(C) Medium

JEJU ISLAND – The Jeju Provincial Autonomous Police announced on Tuesday that they have uncovered a significant number of unregistered accommodation facilities charging up to 380,000 KRW (approx. $290 USD) per night. These establishments, often operating under the guise of "short-term rentals," have raised serious concerns regarding tourist safety and fair market competition.

Surge in Illegal Operations
According to official data, the autonomous police apprehended 46 illegal lodging facilities between January and late December 2025. This marks a nearly twofold increase compared to the 27 cases recorded during the same period last year.

The crackdown intensified during the peak summer months (July to September), revealing that many operators were exploiting popular tourism hubs like Aewol-eup. While some charged a modest 100,000 KRW per night, others demanded premium rates of 380,000 KRW, rivaling luxury hotel prices.

The "Short-Term Rental" Loophole
Investigators found that violators frequently used online platforms to market their properties as "short-term leases" for stays ranging from six days to a month. However, the investigation revealed these claims were merely a front.

"Operators provided bedding, toiletries, and regular cleaning services, which legally classifies them as lodging businesses rather than rental properties," an official stated.
The financial scale of these illegal operations is substantial:

Company A: Operated two buildings in Jeju City and Seogwipo for nearly five years, amassing 85 million KRW in illicit profits.
Company B: Managed two buildings in Aewol for just 10 months but raked in 97 million KRW by targeting high-end travelers.

Hidden Risks for Travelers
Authorities warned that these unregistered facilities pose significant risks to visitors. Because they are not officially registered, they bypass mandatory hygiene inspections and fire safety audits.

"In the event of an accident or fire, guests at these facilities find it nearly impossible to receive insurance compensation," explained Park Sang-hyun, head of the Tourism Police Division. "Furthermore, because these are framed as 'lease agreements,' legal liability for damages is often unfairly shifted onto the guests."

Zero-Tolerance Policy
The Jeju Provincial Autonomous Police plan to strengthen monitoring of large-scale facilities and townhouses that have previously been flagged. Moving forward, the police will apply a "zero-tolerance principle" against repeat offenders to protect public health and the integrity of Jeju’s tourism industry.