In Jeju, serious crimes committed by foreigners overstaying after entering under the visa-free program have been steadily increasing. As Jeju attracts more than 13 million tourists annually, there is growing recognition of the need for stronger security measures to curb the rising crime rate. (Yonhap)
JEJU, South Korea, March 18 (Korea Bizwire) — In response to a recent uptick in crimes involving foreign nationals, the Jeju Provincial Police Agency has launched a sweeping 100-day public safety campaign aimed at strengthening oversight of the island’s visa-free entry system and curbing illegal activities.
The initiative, led by Deputy Commissioner Jeong Seong-su, will run through the end of June and is being carried out by a newly formed task force. At its first meeting, held Monday, Jeju police made clear that addressing weaknesses in the visa-free system would be a top priority.
Jeju’s visa-free entry policy, which allows travelers from 111 countries (except those under terrorism-related sanctions) to stay on the island for up to 30 days without a visa, has long been a boon for tourism.
But growing reports of foreign visitors attempting to leave the island illegally or becoming involved in criminal activity have prompted the authorities to tighten controls.
Government authorities from Jeju Island, one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations, have unveiled plans to further ensure safety for solo travelers staying at guesthouses on the island. (Image: Kobiz Media)
“We are facing a situation where a small number of violations are creating significant public anxiety,” a police official said. “While foreign crime accounts for just 2 to 3 percent of total incidents, the nature of recent offenses has made residents uneasy.”
During the task force meeting, police officials discussed a range of measures to address the issue. Among them is closer cooperation with the Jeju Self-Governing Police Commission, prosecutors, and immigration authorities.
Discussions are also underway regarding the introduction of a deposit system for foreign visitors using rental cars, requiring them to leave a security deposit to cover potential fines or penalties incurred during their stay.
The initiative will also include heightened community outreach, with plans to work closely with Jeju’s tourism associations, foreign community groups, and consulates. Police aim to not only respond to crime but also educate visitors on local laws and expectations.
Internally, the police force will expand its foreign affairs division and redeploy mobile patrol units to focus exclusively on foreign crime prevention for the duration of the campaign.
Yoon Myung-ok, head of communications for the Jeju police, emphasized that the campaign is about more than enforcement: “Our goal is to preserve Jeju’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for all visitors, while ensuring the safety and peace of mind of our residents.”
As part of the effort, top-level police officials and representatives from labor unions are also scheduled to meet with officials from South Korea’s Ministry of Justice and Immigration Office to discuss broader reforms to the visa-free entry system.
With the busy summer travel season approaching, Jeju authorities are moving quickly to implement these measures, balancing the island’s open-door tourism policies with the need for stronger security and oversight.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
