Jeju Island braces for 520,000 passengers in holiday travel rush

Jeju Island is preparing for a surge in travellers during the upcoming holiday. Authorities expect over 520,000 passengers to pass through Jeju International Airport in just six days. To handle the crowds, extra staff, checkpoints, and parking spaces will be set up.

The airport will see an average of 87,000 passengers daily, peaking at over 90,000 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) has formed a special task force to manage the rush. More check-in desks, screening counters, and ID checkpoints will open, while 700 temporary parking spots will ease congestion.

Domestic ferry services are also scaling up, with 54 departures—a 28.6% increase from last year—carrying 46,266 passengers, up 17.4%. Meanwhile, international cruise visits have dropped from five to just two ships. To boost tourism, Jeju officials will promote the island in Fukuoka, Japan, and attend expos across Kyushu. The 2026 Jeju Four Seasons campaign will also launch, aiming to attract visitors year-round.

Safety measures are in place too. Police will patrol crowded areas and control traffic near the airport and main roads. Fire crews will remain on 24-hour standby from 6 p.m. Friday until 9 a.m. Thursday.

The holiday period will test Jeju's transport and safety systems. With record passenger numbers, expanded ferry routes, and new tourism drives, the island is gearing up for a busy week. Authorities have stressed readiness, from extra airport staff to round-the-clock emergency services.