A Vietnamese individual who attempted to illegally leave Jeju after entering under the visa-free entry system has been caught.

On the morning of the 13th, a deer is finding food in the snow-covered pasture of Jung-sangan in Seogwipo City, Jeju, showcasing the sunny weather. /Courtesy of Yonhap News

On the 16th, the Jeju Coast Guard stated that they had discovered and were investigating 11 Vietnamese individuals and one South Korean accomplice for violating the Special Act on the Establishment of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Creation of International Free City (Jeju Special Act).

The 11 Vietnamese individuals consisted of 7 men and 4 women. They are suspected of trying to sneak away to Wando via a ship from Jeju Port 6th Dock, hiding in a 5-ton cargo truck on the evening of the 15th. It is reported that they entered Jeju with the intention of working in other regions of the country using the visa-free entry system.

The coast guard is investigating how the 11 Vietnamese individuals entered Jeju, including whether they came via cruise ships or aircraft.

Earlier, on the 3rd and 6th of January, four Chinese individuals who entered Jeju under the visa-free entry system were also apprehended after attempting to leave illegally. Jeju is implementing a visa-free entry system that allows foreigners to stay for up to 30 days without a visa to revitalize the tourism industry. Foreigners entering under the visa-free entry system can stay in Jeju for up to a month but are not allowed to move to regions outside of Jeju.