China warns against use of social media to promote gambling in Jeju
Consulate urges South Korean regulators to curb unlicensed agents on social platforms
Key Takeaways
- China’s consulate general in Jeju issued a warning on 30 October 2026 about unlicensed agents using Chinese social media to solicit Chinese tourists to gamble in Jeju.
- The consulate reiterated China’s "zero tolerance" and said organising or soliciting Chinese citizens to gamble abroad is a crime under Chinese law.
- The consulate said nearly 1.9 million visitors from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan travelled to Jeju in 2025.
- Jeju Tourism Organization data show 980,804 visitors from mainland China, 196,378 from Taiwan and 57,813 from Japan in the seven months to 31 July, with respective year-on-year changes of 4.2%, 67.1% and 57.2%.
China’s consulate general in Jeju, South Korea, warned on 30 October 2026 that "unlicensed agents" are using Chinese social media platforms to promote Chinese citizens to gamble at Jeju casinos restricted to foreigners. The consulate issued the statement in Chinese and Korean and reiterated China’s "zero tolerance" for soliciting or organising Chinese citizens to gamble abroad, saying such conduct is a crime under Chinese law.
Consulate warning
The statement, released by a consulate spokesperson and published in the local newspaper Jemin Ilbo, said it has received "reports and complaints" from Chinese tourists about unlicensed agents using Chinese social media platforms to send private messages and lure them to gambling on Jeju Island. The text said:
"We have often received reports and complaints from Chinese tourists that there are unlicensed agents using Chinese social media platforms to solicit Chinese tourists for gambling in Jeju Island via private messages. We firmly oppose this [practice]," the consulate said.
The consulate urged South Korean authorities to "earnestly fulfil their regulatory responsibilities and strictly regulate casino operations, eliminate gambling activities targeting Chinese tourists, and maintain Jeju's good image as a 'peace island' and 'tourism capital'." The note also emphasised the contribution of Chinese tourism to Jeju and the intensification of exchanges between the two sides.
Visitor figures and request to South Korea
The consulate cited that in 2025 "nearly 1.9 million" visitors from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan travelled to Jeju. According to data from Jeju Tourism Organization, in the seven months to 31 July this year the three largest source markets were mainland China (980,804); Taiwan (196,378); and Japan (57,813). In that period, arrivals from China grew 4.2% year-on-year; Taiwan rose 67.1%; and Japan increased 57.2%.
The consulate asked relevant South Korean departments to focus on the long-term development of Jeju’s tourism sector and bilateral relations, and to regulate casino operations to eliminate solicitation practices targeting Chinese tourists. For regulatory details and administrative obligations, operators can consult the [regulation](/regulation) section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Chinese consulate in Jeju say about social media use?
The consulate said on 30 October 2026 it has received reports of unlicensed agents using Chinese social media platforms to solicit Chinese tourists to gamble in Jeju and stated it firmly opposes that practice, calling it a crime under Chinese law.
What visitor figures did the consulate provide about Chinese tourism to Jeju?
The consulate cited that nearly 1.9 million visitors from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan travelled to Jeju in 2025; Jeju Tourism Organization data show 980,804 arrivals from mainland China in the seven months to 31 July this year.
What measures did China request of South Korean authorities?
China asked South Korean departments to fulfil their regulatory responsibilities, strictly regulate casino operations, eliminate solicitation activities targeting Chinese tourists, and safeguard Jeju's image as a 'peace island' and 'tourism capital'.
Tags
About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
More from Miguel Sandoval
