• Authorities on Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest and most popular tourist destination, have introduced multilingual notices to curb misbehavior among foreign visitors after increasing complaints from local residents.
• The initiative, led by the island’s police, aims to promote responsible tourism and protect community harmony while maintaining Jeju’s reputation as a global travel hub.
• Jeju Island (Jejudo) is a volcanic island located about 130 km off the Korean Peninsula in the East China Sea. Covering 1,846 sq. km, it is oval-shaped, stretching 64 km east–west and 26 km north–south.
• The island is the administrative center of Jeju Province, with its capital in Jeju City.
• The island is globally renowned for its unique volcanic geography, including the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Dominating the island’s landscape is Hallasan, a dormant volcano and the highest mountain in South Korea (1,950 m), surrounded by over 360 satellite volcanic cones.
• Tourism plays a vital role in Jeju’s economy, attracting millions of domestic and international travelers each year.
• Visitors come for its mild climate, beaches, volcanic caves, hiking trails, and cultural heritage.
• However, the rapid rise in foreign tourism has also led to cultural tensions and environmental pressures, prompting local authorities to adopt new measures.
• The multilingual notice campaign highlights South Korea’s broader efforts to ensure sustainable tourism, protect natural heritage, and respect local communities while promoting Jeju Island as a leading eco-tourism destination in East Asia.