Overcrowded local attractions criticized for poor customer service and exorbitant pricing during busy times
In recent times, popular tourist destinations across South Korea, such as Yeosu, Sokcho, Gangneung, Chuncheon, and Hongcheon, have been facing renewed criticism from visitors due to issues with customer service, uncleanliness, and inflated lodging prices [3].
These problems have extended beyond these specific locations, with consumer complaints related to travel, such as bookings through online travel agencies (OTAs), surging significantly. Reports of disruptions, inaccurate information, last-minute cancellations and fees, and poor refund responses have reflected growing dissatisfaction with online intermediaries managing accommodations and travel services [1].
One such incident took place at a seafood stall in Sokcho's Dongmyeong Port Squid Market, where a solo diner was pressured to eat quickly [4]. In a separate incident, a restaurant in Yeosu's Gyo-dong was caught reusing leftover food and ordered to close for 15 days [5].
Lodging costs in these popular destinations have soared during peak season. Weekend peak-season rates for a four-person room for one night have reached 1 million won for pensions and 2 million won for hotels in Gangwon Province [6]. Some motels in Gangwon Province are charging 400,000 won, more than triple off-season prices [2]. Lodging costs in Gangneung, Chuncheon, and Hongcheon have also seen a significant increase during peak season.
Critics warn that without addressing service culture and pricing abuses, Gangwon Province risks damaging its reputation among both domestic and international travelers. A provincial official stated that they cannot regulate room rates but are running a consumer complaint program and looking at broader industry reforms [7].
In a separate development, Seoul has launched a crackdown on illegal taxi practices, including overcharging and refusing short trips, to protect tourists around major attractions [2]. However, these efforts are more indicative of urban problems rather than specific to the mentioned regions in question.
In response to the incidents, the restaurant in Sokcho issued a public apology and temporarily closed [4]. The customer in question had ordered two portions and had been at the restaurant for only 20 minutes [4].
References:
- Korea Times
- Yonhap News
- Korea Herald
- Korea JoongAng Daily
- The Korea Times
- Chosun Ilbo
- Korea JoongAng Daily
The escalating consumer dissatisfaction extends beyond travel services in specific locations, encompassing issues with personal-finance matters related to online travel agencies (OTAs). Reports of disruptions, inaccurate information, last-minute cancellations and fees, and poor refund responses reflect growing discontent with these intermediaries in managing accommodations and travel services.
Moreover, the surge in lifestyle costs, notably home-and-garden and personal-finance aspects, is notable in popular tourist destinations like Gangwon Province, where lodging costs during peak season have skyrocketed, causing concerns about the region's reputation among both domestic and international travelers.
