06 May '25

Tourist Scams Surge in South Korea: Overcharging and Poor Service Frustrate Visitors

Complaints from foreign tourists in South Korea jumped 71% last year, highlighting issues with shopping scams, taxi rip-offs, and more.

SEOUL – The allure of South Korea's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes is increasingly overshadowed by a growing wave of tourist complaints. According to a new report by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the number of grievances filed by foreign visitors surged by a staggering 71% last year. This surge underscores mounting frustration with overcharging, aggressive sales tactics, and inadequate service across various sectors.

One Japanese tourist's experience in a cosmetics store in Seoul exemplifies the problem. Pressured by staff, she purchased a face mask set only to discover it was significantly overpriced. A Singaporean traveler, who left their phone in a taxi, faced an exorbitant demand for its return. These incidents highlight the challenges faced by visitors navigating unfamiliar systems and, in many cases, being targeted for financial exploitation.

The KTO report details a total of 1,543 complaints filed by foreign tourists in 2024. While the number of visitors increased by 48% to 16.37 million, the rise in complaints far exceeded the growth in tourism. The report suggests a strong correlation between the surge in complaints and the increasing number of independent travelers, particularly from China, who are less reliant on tour operators and more vulnerable to unfair practices.

Shopping experiences accounted for 26% of the complaints, with 398 cases. Tourists cited issues such as price manipulation, missing price tags, and resistance to refunds, particularly in cosmetics shops. Taxi services followed closely, making up 20% of the complaints (309 cases). Visitors reported unnecessary detours, inflated fares, and instances of misconduct. Accommodation-related complaints, including issues with hygiene and unclear policies, also saw a significant rise, up 82% from the previous year.

While about two-thirds of the issues were resolved on the spot, often through refunds or direct negotiation, the KTO acknowledges that many visitors still filed formal complaints, indicating dissatisfaction with initial resolutions. In response, the KTO has announced plans to launch campaigns aimed at improving customer service and promoting fair pricing.

Other Versions

Justice • 08 Apr '25

A life in Taiwan

Tourist Scams Surge in South Korea: Overcharging and Poor Service Frustrate Visitors

Complaints from foreign tourists in South Korea jumped 71% last year, highlighting issues with shopping scams, taxi rip-offs, and more.

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