Signs of Accommodation Price Increase in Wonju Area on the 29th
Wonju City Launches Intensive Inspections Targeting Lodging Businesses
Singer PSY is set to hold his 'Hmphok Show' concert in Wonju, Gangwon Province, but reports have emerged expressing concerns over some local accommodations raising their room rates on the day of the concert, potentially leading to price gouging.
On the 27th, Gangwon Ilbo reported that ahead of PSY's Hmphok Show at Wonju Sports Complex on the 29th, some nearby lodging establishments increased their room rates above the usual weekend average. Additionally, some businesses have blocked reservations through lodging apps and are only accepting bookings via phone.
The performance of singer Psy's 'Hmphbok Show' held at the Jamsil Sports Complex Main Stadium Photo by Yonhap News
According to the report, Motel A located in Dangu-dong, Wonju, raised its weekend average room rate from 120,000 KRW to 170,000 KRW on the day of PSY's concert. Motel B in Dangye-dong, which normally charged 100,000 KRW on weekends, also increased its rate to 150,000 KRW for that day.
Previously, when PSY held a concert in Wonju last year, there was controversy over price gouging by some lodging businesses. The concert ended at 11 PM, and many attendees visiting Wonju for the event used local accommodations. Some establishments charged more than double the usual rates, drawing criticism for severely damaging the region's image.
In response, Wonju City announced that on the 28th, it will conduct focused inspections of lodging businesses near the event venue, prohibit excessive price increases, and distribute notices outlining compliance requirements under the Public Health Control Act. Administrative guidance and sanctions will be imposed if violations occur.
Furthermore, Wonju City plans to provide transportation for attendees on the concert day, the 29th. Additional city buses will be deployed to coincide with the concert's end time, and taxis will be dispatched in greater numbers.
A city official told Gangwon Ilbo, "We will strive to eradicate price gouging through on-site guidance and inspections of lodging businesses."
Meanwhile, PSY's Hmphok Show will take place in nine cities nationwide from the 29th in Wonju through August 24th. As ticket scalping at prices higher than face value surged, PSY posted on his Instagram on the 19th, urging, "Please thoroughly ignore premium pricing, reselling, and resellers exploiting loopholes in current laws. I will make sure to release canceled tickets on Interpark the day before cancellation fees apply. Please purchase tickets at the proper price through this method."
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