‘Absolutely Unacceptable’: South Korean President Warns Against Overcharging, Rudeness Toward Tourists

Last Updated:January 18, 2026, 18:04 IST

Lee Jae-myung condemned overcharging and rude treatment of tourists in South Korea, urging ministries to act.

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South Korean political leader Lee Jae-myung on Sunday said that overcharging and rude behaviour towards tourists were “absolutely unacceptable," stressing that such practices harm the country’s tourism sector and economic growth.

In a social media post, Lee said inbound foreign tourism plays a key role in national economic development, while domestic tourism is crucial for strengthening local economies.

He added that all ministries and government agencies would step up efforts to eliminate overcharging and discourteous behaviour, calling them fatal to sustainable tourism development.

Myung’s post comes amid criticism from several quarters regarding overcharging by taxi drivers, complaints about rude behaviour, poor hygiene, and inflated prices resurface during the peak summer travel season.

With large numbers of domestic and foreign tourists visiting coastal cities and major urban centres, long-standing problems in the tourism sector have drawn renewed public attention.

According to The Korea Herald, one such incident occurred in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, where a restaurant faced widespread backlash after a female YouTuber shared a video of her experience in August 2025.

The footage showed the restaurant owner scolding her for dining alone and asking her to eat quickly. When the customer decided to leave midway through her meal, the owner reportedly told her to “just leave" and escorted her out.

The YouTuber later said she had been at the restaurant for only 20 minutes and had ordered two portions of food.

The video quickly went viral, prompting public outrage. The restaurant issued an apology and temporarily shut down operations.

A follow-up inspection by the city’s food hygiene department revealed sanitary violations, leading to a fine of 500,000 won, The Korea Herald reported.

Concerns over unfair treatment of tourists have also extended to transportation services. In response to mounting complaints, the Seoul metropolitan government announced a 100-day special crackdown on taxi drivers accused of mistreating overseas visitors.

The drive targets illegal practices such as overcharging, demanding tips, refusing short-distance rides and other behaviour that has long frustrated foreign tourists trying to hail taxis in the capital.

News world ‘Absolutely Unacceptable’: South Korean President Warns Against Overcharging, Rudeness Toward Tourists

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