"1 Million Won for School Trips, 2 Million Won for Alumni Groups"... Jeju's Bold Move Amid Overpricing Controversy

Up to 6 Million Won in Incentives for Group Tourism
Jeju Provincial Council Passes Ordinance on Travel Expense Support

Jeju Island, which has been labeled as the "overpriced island," is drawing attention as it has decided to provide cash incentives to group travelers in its efforts to establish itself as a cost-effective travel destination. While the local government is hoping for an economic recovery in the region, controversy over potential tax waste is expected to be unavoidable.

On the morning of the 9th of last month, tourists visiting Hamdeok Beach in Jocheon-eup, Jeju City, are enjoying the atmosphere of the spring sea. Photo by Yonhap News

According to industry sources on May 26, the Jeju Provincial Council passed the amendment to the "Jeju Tourism Promotion Ordinance," submitted by Jeju Island, at the 438th extraordinary session held on May 23. This amendment was made to clarify the legal basis for Jeju's incentive programs to attract tourists. The revised ordinance explicitly stipulates in Article 92, which concerns support projects for the promotion and development of the tourism industry, that "compensation support projects in the form of incentives for domestic and international tourists' travel expenses" will be included.

Previously, in March, Jeju announced its travel support policy called "Gift from Jeju," which included incentives for both individual and group tourists to attract more visitors. However, concerns were raised over potential violations of the Public Official Election Act in connection with the June 3 presidential election, prompting the government to put the incentive payments on hold and request an official interpretation from the election commission. Based on the commission's opinion that it would be better to clarify the legal basis, the ordinance was amended accordingly.

Jeju Island is implementing various policies to establish itself as a cost-effective travel destination, and has now decided to provide cash incentives to group travelers. The photo shows visitors roasting green onions over a wood fire, which they harvested themselves, at the "Fresh Green Onion Festival" held on the morning of the 4th at Boromwat Farm in Seongeup-ri, Pyoseon-eup, Seogwipo City, Jeju. Photo by Yonhap News

Jeju plans to first implement the "Gift from Jeju" support program for group tourists, including school trips, general groups, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) participants, and groups using ferry routes. To strengthen safety management for school trips, a new item will be added to support the cost of hiring safety personnel, and the maximum amount of support per school will be raised to 1 million won. For alumni associations and clubs, groups of 15 or more visiting Jeju will receive 30,000 won per person, up to a maximum of 2 million won. For sisterhood and partnership organizations, groups of 20 or more will receive 30,000 won per person, up to a maximum of 6 million won.

In addition, individual tourist participation programs will also be operated. In June, during major city pop-up events and the Jeju Travel Week, the "Gift from Jeju" program for individual tourists will offer Tamnaneujeon vouchers worth 10,000, 30,000, and 50,000 won through a lottery. During the golden holiday period from late September to early October, additional lottery events are planned.

On May 6, the last day of the 'brief holiday' in May, tourists leaving Jeju are moving to the departure east area of Jeju International Airport. Photo by Yonhap News

Recently, as complaints from tourists have continued due to ongoing "overcharging controversies," such as 25,000 won for six pieces of sundae (Korean blood sausage) and pork belly consisting only of fat, Jeju has formed a public-private consultative body and is accelerating its "Creating Cost-Effective Jeju Tourism" project. The core of this project is to set practical tasks by sector, such as establishing reasonable pricing and expanding friendly service, and to have the public and private sectors jointly monitor their implementation. The main sectors targeted are accommodation, transportation, restaurants, tourist attractions, travel agencies, golf courses, and beaches, for a total of seven areas.