Politics · South Korea · 3 hrs ago
South Korean lawmaker proposes ending Jeju's visa-free entry exception
South Korean lawmaker Song Eon-seok has proposed ending Jeju's visa-free entry exception for foreign visitors.
The bill would remove a rule allowing foreigners to enter Jeju without a visa for tourism or transit.
The exception was intended to support tourism, but Song says it has been misused for illegal stays and other unauthorized entry.
Figures he cited show that foreign visitors recorded as overstaying after entering under the exception rose from 10,826 in 2023 to 11,945 by August 2026.
Police also arrested 767 foreign crime suspects in Jeju last year, up from 610 in 2024.
Song argues that ending the exception and strengthening entry checks and stay management would improve safety for residents and tourists.
The change is only a proposal, and no decision or timetable for its consideration is stated.
South Korean lawmaker Song Eon-seok has proposed ending Jeju Island’s visa-free entry exception for foreign visitors.
The amendment would remove the provision allowing foreigners arriving at Jeju’s airports and ports for tourism or transit to enter without a visa.
Song said the exception had been criticized for being used for illegal stays and smuggling.
Data he cited showed the number of visa-free entrants who became illegal residents in Jeju rose each year from 2023 through August 2026.
- Who
- Song Eon-seok, a People Power Party lawmaker representing Gimcheon, proposed the amendment.
- What
- He proposed ending the visa-free entry exception for foreigners entering Jeju.
- When
- The amendment was proposed on November 15, 2026.
- Where
- Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea.
- Why
- Song said the exception was being misused and its side effects threatened public safety and everyday life.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The number of illegal residents who entered Jeju under the visa-free exception was 10,826.
The number rose to 11,426, while Jeju police apprehended 610 foreign crime suspects.
The number of illegal residents rose to 11,581, and police apprehended 767 foreign crime suspects.
The number of illegal residents who had entered under the exception reached 11,945.
Song proposed an amendment to abolish Jeju’s visa-free entry exception.
- Proposer
- Song Eon-seok, People Power Party lawmaker
- Proposed change
- Remove Jeju’s visa-free entry exception for foreign visitors
- Illegal residents, 2023
- 10,826
- Illegal residents, August 2026
- 11,945
- Foreign crime suspects apprehended, 2024–2025
- Increased from 610 to 767, a 25.7% rise
1 source
What people are saying
The side effects of Jeju's visa-free entry system for foreigners are threatening the safety of the public and their peaceful daily lives.
We must abolish the visa-free entry exception and strengthen entry screening and stay management so that both residents and tourists can stay with peace of mind.