Jeju, the popular South Korean holiday island, has launched a tourist police force to tackle a surge in anti-social behaviour by visitors. The move comes after a record seven million tourists visited the island last year, drawn by its volcanic landscapes, white beaches and hiking trails.
Police have printed 8,000 brochures in Chinese, English and Korean, outlining rules and fines for offences such as littering, public urination, smoking in prohibited areas, and damaging nature. The guide aims to 'prevent misunderstandings due to language and cultural differences and improve foreigners' understanding of Korean culture and laws', according to Jeju Police Agency chief Kim Su-young.
Other offences include using a fake ID, being drunk and disorderly, running away from restaurants without paying, breaking into empty houses, and jaywalking. Maximum fines are set at £42, with repeat offenders facing penalties of £106, according to The Korea Times.
Between March and June this year, police recorded more than 4,800 cases of disorderly conduct. Incidents included a woman smoking on a bus who tossed her cigarette onto the road, and a boy urinating on the road by a beach. Officers will issue warnings for minor violations but take stricter action for serious offences.
The crackdown mirrors similar measures in other tourist hotspots. In Palma, Majorca, visitors face fines of up to €750 for offences such as street vending, littering, public drinking, and 'balconing' – jumping from balconies into pools. Electric scooter users in Palma must now have civil liability insurance and wear an approved helmet.
