Recent developments on Jeju Island have raised concerns regarding public safety and economic stability. The discovery of drugs in tea wrappers along the coast has prompted an investigation by the Jeju Coast Guard, marking the 18th such incident since last year. This alarming trend not only poses risks to the local community but also impacts the island’s reputation as a tourist destination.

Investigation into Drug Discoveries

The Coast Guard confirmed that the substance found was ketamine, a powerful anesthetic often misused as a recreational drug. Authorities have urged the public to report any similar packaging-type objects found on the coast, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in addressing this issue. A maritime police official stated, “If you find similar packaging-type objects on the coast, please do not contact them directly and immediately report them to the maritime police.” This proactive approach aims to mitigate further risks associated with drug trafficking.

Economic Implications of Let’sRun Park Seoul Relocation

In a separate but equally significant development, the Korea Racing Authority (KRA) faces the daunting task of relocating Let’sRun Park Seoul, the nation’s largest horse racing park, which has been operational since 1989. The park generated an estimated 1.2 trillion won ($820 million) in ticket sales last year and accounts for 20 percent of the KRA’s total revenue. The relocation is projected to cost over 3 trillion won, raising questions about the financial feasibility of such a move.

Community Concerns Over Relocation

KRA Vice Chairman Bang Se-kwon expressed frustration over the relocation directive, stating, “They [the central government] just told us to move. Where are we supposed to go? They haven’t provided any alternative.” This sentiment reflects the anxiety among stakeholders regarding the future of the park and its economic contributions to the region.

Support for the Relocation Initiative

Despite the challenges, there is some support for the relocation initiative. Rep. Song Ok-joo has pledged to assist by offering special incentives, such as tax exemptions and subsidies, to facilitate the transition. However, the exact new location for Let’sRun Park Seoul has not been decided, and how the relocation costs will be financed remains unclear. Details remain unconfirmed.

Positive Trends in Tourism

On a more positive note, Lotte Tourism Development has seen a rise in its stock price target, reflecting confidence in the tourism sector on Jeju Island. DS Investment & Securities raised the target stock price from 30,000 won to 33,000 won, citing a year-on-year growth in casino sales for 12 consecutive months. The expected net profit for Lotte Tourism Development next year is projected to increase by 113.2% year-on-year to 79.1 billion won, indicating a robust recovery in tourism despite the challenges posed by recent events.

As Jeju Island navigates these complex issues, the interplay between public safety concerns and economic development will be crucial in shaping the island’s future. Stakeholders remain hopeful that effective measures can be implemented to address both the drug-related incidents and the challenges of relocating Let’sRun Park Seoul, ensuring the continued growth and safety of this vital region.

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Jeju Island is experiencing significant challenges as the enrollment in its international schools has declined sharply, from 4,868 students in 2023 to just 4,133 in 2025. This drop has led to a decrease in the enrollment rate from 90 percent to 71.7 percent, raising concerns about the sustainability of these educational institutions and their impact on local communities.

The decline in student numbers comes amidst a broader context where the population of Daejeong-eup, the area hosting these schools, has grown from around 17,000 in 2010 to 21,600 in 2025. Despite this growth, the number of regional communities at risk of extinction has nearly doubled, from 61 in 2010 to 119 in 2023, indicating a troubling trend in rural sustainability.

Jeju’s international schools have absorbed education spending worth 1.42 trillion won since 2011, which might have otherwise been spent on overseas education. However, the recent downturn in enrollment raises questions about the long-term viability of these institutions, especially in light of competition from approximately 130 unaccredited international schools operating in Korea, which collectively enroll around 26,000 students.

In response to these challenges, Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun has pledged expanded support for international schools, emphasizing the need for policy measures to establish the Global Education City as a hub for residential education services. “We will review various policy measures so that the Global Education City can establish itself as a global hub for residential education services,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Jeju SK coach Sergio Costa expressed concerns over recent incidents of racism, calling them “unacceptable,” which adds another layer of complexity to the social environment surrounding the island’s educational landscape. Costa remarked on his satisfaction with the atmosphere at the Jeju World Cup Stadium during the K-League season, highlighting the community’s engagement with local sports.

As Jeju prepares for its upcoming match against FC Anyang on March 8, 2026, the local sports scene remains vibrant, yet the educational sector faces pressing issues. The central government has been urged to engage in consultations regarding international schools with a broader perspective, as noted by Kim Jin-tae.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term sustainability of Jeju’s international schools due to declining enrollment and competition from unaccredited schools. The impact of these schools on local population dynamics is also uncertain, as they may not attract sufficient students in remote areas.

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