The Chinese Consulate-General on the South Korean island of Jeju has recently "made representations" with Seoul on the issue of Chinese citizens being barred from entering Jeju, according to a statement on the Consulate website on Sunday.  

The Consulate said that it has communicated with relevant South Korean authorities after a recent rise in reports of Chinese citizens being denied entry to Jeju Island. The Consulate says it has asked South Korea to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, and arrange for the proper return of Chinese citizens who are denied entry into the territory.

The Consulate added that it will continue to pay close attention to such cases, and provide necessary assistance to all involved Chinese citizens.

According to a Beijing Times report, a couple from Nantong city in eastern China were held at Jeju airport and prevented from entering the island. Jeju immigration officials reportedly kept the couple with seven other Chinese tourists in a “small dark room” while they waited for flights to return to China, on the evening of February 16.

This is not the first time such incidents have been reported.

Last year, a couple surnamed Zhang who flew to the island on October 6 said they were rejected because they did not have letters showing their hotel reservation information. The couple said they joined other stranded Chinese tourists in the airport's holding room, where some had been waiting since October 2.

It is not known if South Korea is tightening its border controls because of growing concerns over the number of people remaining illegally in the country.

Jeju started letting Chinese tourists enter the island visa-free for up to 30 days in 2008.

Over 99 percent of the island’s nearly three million visitors since 2002 came from China, according to South Korean TV station Arirang.

The Consulate reminded Chinese citizens who wish to travel to Jeju to study the entry instructions provided by the Jeju Immigration Office and prepare relevant documents as required.

The statement noted that, in case of dispute or being unfairly treated, Chinese citizens can contact the Chinese Consulate in Jeju, and should collect evidence for possible future judicial settlements. 

Last Thursday, the Consulate stated it had lodged representations with South Korea, after media reported on images of duty-free packaging littered across Jeju airport. 

The garbage problem at Jeju airport has existed for a long time, with the Consulate saying there are many reasons behind it. South Korean media sought to link the excessive litter to Chinese tourists, a move that was called "very inappropriate" by the Consulate.