On the news that the group BTS will hold a free concert to pray for the ‘Busan Expo’ with 100,000 people in Busan on October 15th, it is said that the price of accommodation in nearby Busan has surged nearly 10 times before and after the performance period, among fans. Complaints are pouring in. The city of Busan was aware of the problem, but said that since it is a private sector, guidance will be limited to the recommended level.
On the 28th, many online communities posted a number of articles saying that some lodging establishments in Busan raised prices nearly 10 times higher than usual, or that some establishments unilaterally canceled reservations and raised prices to make new reservations.
The accommodation in Gijang-gun, Busan, which was disclosed by a netizen, cost more than 10 million won for two nights, and it was 7.5 million won with a 25% discount. As of September, not during this period, the rate for 2 nights at this hotel on weekdays is about 300,000 won. It is about 33 times higher than usual.
The site of Hankook Glass in Ilgwang-myeon, Gijang-gun, where the performance will be held, is 38 km from Gimhae Airport, 35 km from Busan Station where KTX is available, and 51 km from Ulsan Station. There are many fans who have to stay overnight in Busan on the day of the performance, but the complaints from fans who are unable to find a place to sleep are continuing due to the overexploitation of lodging facilities.
Fans strongly criticized them, saying, “Are accommodations in Busan only open on this day?”, “True no-nonsense (those who have no tomorrow),” “Busan’s image is falling,” and “I hope that the Busan Expo will not be held.”
In addition, some people said, “The accommodation near Gijang was canceled unilaterally and the price was raised five times and then sold again. Does it make sense at 3.5 million won per night?” “The accommodation was forcibly canceled because it was ‘Korean'” There was also an argument that the reservations of existing reservations were canceled and the price was raised and sold again.
In the end, some fans are considering either finding accommodation in Ulsan or Changwon, or renting a bus and staying overnight.
In response, the city of Busan announced that it would go ahead with guidance, but it is known that this is a recommendation and that it is not possible to take compulsory measures to the private sector.
Shin Hyun-bo, reporter at Hankyung.com greaterfool@hankyung.com