Street Drinking, Smoking in Parks, Wearing Swimwear: Countries Imposing Fines of Millions of KRW

Fines Reach Up to 3,000 Euros
Limitations of Imposing Fines Also Emerge

With the arrival of summer, European countries are stepping up efforts to control unruly tourists as crowds flock to popular destinations. On August 10 (local time), international media outlets such as the BBC and the New York Post reported that European travel destinations have begun imposing fines amounting to millions of KRW for even minor infractions by tourists starting this year. This move is based on the assessment that local residents are suffering significant harm due to the behavior of rude tourists in resort areas.

In the Balearic Islands of Spain, drinking alcohol on the street can result in a fine of up to 3,000 euros (approximately 4.85 million KRW). The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Pixabay

Travelers must be mindful of their actions starting from the airplane when going abroad. Recently, a passenger on a flight that had just landed at Antalya Airport in T?rkiye unfastened their seatbelt and hurried into the aisle, only to be penalized for "violating regulations." The passenger, who acted without much thought, was fined 62 euros (approximately 100,000 KRW). This is due to a new regulation introduced this year, which imposes fines on anyone who leaves their seat before the plane has come to a complete stop on the runway.

In addition, tourists must be cautious of fines at various attractions. In Albufeira, a popular beach city in Portugal, wearing swimwear outside of the beach area can result in a fine of up to 1,500 euros (approximately 2.42 million KRW). Public nudity, urinating in public, and abandoning shopping carts are also prohibited. Police officers are actually stationed in entertainment districts to patrol and monitor tourists. In the Balearic Islands of Spain, drinking alcohol on the street can result in a fine of up to 3,000 euros (approximately 4.85 million KRW). Even leaving a towel on a beach chair and being away for an extended period can result in a fine.

In Greece, picking up seashells can result in a fine of 1000 euros (approximately 1.62 million KRW), and swimming in the Venice canals can lead to a fine of 350 euros (approximately 570,000 KRW). The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Pixabay.

In Greece, picking up seashells can result in a fine of 1,000 euros (approximately 1.62 million KRW), and swimming in the Venice canals can lead to a fine of 350 euros (approximately 570,000 KRW). In France, smoking on beaches or playgrounds results in an immediate fine of 90 euros (approximately 150,000 KRW). In Cinque Terre, Italy, hiking in inappropriate footwear such as slippers can result in a fine of up to 2,500 euros (approximately 4.05 million KRW).

Not an Act of Driving Away Tourists, but a Move to Protect Residents' Living Spaces

Although these measures may appear to be "acts of driving away guests" in regions where tourism revenue is a major source of income, authorities emphasize that the regulations are intended to protect both residents and "responsible travelers." In the past, codes of conduct for tourists were only implemented in culturally sensitive areas such as the Galapagos Islands or among the Sami people in Lapland. However, now even ordinary beach resorts are enforcing strict rules. This is interpreted as a movement to reclaim the living spaces of residents who have grown weary of tourists.

However, the limitations of imposing fines are also becoming apparent. Concerns have been raised that the system has not yet become fully established and that it is unlikely to provide a fundamental solution to changing tourist behavior. Birgitta Spee-Koenig, an advocate for responsible tourism, said, "This is a signal that local residents are no longer willing to tolerate such behavior," adding, "Not every fine is an act of oppression. Some are simply a message demanding respect."