With Social Distancing Raised to Level 4... Consumer Complaints for 'Hotels and Pensions' Up 309%

Consumer Agency's Analysis Results of Consumer Consultations from Last Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] # Mr. A booked a pension last month but requested a cancellation when social distancing was raised to level 4. However, the pension owner refused a refund, stating that only date changes were possible.

As social distancing was strengthened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer consultations related to accommodation reservation cancellations have surged.

On the 20th, the Korea Consumer Agency and the Korea Consumer Organization Council announced that an analysis of consumer consultations received by the 1372 Consumer Counseling Center last month showed that consultations related to 'various accommodation facilities' reached 1,486 cases, a 309.4% increase compared to the previous month. Consultations related to 'hotels and pensions' were 1,439 cases, up 271.8%.

The Consumer Agency categorizes consumer consultations by accommodation type into 'hotels and pensions' and 'various accommodation facilities,' which include resorts, pool villas, motels, etc. Among consultations related to various accommodation facilities, 61.3%, and among hotel and pension consultations, 57.8% were related to contract cancellations.

Meanwhile, among all consultations last month, those related to similar investment advisory services were the highest at 2,393 cases, followed by air conditioners (1,680 cases) and mobile phone services (1,634 cases).