According to local media outlet Maeil Kyungjae, NFT-based digital tourism residence cards are expected to be introduced in the second half of 2025.

These cards will offer many privileges such as travel subsidies, membership benefits and discounts on local attractions. It is stated that the cards will be supported by a blockchain infrastructure that has not yet been specified.

Jeju Island continues to make various innovations to stimulate economic growth and become a hub in the field of blockchain technology. Launched in 2019, the Blockchain Central City Development Research Service aimed to explore advanced blockchain applications.

These studies were moved to the public sector in 2021 and began to be used in areas such as traffic management systems and VAT refunds for foreign tourists.

In 2020, the island took a significant step towards becoming a cashless international city by introducing a regional digital currency called Tamna Jeon. In 2024, he took this initiative even further by planning the integration of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

The new NFT-based tourism card aims to offer travel subsidies using Tamna Jeon and aims to boost the local economy.

These cards will also allow tourists to record their travel experiences on the blockchain. Visited places, time information, photos and videos can be stored with blockchain technology. Trial operations are planned to begin in the second half of 2025, followed by full-scale implementation.

Jeju Island’s innovative steps in the field of blockchain stand out as part of efforts to adopt blockchain and cryptocurrencies across South Korea.

South Korea is making significant investments in blockchain technology to develop both the public and private sectors. The fact that the country has a population that is curious about technology and has crypto knowledge plays an important role in the success of these initiatives.

In 2024, web3 firm Dispread accelerated its efforts to strengthen the local blockchain developer ecosystem by partnering with Ethereum layer 2 solution Arbitrum.

In the same year, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korean Internet and Security Agency announced that approximately 20 billion won ($14.5 million) would be invested in blockchain support projects.

South Korea’s leadership ambitions in the blockchain field are not limited to Jeju Island. In 2023, the country’s second largest city, Busan, announced plans to develop a public blockchain network compatible with major platforms such as Ethereum and Cosmos. This move comes as part of the vision to turn the city into a blockchain hub.

Jeju Island’s innovative NFT-based tourism card initiative has the potential to increase the impact of blockchain technology on the tourism industry.

Such initiatives position Jeju as South Korea’s leading blockchain destination, while providing great benefits for both tourists and the local economy.