South Korea Joins Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and India in the Overtourism Struggle: Balancing Tourism Growth and Sustainability in Asia by 2025

In 2025, South Korea joins the ranks of Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and India as countries grappling with overtourism in Asia. These nations are struggling to balance the rapid growth of tourism with the need for sustainable development. As tourist numbers soar, popular destinations face overcrowding, environmental damage, and strained infrastructure. While tourism plays a crucial role in boosting economies, the consequences of unmanaged growth are becoming increasingly evident.

South Korea, like its counterparts, is now confronting the challenge of preserving its cultural heritage and natural beauty while managing the overwhelming influx of visitors. Each country faces unique challenges, but all share the pressing need for better policies and innovative solutions to manage tourism sustainably. In this article, we will explore how these countries are responding to overtourism and what steps they are taking to protect their resources for future generations.

South Korea: Crowded Streets and Cultural Strain

South Korea, one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations, is feeling the strain of excessive tourism in 2025. While the country’s cultural heritage and modern attractions continue to draw tourists from around the world, certain areas are struggling with overcrowding. One of the most iconic examples is Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional neighbourhood famous for its narrow alleyways and historical significance. With the number of tourists far outnumbering local residents, the government has had to step in and impose strict access restrictions, including curfews and zoning controls, to preserve the area’s integrity.

The situation on Jeju Island is equally concerning. This popular destination is known for its beautiful landscapes and volcanic parks, but increasing tourist numbers have led to complaints of misconduct and overcrowding. In response, authorities have introduced multilingual behaviour guidelines and fines for tourists who repeatedly break the rules. These actions are part of a broader strategy to manage visitor behaviour and reduce the negative impact of mass tourism.

Public studies and academic research also highlight that South Korea’s other key tourist hotspots, such as heritage sites and forest trails, are facing similar issues. The country is beginning to realise that simply promoting tourism is no longer a sustainable strategy. Instead, it must develop management policies that balance growth with preservation. South Korea is now focusing on controlling the number of visitors in certain areas, ensuring that tourism benefits both the economy and local communities without causing long-term damage.

Malaysia: The Tipping Point for Overcrowded Islands

Malaysia, a country known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and bustling cities, is also facing overtourism in 2025. Although the country has not yet reached the extreme levels of tourism overload seen in some other destinations, there are clear signs that certain areas are approaching their limits. The island of Semporna in Sabah, for example, is witnessing a rapid increase in tourist numbers. While the Malaysian government has not officially declared the situation as overtourism, the director of tourism in Semporna has warned of early signs of risk. The fragile marine and island ecosystems in this region are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of mass tourism.

As tourist numbers rise, Malaysia’s islands are beginning to show signs of overcrowding. This is not just a concern for the environment but also for the local economy and culture. Many small island communities depend on tourism for their livelihood, but when the balance is upset by too many visitors, the experience for both locals and tourists can suffer. The Malaysian government is increasingly aware of these issues and is working to develop more sustainable tourism practices. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to prevent long-term damage to the country’s most popular destinations.

Japan: A Shift from Mass Tourism to Sustainable Growth

Japan has long been one of Asia’s top tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors every year. In 2024, the country saw nearly 37 million foreign visitors, with spending reaching over ¥8.1 trillion. However, the rapid growth of tourism has resulted in overcrowding in key cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. In 2025, the Japanese government is starting to acknowledge that mass tourism is no longer a sustainable model. The government’s Basic Policies for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2025” includes measures to prevent and curb overtourism, focusing on better distribution of tourists across the country and enhancing regional infrastructure.

The issue of overtourism is most visible in the cultural hotspots of Kyoto and Tokyo, where tourists flock to famous temples, parks, and shopping districts. In these cities, local infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the increasing demand for services. Japan is now moving towards a new tourism strategy that promotes sustainable growth. The government is encouraging regional tourism to reduce the pressure on popular sites, with an emphasis on improving transportation networks to facilitate access to less crowded areas. Japan is also making efforts to create a more balanced tourism experience that prioritises quality over quantity. This shift is crucial for preserving Japan’s unique cultural heritage and ensuring that tourism continues to benefit the economy without damaging the environment or local communities.

Indonesia: Bali’s Struggle with Too Many Tourists

Bali, Indonesia’s most famous island, is a textbook case of overtourism. In recent years, the island has seen an explosion in tourism, driven by its tropical beaches, vibrant culture, and affordable prices. However, the rapid growth of visitors has raised serious concerns about the impact on the environment, local culture, and infrastructure. Bali has become so saturated that the Indonesian government has implemented a moratorium on new hotel, villa, and nightclub developments in certain areas. The aim is to curb overdevelopment and manage tourism growth more effectively.

The government of Indonesia has also started emphasising the need for sustainable tourism, which includes striking a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. Initiatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia have focused on promoting more balanced development in tourism, with an emphasis on creative economy projects that bring economic benefits without overwhelming the local communities.

Bali’s overtourism problem is a warning to other destinations in Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian region. While tourism is a significant economic driver, too many visitors, too quickly, can lead to long-term damage to both the environment and the social fabric of local communities. Indonesia is slowly shifting its focus from mass tourism to more sustainable models, but much work remains to be done to ensure that Bali’s beauty and culture are preserved for future generations.

India: Managing Growth Amid Rising Tourist Numbers

India, with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Asia. The country’s Ministry of Tourism has been working to improve infrastructure, ease visa requirements, and enhance the overall tourist experience. However, India has yet to address overtourism in a structured way. The government has not set clear visitor caps or implemented measures to manage tourist numbers in popular destinations like Agra, Rajasthan, or Kerala.

Despite these challenges, India’s tourism industry continues to grow. The focus is primarily on boosting the country’s international tourist arrivals. However, without proper management, the pressure on infrastructure, natural resources, and local communities could intensify. While the Indian government has taken steps to improve tourism infrastructure, it has yet to focus on the specific issue of overtourism. India needs to start addressing this issue before it reaches critical levels, to ensure that tourism growth is sustainable in the long term.

The Future of Overtourism in Asia

Overtourism is one of the most pressing issues facing the tourism industry in Asia today. As tourist numbers continue to rise, governments in countries like South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and India are beginning to take notice. The solution to overtourism is not as simple as limiting visitor numbers or shutting down popular sites. Instead, it requires a holistic approach that balances the needs of tourists, local communities, and the environment.

In the coming years, we can expect more countries to implement measures to manage tourism growth more effectively. Regional tourism, sustainable development, better infrastructure, and the promotion of responsible tourism are all key components of the solution. By taking proactive steps now, Asia can continue to be one of the world’s most exciting tourist destinations while ensuring that it remains a place where local communities thrive and natural resources are preserved for future generations.

The post South Korea Joins Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and India in the Overtourism Struggle: Balancing Tourism Growth and Sustainability in Asia by 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.