Jeju Island, a popular South Korean destination often called the “Hawaii of South Korea,” is facing increased public health and behavioral challenges as tourism surges. Recent developments include the island’s first measles case in five years and the implementation of new guidelines aimed at addressing disorderly conduct by international visitors.
Measles Case Confirmed
On , health officials confirmed the first case of measles on Jeju Island in five years. The infection was identified in an international tourist who arrived on the island on . The patient had traveled from Seoul, having arrived in the South Korean capital on , following a month-long stay in Vietnam.
Authorities quickly initiated contact tracing, identifying 74 individuals who may have been exposed. As of , none of these contacts were reported to be exhibiting symptoms of measles. The Jeju government has informed all contacts about the importance of vaccination and urged them to seek immediate medical attention if they develop a fever or rash. These contacts will be under “passive monitoring” for 21 days from the date of exposure, meaning they are asked to report any symptoms to a public health center.
This case is notable given South Korea’s previous success in eliminating measles. The country was declared “Measles Free” by the World Health Organization in 2014, following vaccination campaigns and other elimination initiatives. However, with a global increase in measles cases, South Korea has seen a resurgence in recent years. There were zero cases in 2021 and 2022, followed by eight cases in 2023 and 49 cases in 2024, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. All confirmed cases in 2024 were linked to international travel or contact with infected travelers.
Addressing Tourist Behavior
Alongside the measles case, Jeju Island officials have issued a multi-language guide aimed at informing international visitors about local regulations and expected behavior. This initiative comes in response to a rise in viral incidents and cases of disorderly conduct among tourists. More than 13 million people visited the island in 2024, drawn by its natural beauty, including sparkling blue waters, green tea fields, and Halla-san, a snow-covered shield volcano.
The Seoul to Jeju flight path is now the world’s busiest, with over 13 million passengers traveling between the island and South Korea’s capital in 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association’s 2024 World Air Transport Statistics report. The number of foreign tourists visiting Jeju Island has nearly quadrupled since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 1.9 million in 2024, according to the Jeju Tourism Association.
The 8,000 copies of the guide, written in Korean, English, and Chinese, outline minor offenses for which tourists can be fined. These include smoking in non-designated areas, jaywalking, littering, and damaging the environment. Each of these offenses carries a fine of 50,000 KRW (approximately $35.77 as of ). The guide also warns that violations may be punishable by misdemeanor imprisonment or a minor fine.
Hantaan Virus Research
Separate from the measles case and tourist guidelines, research published in in the Journal of Medical Virology details the unique phylogeny and epidemiology of Hantaan Virus (HTNV) on Jeju Island. The study identified HTNV infections in patients on Jeju Island in 2024 and analyzed the virus’s genetic makeup. Phylogenetic analysis, based on full and partial L segment sequences, revealed a unique lineage of HTNV circulating on the island. The study was prepared as part of the official duties of military service members of the United States Government and is therefore in the public domain.
While the HTNV research doesn’t directly relate to the recent increase in tourism, it highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance for infectious diseases on Jeju Island, particularly as the island welcomes a growing number of international visitors. The study underscores the value of whole-genome sequencing in understanding viral transmission patterns and the evolution of emerging pathogens.
Jeju Island’s increasing popularity presents both opportunities and challenges. While tourism boosts the local economy, it also necessitates proactive public health measures and clear communication of local regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and residents. The recent measles case and the implementation of the tourist guidelines demonstrate the island’s commitment to addressing these challenges.
