Jeju Island Faces Security Crisis Due to Surge in Foreign Crime

Jeju Island is facing a serious security problem due to crimes and disruptive behaviors by foreign tourists. According to the Jeju Police Agency, during the 50 days of implementing the "Special Security Measures for Responding to Foreign Crimes," 115 foreign criminals were apprehended, marking a 53.3% increase compared to 75 apprehensions during the same period last year.

**53.3% Increase**

In particular, 56 illegal residents who abused the visa waiver system were caught, and there have been serious violations of traffic laws, including three instances of drunk driving, 14 cases of unlicensed driving, and 18 incidents of crossing the centerline.

Additionally, basic order violations are continuously occurring, with 56 cases of illegal dumping and one case of public urination reported.

Recently, a shocking crime occurred where a Chinese individual stole an urn from a temple's columbarium and demanded money. Additionally, a 50-year-old Chinese man was arrested for breaking into a neighboring residence and stealing cash, and three illegal Chinese migrants who were staying in the same hideout were transferred to the Immigration and Foreign Affairs Office.

**Overwhelming Majority of Basic Order Violations by Foreigners**

In Jeju, foreign individuals accounted for 2,627 cases of basic order violations last year, constituting 64.9% of a total of 4,047 cases for both foreigners and locals.

In the first three months of this year, the situation worsened, with 707 cases of basic order violations by foreigners, making up 77.2% of a total of 916 cases.

Under the Road Traffic Act, foreign individuals are subject to the same fines as locals: 30,000 won for violating pedestrian signals and 20,000 won for jaywalking.

According to the Minor Offenses Act, fines of 80,000 won apply to the concealment and carrying of a weapon, while fines of 50,000 won are designated for public urination, littering, and noise disturbances, with 30,000 won fines for spitting, throwing away cigarette butts, and gum spitting, all imposed without distinction between locals and foreigners.

The Jeju Police Agency stated, "In light of the recent increase in both foreign crimes and foreign basic order violations, we will intensify enforcement indiscriminately against locals and foreigners to create a pleasant and safe Jeju, instilling the image that violations of basic order will be addressed."

**Concerns from Overseas Media: "Jeju is Becoming a Chinese Island"**

In response to this situation, the Taiwan Liberty Times warned that "Jeju is becoming a Chinese island."

The media pointed out that since the introduction of the visa waiver program in 2008, Jeju has emerged as a major travel destination for Chinese tourists, who are expanding their presence not only for tourism but also for real estate purchases and investment immigration.

By the end of 2019, Chinese ownership of land in Jeju amounted to approximately 9.81 million square meters, accounting for 43.5% of all foreign-owned land.

It is analyzed that the sharply lower investment immigration requirements in Korea compared to Australia or New Zealand have led to a surge in Chinese visitors.

Currently, the minimum investment required to obtain permanent residency (F-5) in Korea is about 1.5 billion won, which is significantly lower than the 4 billion won required in Australia.

The Liberty Times criticized the behavior of some Chinese individuals, citing an instance where a Chinese child defecated on the street in Jeju, stating that "despite boasting a rich history, they do not hesitate to exhibit barbaric behavior in public places."

While Jeju Island attracts many tourists with its beautiful natural environment and unique culture, the increasing foreign crime and disorderly behaviors are escalating the unease among local residents.

The Jeju authorities and police are strengthening education and enforcement regarding foreign tourists and are reviewing the necessity of improving the visa waiver system.

Image sources: Trash piled in a convenience store in Jeju posted on social media / Professor Suk Kyung-duk, Sungshin Women's University; a Chinese child squatting and defecating in the middle of downtown Jeju / Online community; reference photos for the article's understanding / News 1