Another Hygiene Scandal Just a Day After Tourism Self-Purification Pledge
Urgent Need to Restore Trust Ahead of Next Year's Island Expo
Just one day after pledging to improve tourism services in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, another restaurant in the city has become embroiled in a hygiene controversy. This time, public criticism has intensified after it was discovered that side dishes left by customers were being reused.
Food and lodging industry representatives in Yeosu held a "Kindness Practice Resolution Rally" in front of Yeosu City Hall, expressing their determination to restore the image of the city as a tourist destination. Photo by Yeosu City
According to Yeosu City on August 8, a citizen reported that leftover food was being reused at a restaurant located in Gyodong, Yeosu. The video submitted to the city by the informant reportedly shows a man, believed to be a restaurant employee, transferring side dishes left by customers back into a communal container.
A city official stated that authorities immediately visited the site to inspect hygiene conditions. Upon confirming evidence of food reuse, the city announced it is considering administrative actions such as business suspension, as well as criminal charges for violations of the Food Sanitation Act.
This incident occurred just one day after Yeosu City and local food and lodging industry workers held a self-purification resolution rally in response to a series of tourism service controversies, once again raising concerns about damage to the city's reputation.
A netizen found a towel labeled "geolle" (rag) in a hotel room in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do. Instagram capture
Previously in Yeosu, a well-known hotel faced criticism after providing a guest with a towel labeled "geolle" (rag). The guest shared on social media, "I was shocked after using the towel to wipe my child and then seeing the writing. Just thinking about where that rag might have been used is horrifying." This hotel is considered a luxury accommodation in Yeosu, with a nightly rate of up to 400,000 won for the room in question.
Before that, a famous restaurant in the city was at the center of controversy when a travel YouTuber dining alone recorded staff telling them to "eat quickly and leave," highlighting poor customer service. Although Yeosu City issued an official apology at the time and promised to strengthen service training, it continues to face criticism due to recurring hygiene issues.
With the world's first "World Island Expo" scheduled to take place in Yeosu in September next year, the city is making every effort to improve services and attract both domestic and international tourists. So far, nine countries?including the Philippines, Greece, and France?have confirmed their participation, and discussions are underway with more than 20 other countries, including the United States and Thailand.
A Yeosu City official acknowledged, "Restoring trust in local services is urgent ahead of the Island Expo," and added, "We are preparing measures covering pricing, hygiene, and all aspects of customer service."
The previous day, around 200 representatives from Yeosu City, the Hygiene Association Council, and the local food and lodging industry held a "Kindness Practice Resolution Rally" in front of Yeosu City Hall, reaffirming their determination to restore the city's image as a tourist destination.
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