A controversy has erupted again after it was revealed that a merchant at the Incheon Soraepogu Fish Market, which had previously bowed its head amid disputes over 'crab substitution,' 'overcharging,' and 'water dumping,' verbally abused a customer.
A merchant at Incheon Soraepogu Fish Market speaking rudely to a customer asking about prices. [Photo by YouTube channel 'Ojisane']
On the 30th of last month, a video titled "This is the reality of Soraepogu Fish Market" was posted on the YouTube channel 'Ojisann.'
In the video, the YouTuber was walking around the traditional Soraepogu Fish Market with his wife, examining various seafood. When his wife asked a merchant about the price of flower crabs, the merchant told another merchant, "Switch places, you tell her," then said, "You’re just asking without buying anything."
Hearing this, the YouTuber asked his wife, "Was that directed at you?" and she replied, "Yes, it was directed at me. I asked how much per kilogram, and that’s when he spoke rudely to me."
The YouTuber expressed his displeasure in the video, saying, "What should we do with merchants like that? I was really angry, but the market situation forces customers to endure it. Merchants like that should be expelled from Soraepogu. There are many kind merchants, but the one earlier has quite a few issues." He added, "I had an unpleasant experience at Daemyeongpogu before, so I avoided traditional markets, but I came back because of rumors that flower crabs are very cheap here. As expected, it was unpleasant."
Soraepogu Apologizes with a Deep Bow, Promising to Eradicate Overcharging Controversies
Back in 2012, Soraepogu Fish Market was a representative tourist spot attracting 845 visitors, but it frequently came under fire due to some merchants’ overcharging, mixing products, and aggressive solicitation. In June, the controversy intensified when a story about being sold flower crabs without legs at the market spread online.
The merchants’ association, taking steps to resolve the issue, held a 'Customer Trust Self-Cleaning Meeting for Improving Soraepogu’s Image,' pledging to eradicate aggressive solicitation, mixing products, water dumping, and overcharging, even offering a deep bow in apology.
Traditional Markets Suffering Daily from Overcharging Controversies
This year, not only Soraepogu but other traditional markets have frequently been embroiled in controversies.
Gwangjang Market in Jongno-gu, considered a must-visit tourist spot in Seoul alongside Myeongdong among domestic and international tourists, has also been criticized for overcharging and unreasonable sales practices.
On the 16th, a famous travel YouTuber ordered a 15,000 won assorted jeon (Korean pancakes) at a vendor with two Vietnamese acquaintances, but the portion size was excessively small, sparking controversy on social media. The assorted jeon shown in the video released by the YouTuber was about 8 to 9 pieces, small enough for an adult to eat in just a few bites.
The merchant said, "The portion is small, so you need to order more," and the foreign customers looked bewildered, commenting, "It seems expensive because it’s a famous market."
The situation is no different in Jeonju Makgeolli Alley. The alley, which has greatly contributed to revitalizing the local economy by attracting many citizens and tourists, is losing its reputation due to a sharp decline in businesses.
Jeonju City Council member Han Seung-woo pointed out, "The cause of the decline in Makgeolli Alley is the excessive commercialization leading to price increases," adding, "Because of this, citizens are turning away, and even tourists only visit once."
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