Local residents of a popular holiday island have reacted with fury, after visitors were caught defecating in the streets. Jeju is South Korea’s largest island and a UNESCO World Heritage site, which boasts lava tubes and stunning volcanic geology.
Its pristine beaches and mountains attract tourists in their hordes, who are keen to experience its unique charms. However, locals have complained bitterly about the bad behaviour of some of the visitors, prompting police to issue warnings to tourists. Residents have accused tourists of allowing their children to “defecate on the street”, as well as complaining about drunken antics and dine-and-dashing.
In response to the growing complaints, police have issued a guide in English, Chinese and Korean, spelling out what constitutes acceptable behaviour.
Jeju Police Agency chief Kim Su-young said the guide was intended “to prevent misunderstandings due to language and cultural differences and improve foreigners’ understanding of Korean culture and laws”.
Some 8,000 copies of the guide have been produced and distributed in an attempt to placate irate locals. Among the illegal offences listed are jaywalking, disorderly conduct, littering and public urination/defecation.
Trespassing, fare evasion and ‘dine and dash’ – eating and leaving without paying for a meal – are also included. The guide outlines the possible punishments tourists face if they are found to have broken the law.
“The violation of the above-mentioned offences shall also be punishable by misdemeanour imprisonment or by a minor fine,’ it states.
“A repeated violation of the same offence shall be subject to a fine of up to 200,000 Korean Won,” the guide adds, which is equivalent to around £106.
First time offenders will be let off with a caution, according to the BBC.
The tourism sector is once again booming in South Korea, following the crash caused by the Covid pandemic. The local economy saw a 9.26 trillion won boost from foreign travellers in 2024.
