A festive holiday to Jeju Island turned into a distressing ordeal for Indian travel vlogger Sachin Awasthi and his wife when they were denied entry at the island’s immigration, held in what he described as “jail-like” conditions, and eventually sent back, triggering a travel advisory from the Indian Embassy in Seoul.
Jeju Island, a scenic South Korean destination known for its natural beauty and frequent appearance in K-dramas, allows many nationalities visa-free entry under a visa waiver scheme. But recent events have highlighted that this facility does not guarantee admission, even if travellers meet basic requirements.
What Happened to Sachin Awasthi and His Wife
In late December, Awasthi and his wife arrived at Jeju Island expecting to enjoy a holiday. Despite holding a return ticket, confirmed hotel bookings, travel insurance, and funds, essentials for a smooth trip, they encountered trouble first at an airline check-in in Bangkok. Awasthi claims airline staff demanded large amounts of cash instead of bank statements to prove financial readiness.
After boarding, they reached Jeju, where immigration officials took their passports, fingerprints, and transferred them to a holding area. Awasthi said the rejection notice cited their “purpose of stay was not clear.”
In social media posts after returning to India, he described the detention conditions as “similar to a jail with no sunlight & no access to outside,” where they were provided basic provisions. On their return journey via China, he claimed further restricted movement, limited food and water, and monitored bathroom use. “They did not have any right to treat us like CRIMINALS,” he wrote.
Embassy Issues Jeju Travel Advisory for Indian Tourists
Following widespread attention to the vlogger’s experience, the Indian Embassy in Seoul issued an advisory urging Indian travellers planning to visit Jeju Island to carry a comprehensive set of documents and be prepared for immigration scrutiny.
The advisory reminded travellers that visa waiver entry is strictly for short-term tourism, and final admission is at the discretion of South Korean immigration authorities at Jeju International Airport. It also clarified that visa-free entry into Jeju does not allow travel to mainland South Korea, and attempting to do so without a valid visa can lead to penalties or future travel bans.
Known for its volcanic landscapes, beaches, and K-drama fame, Jeju Island has become a dream destination for Indian travellers. However, recent incidents involving Indian tourists have highlighted that reaching Jeju is not just about booking flights—it also requires careful planning and documentation.
If you are planning a trip, here is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to reach Jeju Island, along with important immigration rules you must know.
Where Is Jeju Island and Why Is It Different?
Jeju Island is a self-governing province of South Korea, located south of the mainland. Unlike the rest of South Korea, Jeju operates a limited visa-waiver programme for tourists from several countries, including India.
This visa waiver allows short stays only on Jeju Island and does not permit travel to mainland South Korea.
Can Indians Fly Directly to Jeju Island?
Currently, there are no direct flights from India to Jeju Island. Indian travellers must reach Jeju through international transit hubs or via South Korea’s mainland.
Documents Travellers Must Carry to Avoid Entry Issues
The Indian Embassy listed documents that should ideally be presented in printed form to avoid misunderstandings:
- Confirmed return air ticket
- Hotel reservations covering the entire stay
- Detailed, day-wise travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements, cards, or forex)
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Contact details of accommodation
The advisory warns that travellers who cannot clearly explain their plans or financial readiness may face the risk of being denied entry. Immigration officers may interview visitors to verify their intentions and capacity to fund their stay.
Why Jeju Entry Sometimes Faces Scrutiny Despite Visa Waiver
Jeju Island’s visa-free policy has made it a popular destination, but it is not a blanket guarantee of entry for all travellers eligible under the waiver. Authorities have increased scrutiny because some visitors previously tried to enter the mainland without appropriate visas after reaching Jeju.
Experts note that Jeju is a self-governing province with unique administrative powers and that immigration officials retain the right to refuse entry if they feel documentation is insufficient or travel purposes are unclear.
Tourism Surge and Rising Awareness of Rules
Jeju’s popularity has grown significantly due to its portrayal in Korean dramas and Instagrammable scenery, drawing increasing numbers of tourists from around the world looking to explore its landscapes and culture. However, incidents like the vlogger’s have fuelled discussions about the real conditions of visa-free entry.
The embassy’s advisory aims not to discourage travel but to ensure that Indian tourists are fully informed and prepared before departure. Clear documentation and a solid understanding of the island’s immigration requirements can help avoid unexpected refusals at the gate.
Plan Well Before You Travel
While Jeju Island remains an attractive destination for travellers and remains visa-free for many nationalities, India’s recent travel advisory underscores that immigration officials have full discretion over entry decisions. Carrying all required documents, understanding the rules, and demonstrating clear travel intentions can greatly reduce the risk of denial.
Awasthi’s experience serves as a reminder that visa waiver entry is not a travel guarantee, and being well-prepared is essential when visiting special administrative regions like Jeju.
