South Korea: 99.6% of tourists in Jeju in 2021 were locals

The Jeju Island Tourism Association revealed more than 12 million tourists visited Jeju island in 2021 but nearly all of them were locals.

South Korea.- According to data from the Jeju Island Tourism Association, the number of tourists visiting Jeju in 2021 exceeded 12 million. However, 99.6 per cent of tourists came from the country.

Authorities pointed out that the total number is still down by about 20 per cent when compared to pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, 15.3 million tourists visited Jeju Island.

The current figure, however, shows an improvement from the decline in 2020 to only 10.2 million.

The association also remarked that due to the suspension of international flights throughout the pandemic, the proportion of foreign tourists hit a record low.

Foreign tourists accounted for only 0.4 per cent (48,278 people) of the total number of tourists, while the other 99.6 per cent were domestic tourists, reaching 11.97 million.

Yesterday it was announced that casinos will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test for admission.

Authorities have tightened countermeasures due to a rise in Covid-19 cases in mainland China.

Casino capacity continues to be limited to 50 per cent, a measure that was implemented from November 1. There are currently no restrictions on opening hours at Jeju island casinos.

Although there are eight casinos on Jeju island, only three are open: Jeju Shinhwa World, operated by Hong Kong-listed Landing International, Paradise Casino, operated by Paradise Co Ltd, and Jeju Dream Tower, run by Lotte Tour Development Co Ltd.