[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] As the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases surged, consumer consultations related to hotel and pension reservation cancellations also increased last month.
The Korea Consumer Agency announced on the 18th that, based on big data analysis conducted with the Korea Consumer Organization Council, consultations received at the Consumer Counseling Center related to hotels and pensions increased by 13.3% compared to the previous month.
Most consultations were about refund issues concerning cancellation penalties when canceling pension reservations due to self-quarantine caused by COVID-19 infection.
In addition, consultations related to 'water purifier rental' (11.8%) and 'photography' (8.9%) also increased.
There were numerous cases where consumers requested contract termination without penalty due to defects in water purifiers, and consultations demanding contract termination after being charged excessive amounts under the pretext of makeup and frame provision following free event photography.
By age group, people in their 30s accounted for the highest number of consultations with 11,016 cases (28.4%), followed by those in their 40s with 10,528 cases (27.1%), and those in their 50s with 7,571 cases (19.5%).
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