Jeju Island to Launch NFT Cards to Attract Young Tourists in 2025
Jeju Island, a subtropical region in South Korea, is planning to introduce NFT-powered visitor cards in 2025 to attract younger, tech-savvy tourists. These digital cards will offer discounts and travel subsidies for visitors.
The island has been exploring the use of cryptocurrency since 2018 but faced challenges due to South Korea's strict rules on ICOs and NFTs. Now, Jeju officials are pushing for change.
The main goal of the project is to appeal to Millennials and Gen Z, encouraging them to visit Jeju and come back in the future. The NFT cards will be launched later in 2025, starting with a pilot program for domestic visitors.
Jeju also plans to link its NFT project to a local cryptocurrency called Tamna Jeon, which was introduced in 2019 to support the local economy. Tamna Jeon is used for rechargeable prepaid cards that offer benefits to both merchants and customers.
The digital tourism cards for domestic tourists will provide various benefits like travel subsidies, memberships, and discounts on local attractions. These subsidies will be paid in the island's local currency.
Jeju's Governor Oh Young-hoon has said, "This year, we are focusing on digital transformation, with Web3 as a core part. NFTs will be used in many areas of the government, marking a step forward."
While South Korea has strict regulations on NFTs in areas like gaming, Jeju Island is using them to boost tourism and the local economy.
