Published on
August 24, 2025
Jeju Island, recently in the news for restricting tourist misbehaviour, is one of the most iconic places in South Korea. Local complaints have been on the rise, especially over the summer, which has become a peak season for tourists. The new guidelines are meant for making the tourist experience smoother, while keeping the locals happy.
Jeju Island: A Top Summer Travel Destination
Visitor Numbers: Jeju Island attracts more than 7 million tourists annually, making it one of South Korea’s most visited locations. In 2025 alone, this number continues to rise, particularly in the summer months when the island is bustling with international tourists looking for a tropical retreat.
Nearby Airport: Jeju International Airport (CJU) is the primary airport for tourists arriving on the island. Located just a short distance from popular tourist spots like Jeju City, the airport provides easy access for visitors arriving both domestically and internationally.
Top Attractions on Jeju Island
Jeju Island offers a diverse array of attractions for all types of travelers, from culture enthusiasts to adventure seekers:
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
A natural wonder, Jeju’s volcanic landscape is one of the island’s most iconic features. Visitors can explore the lava tubes, which are caves formed from ancient volcanic eruptions, as well as the Hallasan mountain, the highest peak in South Korea.
Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
This volcanic cone is a popular spot for hiking and watching the sunrise, offering panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and landscapes. It’s a must-see attraction, particularly in the summer when the views are especially vibrant.
Jeju Loveland
Known for its unique and playful art installations, Jeju Loveland is an adult-themed park that is a fun and quirky visit for those seeking something different from traditional cultural experiences.
Adventure Activities on Jeju Island
For visitors looking for a more thrilling summer adventure, Jeju Island is an outdoor playground with countless opportunities for fun and excitement:
Jeju Waterfalls: Explore the beautiful Jeongbang and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls, perfect for sightseeing and photography.
Zip-lining and Hiking: Head to Hallasan for hiking trails that range from easy walks to more challenging ascents, or experience Jeju’s zip-line parks for an adrenaline rush while soaking in the island’s natural beauty.
Jeju Olle Trail: For hiking enthusiasts, the Jeju Olle Trail offers scenic routes that wind through beaches, forests, and traditional villages.
Upcoming Concerts on Jeju Island
The summer of 2025 promises exciting cultural events and live performances on Jeju Island:
Jeju Summer Music Festival: Set to take place this July, the festival will feature local and international musicians across multiple genres, from jazz to K-pop. This annual event draws large crowds, making it a great opportunity for music lovers to experience Jeju’s lively atmosphere.
Jeju Island Concert Series: In August 2025, the Jeju Art Center will host a series of classical music performances, providing a more relaxed, refined experience for those seeking culture during their summer stay.
Multilingual Guidelines for Tourists
To ensure that the increasing number of visitors enjoy a respectful and enjoyable stay, Jeju Police have issued multilingual guidelines aimed at curbing misbehaviour. The guidelines are printed in Chinese, English, and Korean to assist foreign visitors in understanding the local laws and cultural expectations.
Key Offenses Covered in the Guidelines:
Littering and Jaywalking: Cleanliness is crucial to maintaining the island’s beauty. Tourists are urged to avoid littering and follow pedestrian rules.
Drunken and Disorderly Behaviour: Public intoxication or disruptive behaviour is a serious offence in many areas of the island.
Smoking in Prohibited Areas: There are designated areas for smoking, and violations can lead to fines.
Dine-and-Dash (Fare Evasion): Tourists are reminded to pay for their meals and services to avoid penalties.
Public Urination/Defecation: Public restrooms should always be used.
Trespassing: Visitors are urged to respect private properties and avoid breaking into vacant houses.
First-time offenders will generally receive a warning, but repeat offenders could be fined up to 200,000 KRW (approximately 12,000 INR). These guidelines aim to improve understanding of local laws and reduce cultural misunderstandings.
Conclusion: A Vibrant Summer Destination with a Focus on Respectful Tourism
Jeju Island is still one of the finest and the most exciting places to visit in South Korea because of the diverse types of tourism provided ranging from cultural and adventure tourism to beautiful nature tourism. But as tourism continues to increase in Jeju Island, it is crucial to pay attention to local customs and laws. Jeju’s authorities have taken steps to issue the multilingual guidelines which can help ease the We Go – 1 World slogan which means one tourist, one local. Sports and cultural events are held, and the tourists come to visit the amazing beaches and enjoy the world class outdoor activities.
Jeju Island is one of the most captivating places in the world to visit, filled with amazing opportunities to create long-lasting memories. Make sure to visit Jeju Island this summer, and enjoy the nature tourism it offers, while engaging in adventure tourism and being respectful towards the local community.
