Jinhae Gunhangje Overcharging Widespread
Proper Crackdown Not Implemented
As controversies over price gouging at local festivals continue to erupt, the Gunhangje Festival held in Jinhae, Gyeongnam, is also facing backlash over similar issues.
On the 27th, Gyeongnam MBC reported that at the food market of the Gunhangje Festival, the largest cherry blossom festival in the country, so-called "price gouging" was rampant, with food being sold differently from the actual photos. When reporters visited the food market, the menu item "6 skewered fish cakes" priced at 10,000 won was actually being sold as only 2 skewered fish cakes. There was a difference of 4 pieces between the menu description and the actual serving.
When the reporters asked, "Isn't it 6 skewers?" a store owner, Mr. A, explained, "The menu and the actual serving are different," adding, "The skewers are not long with one piece on them; we use expensive fish cakes, so the price is higher."
However, the amount agreed upon between the Gunhangje organizers and the merchants was 10,000 won for 6 fish cakes. The organizers' recommendations were not properly followed. Unregistered food stalls were also actively operating, and some menu items were sold at prices higher than the appropriate prices set by Changwon City.
The media also pointed out the inadequacy of administrative crackdowns. Officials who conducted on-site inspections checked the menus and asked food stall operators for their opinions, but they did not directly verify whether the food was served in the quantities specified by the standards. Most menu items did not have set standards such as weight.
Recognizing the controversy, Changwon City apologized and stated, "We will strengthen guidance for price-gouging businesses and permanently expel any caught vendors from the Gunhangje Festival," pledging to work on countermeasures.
Netizens who learned of the incident responded with comments such as "The reason I don't go to local festivals," "Good merchants get blamed because of those kinds of vendors," "The merchants' association should crack down on price gouging to stop it," and "Even after all the controversy, price gouging still happens."
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