Core Viewpoint - Jeju Island has become a popular destination for workers from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai due to its convenient flights, low prices, and proximity, transforming it into a commercial hub centered around Chinese tourists [17][18][28]. Group 1: Tourism Dynamics - The majority of tourists in Jeju Island are Chinese, with over 70% communicating in Chinese [5][7]. - Jeju Island's Myth World theme park is heavily influenced by Chinese investment and caters to Chinese tourists' preferences for entertainment and shopping [6][29]. - The influx of Jiangsu and Zhejiang tourists has created a vibrant commercial ecosystem in Jeju, with local businesses adapting to meet their needs [7][29]. Group 2: Accessibility and Pricing - There are 35 direct flight routes from China to Jeju Island, with 370 weekly flights, making it highly accessible [19][20]. - The cost of flights to Jeju Island is significantly lower than domestic travel options, with round-trip tickets often priced between 500 to 800 RMB, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers [24][28]. - The flight duration from Shanghai to Jeju is approximately 2 hours, which is comparable to the time spent traveling to local airports during peak traffic [25][26]. Group 3: Policy Implications - The South Korean government is considering extending visa exemptions for Chinese tourists, which could further boost tourism from this demographic [29][30]. - The goal for South Korea is to attract 5.36 million Chinese tourists by 2025, aiming to recover from the economic downturn post-pandemic [30]. - The potential for individual tourist visa exemptions could lead to a significant increase in Chinese visitors, reshaping the tourism landscape in Jeju Island [32][33].