"Won Hee-ryong Expresses Anger at Lodging Businesses Raising Prices to 300,000 Won per Night Amid Heavy Rain"

"Will Actively Propose Measures and Damage Compensation"

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong strongly criticized some lodging businesses for significantly raising room prices amid the traffic chaos caused by heavy rain on the way home./Photo by Former Minister Won's Facebook capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong strongly criticized some lodging businesses for significantly raising room prices above normal during the recent heavy rain in the Seoul metropolitan area, which caused a traffic chaos during the evening commute.

On the 10th, Minister Won posted on his Facebook, regarding the motel fees listed on lodging platforms during the record-breaking heavy rain on the 8th, stating, "I am outraged by the behavior of trying to make money by exploiting others' difficulties."

A photo captured from a lodging platform posted by Minister Won shows that the one-night stay fees at motels on that day ranged from 250,000 to 300,000 KRW.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong strongly criticized some lodging establishments for significantly raising room prices amid the heavy rain causing traffic chaos during the commute home.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, these prices have been pointed out as so-called "price gouging," being higher than the usual market rates. In fact, a motel near Yeoksam Station that was available for 250,000 KRW on the 8th had its most expensive room priced at 90,000 KRW on the 10th.

Regarding this, Minister Won stated, "I will actively propose to the relevant ministries to prepare measures to prevent recurrence and provide compensation for damages."