Uncovering Price Gouging: The Reality of Tourist Destinations and Markets

2023-11-25 13:16:03

Following Sorae Port, there was controversy over price gouging at Jongno Pocha. [사진 출처=연합뉴스, 온라인 커뮤니티]

Controversy over price gouging has continued this year. Damage occurred one following another in tourist destinations and festival venues, which are considered ‘hotbeds of rip-offs’, as well as in markets frequently visited by consumers.

Consumers also became angry, saying they might no longer afford to suffer. They are actively posting information regarding damage caused by price gouging to online communities. Organizers and markets involved in price gouging began to appease consumers.

In Incheon’s Sorae Port, which suffered a serious blow to its image due to ‘crab gourds’, merchants bowed down in apology and remorse.

Sorae Port was a place that received criticism instead of sympathy even when a serious controversy over price gouging broke out. Merchants also held midnight contests, but they were not able to completely ease consumers’ minds, and the controversy over price gouging subsided once once more.

Controversies over price gouging, which seemed to have subsided as the summer vacation season ended, have recently arisen one following another. This time it is Seoul. At Gwangjang Market, which is frequented by many foreign tourists, a plate of assorted pancakes, which seemed to cost only a few thousand won, was sold for 15,000 won, which seems exorbitant at first glance.

Even if they had reduced the quantity instead of raising the price due to inflation, it seemed very poor. This collection, which copied too much of corporate shrinkflation (shrink+inflation), was met with criticism. In the end, the business was suspended for 10 days.

I thought the assorted pancake situation would end well, but it happened once more. This is a food stall where ordinary people can relieve their daily fatigue at an affordable price.

An online community recently said, ‘This needs to be made public. A post and photo titled ‘The reality of food stalls in Jongno’ were posted.

Mr. A, who posted the post, ordered 20,000 won worth of Seokhwa following being told, ‘If you sit down, you must order two snacks.’ 7 petrified flowers came out. This is equivalent to 3,000 won per piece. He stuck out his tongue and said, “This is a price I have never seen in my life.”

What was more serious was the sanitary condition. They claimed that they put seasoning on it without washing it, and that every time they opened and closed the lid of the refrigerator where ingredients were stored, there was a stench that made them nauseous.

To make matters worse. Mr. A, who was paying following eating 3 stone coins, was even more upset when he saw the sign that said, “No credit cards!”

Next to the card rejection phrase, “NO CARD” was written kindly(?), as if many foreigners also visit this place.

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#criticized #burned #bowed #Sorae #Port #Gwangjang #Market #Jongro #Pocha #rip

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