Won Hee-ryong Appeals, "While Returning Visitors Decrease, Tourists... Please Do Not Come"

Jeon Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju, is delivering a statement on overcoming the COVID-19 crisis in February when the first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) occurred in Jeju. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] As it is forecasted that 300,000 tourists will visit Jeju during the upcoming Chuseok holiday, Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong warned, "Please refrain from coming if possible," adding, "If you come while having symptoms, you will regret it."

In an interview with CBS Radio's 'Sisa Jaki Jung Kwan-yong' on the 21st, Governor Won said, "We appealed to Jeju residents to refrain from traveling during the Chuseok holiday, even ahead of the government, asking those who were planning to visit not to come, which significantly reduced the numbers. However, tourists are filling those gaps, and the residents are at a loss," he stated.

Governor Won added, "We tell people not to come, but there is no way to stop them. Everyone has freedom of movement. I understand the frustration of not being able to travel abroad during Chuseok. Some say it's fortunate to be safely in Jeju, otherwise many would suffer from depression. I do not disregard those feelings, but Jeju is in an emergency."

He emphasized, "Until now, we only made recommendations, but mask-wearing for travelers is now mandatory, and those who do not wear masks will be subject to immediate enforcement. Fines will be imposed starting October 13. We will strictly enforce regulations especially in high-risk areas."

He continued, "We will lower the fever threshold and forcibly isolate and test anyone with even a slight fever. If the temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees Celsius, they will be quarantined in designated accommodations. If someone arrives at Jeju Airport with a fever, they will be responsible for all related costs," he added.

Governor Won strongly appealed, "Please refrain from coming to Jeju if possible. We will kindly accommodate those who must come due to unavoidable reasons, but if you have any symptoms, you must absolutely not come. If you do, you will regret it."

Finally, he said, "If you feel even slightly unwell during your trip, report immediately, and we will protect and cooperate with you. However, we will never tolerate behavior that harms others or the selfish attitude of 'I will be fine.' If reports are ignored or if people take fever reducers and go around, like the mother and daughter case in Gangnam-gu last time, we will immediately file charges and pursue legal action."