Warning Issued Over High Hotel Prices Ahead of BTS Concert in Busan

#. A hotel in Haeundae, Busan, demanded an additional payment of 500,000 won from a consumer who had booked a two-night stay during the BTS concert, claiming the original rate was below market value. Another establishment reportedly canceled a confirmed reservation made two months prior and resold the room to another customer.

As consumer complaints about additional charges and unilateral cancellations by hotels have increased ahead of the BTS concert in Busan, fair trade authorities have issued a warning.

On May 29, the Fair Trade Commission announced a 'Consumer Alert on Exorbitant Accommodation Fees' in collaboration with the Korea Consumer Agency and the Busan Consumer Association to prevent potential lodging-related consumer harm during the concert next month.

The commission explained that the surge in accommodation demand during the concert period raises the risk of additional charges and reservation cancellations.

According to the current public health management regulations, lodging businesses must adhere to posted rates, and consumers are not obligated to accept any additional charges after a reservation is confirmed.

The Fair Trade Commission and the Korea Consumer Agency advised consumers to keep photographic or screenshot records of the posted rates and reservation details and to verify any additional charges after booking. They emphasized that consumers should not comply with additional payment requests after the contract payment and should retain relevant documents such as confirmation letters.

In cases of unilateral cancellations or contract breaches by lodging providers, the commission informed consumers they could seek advice and remedies through the 1372 Consumer Counseling Center, the 1330 Tourism Information Center, and Consumer24.

The Fair Trade Commission and the Korea Consumer Agency conducted joint inspections of lodging establishments in Busan on May 13 and plan to carry out additional checks before and after the concert. They will also closely monitor whether unfair trading practices, such as collusion, occur during the price increase of accommodation fees during the BTS concert.

A Fair Trade Commission official stated, "If businesses share price information to collectively set accommodation rates or establish a price floor, it may constitute collusion under fair trade laws."

The official added, "We will strengthen monitoring against unfair practices, such as coercing consumers into purchasing bundled goods or services."