties. Always look for smoking zones.
Q3: What should I do if I don’t understand a rule?
Ask locals, hotel staff, or check the multilingual notices. A smile and polite question go a long way.
Q4: Is jaywalking really fined in Jeju?
Yes. While police may give warnings to tourists, repeated jaywalking can lead to fines.
Q5: How do locals feel about tourists in Jeju?
Most residents are welcoming and proud to share their culture. However, they appreciate visitors who respect local customs.
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