Jeju police enforce laws, issue on-site fines to foreign tourists

JEJU - Jeju police have launched a crackdown on minor offences, including jaywalking, littering, smoking on cigarette-free streets and public urination, in response to recent complaints from locals over unruly sights involving tourists, officials said on June 27.

Within the first hour of the crackdown on June 25, which lasted around 1½ hours, the police on South Korea’s largest island caught nine law violators, the majority of whom were foreign tourists jaywalking.

All nine violators were issued on-site fines that were required to be paid immediately.

“We understand that some tourists who were caught violating local laws may not have been aware of the regulations,” said an official at Jeju Provincial Police Agency, explaining that some actions might be legal in tourists’ home countries.

The official emphasised the need to get tourist agencies and tour guides on board to better inform foreign tourists of local rules and regulations.

The increased police enforcement follows recent online posts showing misdemeanours such as littering and public hygiene concerns in areas frequently visited by tourists on the island.

According to police data, 353 cases of jaywalking were reported on Jeju Island from January to June 21, with 248 committed by foreign nationals.

The Road Traffic Act imposes a fine of 20,000 won (S$19.60) for crossing the road outside a designated pedestrian crossing.

This fine increases to 30,000 won if a pedestrian crosses on a red light. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK