Jeju Island deaths: Is it safe for tourists to visit? Flights and safety explained

Jeju Island remains open to tourists despite a wave of concern following the discovery of four bodies in three days and a growing police scandal over the handling of missing-person cases.

The developments have put the popular South Korean holiday destination under an uncomfortable spotlight, particularly after authorities arrested a police officer accused of improperly closing missing-person investigations. The cases are now being reviewed as questions grow over whether failures within the police force delayed searches for people who were ultimately found dead.

Despite the headlines and speculation circulating online, there has been no official decision to close Jeju to tourists, suspend tourism or impose a travel ban. Flights continue to operate, tourism businesses remain open and visitors are still travelling to the island.

For travellers wondering whether they should proceed with an upcoming holiday, the key question is whether the current situation represents a direct threat to tourists or an ongoing criminal investigation that has attracted widespread attention.

What is happening on Jeju Island?

The current controversy centres on four people who had previously been reported missing and were found dead between August 22 and 24.

Among them was 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, who had reportedly been missing for more than three months. Her body was discovered around 500 metres from the accommodation where she had been staying.

Another victim, a man in his 60s, had been reported missing on June 28. His family was reportedly told that he had been located safely but did not want to reveal his whereabouts. His body was found about 50 days after he disappeared.

A fourth person, aged in their 70s, was found by a fisherman, while another body was discovered near a valley in Aewol-eup, Jeju City.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths are still being investigated. Authorities have not established that the four deaths are connected, nor has evidence been made public showing that tourists were specifically targeted.

The discovery of the bodies, however, prompted scrutiny of how the missing-person reports had been handled.

Why has the Jeju police force come under scrutiny?

The investigation has expanded after 35-year-old police officer Bu was arrested on suspicion of dereliction of duty, falsifying electronic records and obstructing official duties.

Bu has denied the allegations.

Police are examining whether he improperly closed missing-person cases after claiming that he had contacted some of those reported missing. Investigators have reportedly been unable to find evidence supporting some of those claimed contacts.

In Jang's case, Bu allegedly told her boyfriend that he had spoken to her by phone and that she did not want to speak with him. Jang was later found dead on a palm tree farm and is believed to have died by suicide.

The officer also reportedly told the family of the man in his 60s that their relative was safe but did not wish to disclose his location.

Authorities are now reviewing all 298 missing-person cases handled by Bu since he joined the relevant team.

Four senior officers at Jeju Seobu police station have also been suspended while the National Police Agency investigates whether proper supervision was provided.

Jeju police chief apologises

The scandal has prompted a public apology from Ko Pyeong-ki, chief of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Police Agency.

Speaking at a public meeting on Thursday, Ko said, (koreajoongangdaily):

“I sincerely apologise to the two individuals who were unable to reunite with their families and to their bereaved families.

“I feel a profound sense of responsibility as the police chief in charge of public safety on Jeju.”

Ko has pledged to reinvestigate missing-person cases across the island and introduce additional safeguards to prevent similar failures.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has also criticised the situation, describing the breakdown in police discipline and responsibility over public safety as a serious problem.

The president said, “The recent breakdown in police discipline and irresponsibility in public safety matters have become a serious problem.

“Police are likely to wield the greatest power among state institutions,” adding that the public questioned whether the force could bear the responsibility.

“Responsibility must be strengthened in proportion ⁠to the size of the authority.”

Is Jeju Island closed to tourists?

No. Jeju Island has not been closed to tourists.

There is currently no official tourism shutdown, travel ban or blanket restriction preventing visitors from entering the island because of the deaths.

Hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses continue to operate. The island's tourism infrastructure remains active and visitors with existing bookings have not been instructed by authorities to cancel their trips.

Reports of travellers cancelling or reconsidering holidays are individual decisions and should not be confused with an official suspension of tourism.

Jeju remains one of South Korea's best-known tourist destinations, and there has been no announcement of a date on which tourism is expected to resume because tourism has not been formally halted.

Are flights to Jeju still operating?

Yes. Flights to and from Jeju continue to operate.

Jeju International Airport remains operational, with domestic and international services continuing to be scheduled. Airlines serving the island are also continuing to publish flight schedules.

Travellers should nevertheless check directly with their airline before departure because flight times and services can change for reasons unrelated to the current investigation, including operational or weather-related issues.

For passengers with existing bookings, the current situation does not require them to wait for a formal “travel resumption” announcement.

There is no such resumption date because flights have not been officially suspended.

Is it safe to travel to Jeju Island?

The answer requires some nuance.

The deaths and police investigation are serious developments, but authorities have not issued a blanket warning advising tourists to stay away from Jeju.

There is also currently no publicly established evidence that the four deaths form part of a coordinated attack on visitors or that tourists are being specifically targeted.

The investigation is instead focused on the circumstances of the deaths, the missing-person reports and alleged failures within the police system.

That does not mean travellers should ignore the situation. Anyone visiting Jeju should stay alert to official updates, follow normal personal-safety precautions and check for any changes to local guidance before and during their trip.

Travellers should also avoid treating unverified claims circulating on social media as established facts.

What are the rumours about a serial killer?

The unusual timing of the discoveries and the police scandal have fuelled speculation online.

Some social media users have suggested that Bu could have been involved in the deaths, with one Reddit commenter writing:

“Plot Twist. Officer Bu is the serial killer.”

Another user said, “I wouldn't be surprised if Officer Bu turned out to be a serial killer.”

Others have raised theories involving human trafficking or an alleged wider conspiracy.

However, these claims remain unsubstantiated online theories. There is currently no publicly released evidence establishing that Bu participated in the deaths, human trafficking or an organised criminal network.

There are also alternative explanations being discussed online, including the possibility that the officer was overwhelmed, careless or improperly closing cases to reduce his workload.

The sheer number of cases handled by Bu has itself become a major focus of public concern.

His previous disciplinary history has also resurfaced. Police reportedly received a domestic-violence-related complaint involving him in 2023, after which he received a warning following an internal review. He was also investigated after allegedly entering a women's toilet at his police station on July 22, 2026, and was removed from duty on August 11.

None of those developments, however, establishes a connection between him and the four deaths.

What has Jeju authorities said about tourist safety?

Jeju Province has pushed back against what it described as exaggerated interpretations and unverified claims spreading online.

The provincial government has urged people to, “refrain from spreading content that incites anxiety about Jeju’s safety."

The authorities said, “We express deep regret that unverified facts and exaggerated interpretations are being circulated in some media outlets and on social media regarding the recent regrettable police response to the missing person case.

"We are making every effort to ensure the safety of residents and tourists, and we will do our utmost to make Jeju even safer."

The statement comes as concerns over the cases have begun affecting perceptions of the island among prospective visitors.

What should travellers do before visiting Jeju?

For those who still plan to travel, there is currently no official requirement to cancel a holiday solely because of the missing-person investigation.

However, travellers should take a few sensible precautions.

Check your airline's latest flight status before leaving for the airport and monitor official South Korean government and local authority updates. Those with accommodation bookings should also confirm that their reservations remain unaffected.

Visitors should follow ordinary travel-safety measures, particularly when exploring remote areas, hiking routes or unfamiliar parts of the island. Travellers should keep their phones charged, share their itinerary with someone they trust and avoid isolated areas after dark where possible.

Most importantly, travellers should distinguish between confirmed developments and speculation online.