The Jeju Incident
The recent ordeal of Indian influencer Sachin Awasthi and his wife, who were reportedly held for approximately 38 hours in what Awasthi described as 'jail-like
conditions' on Jeju Island, has brought renewed attention to the experiences of Indian tourists. This detention, which garnered significant attention online after Awasthi shared his account, has sparked discussions among travelers who claim to have faced similar challenges. The incident prompted the Indian Embassy in South Korea to issue a formal travel advisory, aiming to provide clearer guidelines and prevent future inconveniences for Indian visitors to the popular island destination.
Embassy Advisory Details
In response to the growing concerns, the Indian Embassy in South Korea released a detailed travel advisory on February 24, 2026. The advisory specifically addresses Indian nationals utilizing the visa-waiver program for short-term tourism to Jeju Island. It emphasizes that entry is strictly for tourism purposes and requires travelers to carry essential documents. These include a confirmed return ticket, confirmed hotel reservations, a well-defined travel itinerary, and proof of sufficient financial resources to cover their stay. Furthermore, passports must be valid for a minimum of six months, and the embassy strongly recommends having comprehensive travel insurance in place to mitigate unforeseen circumstances and ensure a smoother travel experience.
Visa-Free Entry Rules
The advisory clarifies that the visa-free facility for Jeju Island is exclusively for short-term tourism and reiterates the importance of adhering to these terms. A critical warning is issued against attempting to travel from Jeju Island to mainland South Korea without obtaining the necessary visa. Such actions are considered illegal and can lead to immediate consequences. The embassy has stated that any individual denied entry or found violating these regulations will be promptly returned to their point of origin on the next available flight operated by the same airline that brought them to Jeju. This strict enforcement underscores the need for travelers to plan their itineraries meticulously and ensure they meet all visa requirements for onward travel.
Netizen Reactions Online
The Indian Embassy's advisory has been met with a spectrum of reactions from netizens, with many expressing dissatisfaction and questioning its effectiveness. Some users on social media platforms interpreted the advisory as a signal that South Korea is not entirely welcoming to Indian tourists, with one tweet bluntly stating, 'In short and simple language - Don't try to visit South Korea, they're not welcoming you.' Others criticized the advisory's origin, suggesting it was merely a copy-paste from Korean sources rather than an independent statement from the Indian embassy, and called for clarification on the embassy's role in assisting Indian citizens. The sentiment of being potentially 'scammed' also surfaced, with one comment stating, 'In short don’t go to any jeju teju shit island to get scammed.' These reactions highlight a broader public sentiment questioning the embassy's support for its citizens abroad.
