The burden of booking fees for theatergoers is set to increase.
According to a notice from NOL Ticket's operator, NOL Universe, the booking fees will change starting at 9 a.m. on November 16. The online booking fee for general performances, including concerts and musicals, will rise from 2,000 won to 3,000 won, an increase of 1,000 won. For plays, the fee will increase from 1,000 won to 1,500 won.
If two tickets for general performances are booked, the total fee will increase from 4,000 won to 6,000 won. For four tickets, the booking fee alone will amount to 12,000 won, separate from the ticket prices.
This increase applies only to performances and plays. The booking fee for sports events will remain at 1,000 won, and the fee for exhibitions will continue to be free. The customer service phone booking fee will also remain unchanged at 3,000 won for performances, plays, and sports.
After the increase, NOL Ticket's booking fees for general performances will be higher than those of other major booking platforms. Currently, Ticketlink and YES24 Ticket charge 2,000 won for online concert and musical bookings, and 1,000 won for plays. NOL Ticket's fees will be 1,000 won and 500 won higher, respectively.
NOL Ticket's predecessor, Interpark Ticket, also raised its booking fees in 2023. At that time, Interpark Ticket doubled its online booking fee for general performances from 1,000 won to 2,000 won, and for plays from 500 won to 1,000 won, citing rising labor and system maintenance costs. With this new increase, the online booking fee for general performances will have tripled compared to before the 2023 increase.
NOL explained that the fee change is intended to provide a more stable booking environment and service. However, the notice did not specify the exact reasons for the cost increase or any plans for service improvements.
Meanwhile, in response to the fee increase, NOL will offer temporary discount benefits. From November 16 to 30, customers will receive one coupon each worth 2,000 won and 1,000 won for online performance and play bookings. Each account can download the coupon pack once, and it cannot be used for sports, exhibitions, or customer service phone bookings.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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