Jeju Island, located in South Korea, is implementing digital visitor cards based on non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to transform its tourism sector.
Jeju is looking for ways to attract a younger audience, especially millennials and Gen Z, by offering exclusive benefits through blockchain technology. According to local news agency Yonhap, the island has launched an initiative that is part of a broader effort to modernize the tourist experience on the island and encourage repeat visits.
From 2025, tourists visiting Jeju will be able to get a «digital tourist residence card» linked to an NFT token on the blockchain. This card will serve as identification and offer exclusive benefits such as discounts at local attractions, access to events, and travel subsidies.
According to the media, the strategy of use NFTs It is designed to encourage tourism among young people, who are increasingly interested in digital and technological experiences.
Jeju, a pioneer in digital tourism with NFTs
Known for its hiking trails and resorts, Jeju is South Korea's first self-governing province, which has a unique legal framework that allows it to experiment with Innovative solutions such as the use of blockchain. In 2021, the island had already taken steps to move towards digitalisation, launching a blockchain-based application for contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It should be noted that the the implementation NFT cards represent a natural evolution on this path to modernization.
Local authorities have expressed their ambition to position Jeju as a leader in digital tourism, using advanced technology to enhance the visitor experience and ensure the island remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global tourism market.
Boosting tourism through technology and innovation
The digital cards will offer tourists an enriching experience by giving them access to exclusive discounts and a variety of benefits. In addition, they are designed to boost local economic development, encouraging commerce on the island. Visitors will be able to use these cards to: make purchases and access services, which will encourage local merchants to actively participate in this new digital economy.
But that's not all: these cards will also work as a loyalty tool, motivating tourists to return to Jeju regularly. With attractive incentives and a personalized experience, authorities are confident that the rate of repeat visits among young travelers will increase significantly.
Tourism innovation with NFT Cards to attract new generations
Despite the excitement surrounding this initiative, Jeju still faces significant challenges in implementing non-fungible tokens due to South Korea’s strict regulatory framework regarding cryptocurrencies and these digital assets. However, the local government is determined to overcome these limitations and use NFT cards as an effective tool to integrate blockchain technology into the tourism sector.
The launch of these digital cards marks a significant step forward in promoting Jeju as an innovative destination. By incentivizing visitors to spend at local businesses, this initiative will not only contribute to the region’s economic growth, but could also serve as a model for other areas looking to implement similar solutions.
Experts point out that by focusing on the practical applications of NFTs and blockchain technology, rather than the speculative trading associated with many of these tokens, Jeju is establishing itself as a positive example within the digital tourism sector. This strategy can position the island as a leader in the adoption of advanced technologies that benefit both tourists and the local community.
In short, the introduction of NFT-based tourist cards represents a bold step towards modernizing tourism in Jeju. This initiative has the potential to attract a younger audience through digital benefits and travel subsidies, and increase the number of visitors to the island, revitalizing its local economy and establishing itself as an emerging benchmark in the field of digital tourism.
In Japan, the Yamakoshi community has also launched a similar initiative, which relies on NFT tokens to finance the development and maintenance of the town.
