Chinese tourists were restricted to a room after they were denied entry to the Jeju Island of South Korea. [File photo: Xinhua]

China has lodged a formal representation to the custom authority in Jeju, South Korea over the denial of entry to multiple Chinese tourists.

Lately, an increasing number of tourists from China reportedly have been stranded on the Island and have been restricted in rooms after being denied entry into South Korea.

A couple from Nantong, Jiangsu province told reporters that they were restricted in rooms at Jeju International Airport on February 16 to wait for a flight back to China and that some Chinese tourists in the rooms had been stranded there for 5 days.

The Consulate-general of China in Jeju requested that authorities in South Korea secure the lawful rights of Chinese tourists and arrange for them to return to China as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the consulate reminded potential Chinese tourists to Jeju Island to carefully read the requirements set by South Korean officials and to prepare accordingly. When met with unfair treatment or other conflicts, Chinese tourists were advised to collect evidence and contact the consulate for judicial solution.

The consulate also promised to closely watch the development of the incidents and provide necessary help for Chinese citizens.

This is not the first time that Chinese tourists to the Jeju Island were denied entry and restricted in rooms. During the national day holiday in 2016, hundreds of Chinese tourists met with the same problem. The Foreign Ministry of China in late October then released a statement on the official website of China Consulate Affaires, reminding Chinese tourists to Jeju Island of what was required of them during such a trip.

Jeju Island is the only destination in South Korea that doesn't require visas from Chinese tourists. However, customs authorities in South Korea have also other detailed terms that could prevent a Chinese tourist from entering the country, according to South Korean laws.