"No 70,000 Won Snack Bags"…Jeju Island Calms Angry Public Sentiment

Jeju Provincial Council Member Han Dong-su Introduces Amendment Bill
"Measures to Stabilize Tourism Prices and Promote Regional Coexistence"

The Jeju Provincial Council has proposed an amendment to stabilize tourism prices ahead of the summer vacation season.

As domestic tourism and local festivals, which had been subdued due to COVID-19, resume, controversies over 'overcharging' have been continuously arising at famous domestic tourist spots and festivals.

On the 9th, Jeju Provincial Council member Han Dongsu officially proposed the "Partial Amendment to the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Fair Tourism Promotion and Support Ordinance" to stabilize tourism prices and improve public morals within Jeju.

[Image source=Pixabay]

Member Han pointed out, "There have been four major cases of overcharging controversies this year," adding, "These include the Nutrition Wild Vegetable Festival, where old-fashioned snacks were sold at 70,000 won per bag on a variety show, as well as the Gyeongnam Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, Jeonbuk Namwon Chunhyangje Festival, and Jeonnam Hampyeong Butterfly Festival, where overcharging controversies have spread nationwide."

In Jeju, it is being analyzed that the demand for overseas travel is replacing the demand for travel to Jeju following the declaration of the COVID-19 endemic. Therefore, concerns have been raised that this controversy could put Jeju at a greater disadvantage in the competition to attract tourists compared to overseas destinations.

Member Han explained that to prevent and curb the spread of overcharging controversies, the amendment includes legal grounds for investigating the actual prices at tourist sites in Jeju, stabilizing prices, and improving public morals.

He stated, "There are some misunderstandings about Jeju tourism prices, so it is necessary to quickly block the spread of overcharging controversies to Jeju," and added, "We will continue to prepare additional legislative measures to stabilize tourism prices and promote coexistence with local merchants."

Even Amidst 'Overcharging' Noise, Difficult to Take Strong Measures... "Self-Regulation Needed"

Earlier, on the 4th, the KBS 2TV variety show '1 Night 2 Days' featured cast members visiting the traditional market in Yeongyang, Gyeongbuk, purchasing food items. They visited an old-fashioned snack shop, tasted the snacks, and bought a total of three bags, one per person. The price for one bag of snacks was 70,000 won, totaling 210,000 won.

The vendor reduced the price to 140,000 won but could not avoid criticism. Subsequently, Yeongyang County and the vendor issued direct apologies.

At the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, Hampyeong Butterfly Festival, and Namwon Chunhyangje Festival mentioned by Member Han, there were also controversies over 'overcharging,' such as poor-quality food being served at high prices or charging 10,000 won for a bowl of fish cake soup, causing public uproar.

However, under current law, lodging and food service industries apply a voluntary pricing system, making it difficult to eradicate overcharging without self-regulation by tourism businesses, a point that continues to be raised.