3-12-2024 (SEOUL) South Korean authorities have launched an investigation after 38 Vietnamese tourists vanished without trace on Jeju Island, raising concerns about potential illegal immigration.
The tourists were part of a larger group of 90 Vietnamese holidaymakers who arrived on the popular tourist destination aboard a chartered VietJet Air flight on 14 November. The disappearance came to light when the individuals failed to appear for their scheduled return flight, having broken away from their tour group at the final stop of their planned itinerary.
Jeju Island, which maintains a visa-free policy allowing foreign visitors to stay for up to 30 days, has become increasingly vigilant about such incidents. Immigration officials warn that the missing tourists will be classified as illegal immigrants if they remain on South Korean soil beyond 14 December.
Local authorities have initiated a comprehensive search operation, with immigration officers meticulously reviewing CCTV footage from across the island in an attempt to track the whereabouts of the missing visitors.
