This study was conducted to investigate the influencing relationship between environmental perception, a paradigm newly applied to the field of tourism in the post-COVID-19 age, and eco-friendly tourist attitude and eco-tourism behavioral intention. The survey was carried out to adults aged 20 or higher in Gwangju and Jeonnam areas from October 15, 2023 to November 1, 2023. A total of 230 questionnaire copies were distributed, and from these, 209 copies excluding 21 questionnaires with high missing values or inappropriateness were used for empirical analysis. As a result of the study, environment-centered people of environmental perception showed a significant positive (+) influence on eco-friendly tourist attitude and eco-tourism. While the balance of environmental perception showed a significant positive (+) influence on eco-friendly tourist attitude, it did not indicate a significant influence on eco-tourism behavioral intention. Anthropocentrism of environmental perception did not show a significant negative (-) influence on eco-friendly tourist attitude and eco-tourism behavioral intention. Lastly, environmental perception indicated a significant positive (+) influence on eco-tourism behavior. Through this study, the two propositions of environmental protection and tourism should be realized simultaneously by improving eco-friendly tourist attitude and eco-tourism behavioral intention with people’s increased environment-centered perception. Also, directions to achieve harmonized coexistence of humans and ecosystems should be sought through sustainable tourism and efforts should be made for the sake of the natural environment for later generations of mankind.