
Jiqi, an autonomous province in South Korea, reportedly incorporates the technology of the Indestructible Token (NFTS) into its tourism strategy. According to a new report from South Korean publication Maeil Kyungjae (MK), authorities on the island are launching an NFT-backed program to boost tourism. The report said they plan to introduce NFT-powered digital visitor cards starting in 2025 to provide cardholders with exclusive benefits during their stay.
Key details of Jeju Island’s upcoming digital visitors NFTS
According to a report by South Korean publication Maeil Kyungjae (MK), Jeju Island plans to issue an NFT-based visitor card in the second half of 2025, leveraging the capabilities of blockchain technology. These digital cards will provide discounts for tourists, membership allowances for popular attractions, and travel subsidies for domestic tourists.
Although the specific blockchain platforms for these cards have not been disclosed, they will enable visitors to safely record their travel details such as locations, photos and videos on relevant platforms. Data stored on the card will remain tamper-proof, providing a secure and personalized experience.
The program aims to attract tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z travelers, aiming to promote tourism to the autonomous island, the report said. Prior to full release, the cards are said to be pilot tested, although details about pricing, availability and other details are still in the package.
The History of Jeju Island and the History of Web3
The plan to launch an NFT-powered Visitor Card is not Jeju Island’s first foray into Web3 Exploration. In 2019, a project announced by Jeju Island on August 13, 2019 began researching blockchain solutions as part of the Global Blockchain City Creation Research Service, with a reported budget of 170 million krw ( About Rs 1 million). The program is designed to help the public experience blockchain technology.
In 2022, the island also outlines plans to launch a blockchain-based energy use platform to track residents’ energy saving and spending activities in the distributed ledger. With a history of providing blockchain-based public service solutions, Jeju Island introduces NFT Visitor Cards is another step in its ongoing blockchain technology exploration. South Korea’s jobs in Web3
South Korea is actively formulating regulations for the rapidly growing digital asset industry. Reports in June and July 2024 show that South Korean regulators classify NFTs as virtual assets, similar to cryptocurrencies. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) notes that since NFTs can be regarded as a payment method as their basic financial value, they should be considered as virtual assets.
The country has expressed strong interest in expanding to the Web3 field, including Metaverse. In 2022, South Korea announced plans to invest more than US$177 million (about Rs 137.2 billion) in the Yuan project, aiming to create jobs in the field.
Although South Korea allows cryptocurrency transactions, communications must comply with your customer (KYC) regulations. Cryptocurrencies are not considered fiat currency. As of December 2024, the report shows that South Korea’s crypto user base has exceeded 15 million.