Yeosu Hotel Reignites Service Controversy After Providing Towel Labeled "Rag"

Guest Says, "I Only Realized After Wiping My Child... The Worst Experience"
Hotel Responds, "Towel Was Mixed Up During Laundry... Conducting a Thorough Review of Operations"

Controversy has arisen after it was revealed that a resort hotel in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, provided a towel labeled "rag" to a guest. Following the recent incident of unkind service at a well-known restaurant, another unfortunate event has occurred, prompting concerns that the image of Yeosu as a tourist city is at risk.

The word "rag" is clearly visible on the hotel towel used by the guest. Instagram capture

According to Yeosu City officials on August 6, an individual identified as A recently shared an unpleasant experience at a resort-style C Hotel in Yeosu on their social networking service (SNS). A stated, "I traveled all the way to Yeosu hoping to have a happy trip with my children," and added, "After using the hotel towel, I was shocked to see the word 'rag' written on it."

A said, "I had already wiped my child with the towel. That moment was the worst," and continued, "I raised the issue with the hotel in a rational manner, but all I received was an explanation that said, 'We are sorry, it seems the towels got mixed up during laundry.'" It is known that the room A stayed in was a high-priced suite, with a nightly rate of 400,000 won.

As the controversy grew, the hotel issued an official apology under the names of the CEO and staff. The hotel stated, "The inconvenience experienced by the guest is by no means a trivial matter, and we take it very seriously," and announced that they are implementing measures such as strengthening staff response training, revising the room inspection process and checklists, and improving the system for collecting customer feedback. The hotel added, "We believe a hotel should be more than just a place to stay; it should be part of the travel experience," and pledged, "We will use this incident as an opportunity to re-examine the basics and thoroughly improve our overall operations to prevent a recurrence." It was also reported that the general manager and CEO personally contacted A and promised to strengthen hygiene management, customer service systems, and staff training.

Online users have continued to share their unpleasant experiences at this hotel, with comments such as, "I also complained about a towel labeled 'rag' two years ago, but nothing has changed," and "Last year, I was shocked by the severe grime and mold in the swimming pool."

Previously in Yeosu, a well-known restaurant was criticized after it was revealed that staff had rushed and mistreated a travel YouTuber, telling them to "eat quickly." At that time, Yeosu City immediately issued an apology and promised to strengthen hospitality training for employees in the food and lodging industry.

However, with another service-related controversy erupting just days later, there are growing calls within the local community for more fundamental measures to restore tourists' trust.