Pollution at Yongmeori Coast After Child's Waste Disposal
Surge in Chinese Group Tourists Rekindles Debate Over Order
Controversy has arisen after a foreign tourist was recently spotted at Yongmeori Coast in Jeju, a site designated as a Natural Monument, allowing her young child to relieve themselves and polluting the area during the process.
On October 6, an online community post titled "Yesterday at Yongmeori Coast in Jeju, a Chinese Korean" was uploaded. The author, identified as A, described the atmosphere at the time, saying, "Perhaps because it was a holiday, the lines were long and there were many people."
The author continued, "But then I saw a female tourist letting her baby relieve themselves," adding, "Because there were so many people, she moved a bit further down and finished up there." The author further stated, "She threw away the used wet wipes right there, and of course, the waste was left on the ground as well. I was truly appalled."
When the author quietly asked a nearby guide, the guide replied, "Chinese Korean." A added, "I try not to have a bias against Chinese tourists, but it is difficult."
The photo included in the post shows a woman crouching by the coast, holding a child, with used wet wipes left next to them. Within a single day, the post garnered over 60,000 views and sparked debate over the lack of order at tourist destinations.
Surge in Tourists Due to Visa-Free Entry Raises Concerns About Management Gaps
Yongmeori Coast is an area where waves meet sea cliffs, and due to its narrow access points and the rapid rise of tides, it is difficult for staff to effectively manage the site. In particular, since the resumption of visa-free entry, there has been a sharp increase in group tourists from China, with one guide commonly leading dozens of people.
Similar disruptive behavior by foreign tourists has been witnessed in Jeju several times in the past. In April, a Chinese woman was caught smoking inside a Jeju city bus and throwing her cigarette butt out the window, which stirred controversy.
Meanwhile, since September 29, the government has allowed visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists of three or more people. These tourists can travel freely throughout South Korea for up to 15 days, and this measure will remain in effect until June 30 next year. The government expects this will bring in an additional one million Chinese tourists.
However, as disorderly conduct by Chinese tourists continues to be reported, there is growing criticism that on-site management and institutional measures need to be strengthened.
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