The local authorities of Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest and most popular tourist destination, are reportedly planning to launch NFT-based digital tourism resident cards in late 2025.
According to local media outlet Maeil Kyungjae, the move is part of an effort to attract Gen Z tourists, drive economic growth and position the island as a blockchain and Web3 innovation hub.
The NFT-based tourism cards, built on an undisclosed blockchain, will offer exclusive benefits such as travel subsidies, membership perks, and discounts at local attractions. These features are designed to boost local spending and economic activity while enriching the tourist experience. The cards will also allow users to document their travel experiences—such as visit locations, timestamps, photos, and videos—securely stored on the blockchain.
Trial operations for the cards are scheduled for late 2025, with full-scale implementation to follow soon after.
Jeju Island has a strong history of adopting blockchain and cryptocurrency innovations. In 2019, the island’s government launched the Blockchain Hub City Development Research Service to explore blockchain applications. By 2020, it introduced Tamna Jeon, a regional digital currency and announced plans to integrate cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, into its economy, all of which is part of its goal to become a cashless international city. Local government officials reportedly held discussions in March 2024 on using NFTs in tourism, focusing on applications in museums, restaurants, and even the fishing industry.
The new initiative will build on these efforts as Tamna Jeon will be integrated into the cards.
Meanwhile, this move reflects a broader push for blockchain and cryptocurrency integration in South Korea. Recently, Eun-bo Jeong, Chairman of the South Korea Exchange, advocated for institutionalizing cryptocurrencies and introducing crypto ETFs to revitalize the nation’s financial markets. Jeong emphasized the importance of alternative assets like ETFs in attracting investors, especially following the recent political instability and the resulting market sell-offs and disruptions.
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