South Korea’s Jeju Islands to Leverage NFTs and Blockchain Technology to Attract Gen Z Tourists

Jeju Islands Embracing Web3 Innovations

South Korea’s popular tourist destination, Jeju Islands, is set to introduce NFT-based digital tourism resident cards in the second half of 2025, as reported by local media outlet Maeil Kyungjae. These cards, powered by an unspecified blockchain, will offer tourists exclusive benefits such as travel subsidies, membership perks, and discounts at local attractions.

Jeju Island has a rich history of embracing blockchain and cryptocurrency innovations to stimulate economic growth and establish itself as a web3 hub. The island launched the Blockchain Hub City Development Research Service in 2019, aiming to explore advanced blockchain applications. By 2021, it had expanded its initiatives across the public sector in areas such as traffic management systems and VAT refunds for foreign tourists.

Jeju Island’s Cashless Initiatives

In 2020, Jeju initiated efforts to become a cashless international city by introducing Tamna Jeon, a regional digital currency, and expanded these efforts in 2024 with plans to integrate cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Adding to the initiatives, Tamna Jeon will be used for travel subsidies through the new tourism card in a bid to stimulate local spending and support economic activity within Jeju Island.

Key benefits of the NFT-based tourism card include:

  • Documenting travel experiences, including visit locations, time, photos, and videos, on the underlying blockchain.
  • Offering exclusive benefits such as travel subsidies, membership perks, and discounts at local attractions.
  • Supporting local spending and economic activity within Jeju Island.

South Korea’s Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Adoption

The development comes amid a broader push to adopt blockchain and cryptocurrencies across South Korea. The nation has been actively investing in blockchain technology to enhance both the public and private sectors, complemented by a crypto-savvy population.

In recent months, South Korea has seen significant investments in blockchain support projects, including a 20 billion won (approximately $14.5 million) investment by the Ministry of Science and ICT, along with the Korea Internet & Security Agency. Additionally, web3 firm Dispread partnered with Ethereum layer 2 Arbitrum to foster the local blockchain developer ecosystem.

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