Jeju Island, the jewel of South Korea, is becoming increasingly famous for its unspoiled natural beauty and unique culture. However, the rapid growth of the tourism industry also means that the island is facing increasing environmental pressures. Increased waste, water pollution, and soil erosion are among the problems facing Jeju. To protect this tourist paradise for future generations, the local government is actively looking for solutions, including the introduction of an eco-tourism tax.
A report by the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) has proposed an action plan to impose part of the cost of protecting Jeju Island's environment on tourists. Specifically, the report suggests charging 1,500 won (about $1.10) per person per night for accommodation, 5,000 won (3.76) per day for a rental vehicle, and 5% of the rental bus fee as a green tax.
Jeju Island, the jewel of Korea, is becoming increasingly famous for its pristine natural beauty and unique culture.
Revenue from the tax would be used to address the island’s growing environmental and wastewater problems, and protect natural resources from the influx of more than 10 million tourists each year. The fee was proposed in a 2018 study by the Korea Local Finance Association on the validity of an eco-tourism tax.
Under the proposal, a group of four tourists staying three nights and four days on Jeju Island and traveling by a rental car would be taxed 38,000 won ($28.6). The report also pointed out that this is the first time Korea has imposed this type of tax, although similar taxes are common in many other tourist destinations around the world, especially in many European cities.
Despite the difficulties, the Jeju Provincial Government is determined to pursue its environmental protection goals. The proposal to introduce an eco-tourism tax will be submitted to the Provincial Assembly. If passed, Jeju will become a pioneer in applying green policies to tourist destinations in Korea.
Jeju to become a pioneer in green policy adoption at Korean tourist destinations
According to KEI, Jeju Island's nature is a unique ecotourism destination, with Korea's first UNESCO-recognized world natural heritage site, including Jeju Volcanic Island, lava tubes, and other internationally recognized biosphere reserves.
However, tourism is becoming a major source of pollution on the island and the provincial government is spending a lot of money to fix it, leading to a large budget deficit. Jeju now ranks last economically among South Korean cities.
Jeju is taking a pioneering role in balancing economic development and environmental protection through the introduction of an ecotourism tax. Despite the challenges, this decision shows the creativity and foresight of the local government. Jeju is not only a tourist destination, but also a model of sustainable development that other localities should learn from.
