South Korea’s Jeju Islands to introduce NFT tourism cards with perks

South Korea’s crypto-friendly Jeju Islands plans to use non-fungible tokens to attract Gen Z tourists.

According to local media, Maeil Kyungjae, the popular South Korean tourist destination, will introduce NFT-based digital tourism resident cards in the second half of 2025. The cards, powered by an unspecified blockchain, will reportedly offer tourists exclusive benefits such as travel subsidies, membership perks, and discounts at local attractions.

Jeju Island has a rich history of embracing blockchain and cryptocurrency innovations to stimulate economic growth and establish itself as a web3 hub. 

In 2019, the island launched the Blockchain Hub City Development Research Service, aiming to explore advanced blockchain applications. By 2021, it had expanded its initiatives across the public sector in areas such as traffic management systems and VAT refunds for foreign tourists.

In 2020, Jeju initiated efforts to become a cashless international city by introducing Tamna Jeon, a regional digital currency, and expanded these efforts in 2024 with plans to integrate cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Adding to the initiatives, Tamna Jeon will be used for travel subsidies through the new tourism card in a bid to stimulate local spending and support economic activity within Jeju Island. 

Meanwhile, tourists using the NFT-based tourism card will be able to document their travel experiences, including visit locations, time, photos, and videos, on the underlying blockchain.

Trial operations for the tourism card are set to begin in the second half of 2025 before its full-scale implementation.

The development comes amid a broader push to adopt blockchain and cryptocurrencies across South Korea. The nation has been actively investing in blockchain technology to enhance both the public and private sectors, complemented by a crypto-savvy population.

On Feb. 29, 2024, web3 firm Dispread partnered with Ethereum layer 2 Arbitrum to foster the local blockchain developer ecosystem.  

Subsequently, in June, the Ministry of Science and ICT, along with the Korea Internet & Security Agency, announced a 20 billion won (approximately $14.5 million) investment in blockchain support projects.

In 2023, Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, disclosed plans to become a leading blockchain city by developing a public blockchain network compatible with major platforms like Ethereum and Cosmos.