Amid controversy over overpriced charges at the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival held for the first time in four years, the event organizers issued an apology and promised to prevent recurrence.
The Yi Sun-sin Memorial Gunhangje Committee, which oversees the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, released a statement on the 30th saying, "Places that do not meet qualifications will be forcibly removed from the marketplace."
The committee apologized, saying, "We sincerely apologize for the recent criticism regarding the high prices and poor quality of food at the Gunhangje marketplace," and added, "During the remaining period, we will thoroughly guide and supervise all aspects of the marketplace food vendors, including food prices and quality, hygiene management, use of card terminals, and issuance of cash receipts."
Food items disclosed online by visitors of the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival. [Photo by Naver Blog Capture]
They continued, "Places that do not meet qualifications will face forced closure and removal, and will be permanently excluded from future participation," and also stated, "We will launch a campaign for fair pricing and clean food."
They further added, "We apologize once again for the inconvenience and complaints caused to tourists due to substandard food."
Earlier, a citizen posted on their blog photos of food they ate at the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, stating, "That barbecue costs a whopping 50,000 won. There is even a lot of cabbage underneath."
They continued, "Even though I expected to be overcharged, isn't this a bit too much?" and lamented, "The visual is shocking." They also said, "The pajeon (green onion pancake) costs 20,000 won. I could just make it at home," and added, "I bought tanghulu for the kids, which was 5,000 won each."
This post was shared across various online communities, sparking a flood of criticism toward the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival.
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