That Street Vendor Selling Fish Cakes for 3,000 Won Each... Unlicensed Operation Exposed Amid Overcharging Controversy

Over 6 Million Views on YouTube
Gijang County Responds: "Reported for Operating Without a License"

As "overcharging" continues to be cited as a major factor damaging the image of tourist destinations and local areas, a new controversy has erupted in Busan over street fish cakes being sold for 3,000 won each. As the controversy spread, local authorities launched an inspection and reported the vendor in question for operating without a business license. On the 16th, a video titled "Busan Street Fish Cake Price. 3000 Won? Isn't That Too Much? Busan Fish Cake Overcharging Situation!" was uploaded on a YouTube channel.

On the 16th, a video titled "Busan Street Fish Cake Price. 3000 Won? Isn't That Too Much? Busan Fish Cake Overcharging Situation!" was uploaded on a YouTube channel. YouTube channel "Tukkabi"

In the video, the YouTuber asked the price of spicy fish cake at a street stall near Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and was told "3,000 won." The YouTuber then double-checked, asking, "How many? How many for that price?" When the vendor replied, "One for 3,000 won," the YouTuber responded, "Oh, really?" and walked away. A companion questioned, "Did you hear that right?" The YouTuber expressed disbelief, saying, "Isn't 3,000 won for one fish cake too much? If you eat four, that's 12,000 won." Later, in another video, the group went to Haeundae Market to check prices again. There, spicy fish cakes were being sold for 1,400 won, and at another stall, for 1,200 won. The video reportedly garnered millions of views.

As the controversy grew, Gijang County conducted an on-site inspection and, after confirming the vendor was operating without a license, filed a criminal complaint. Since June, Gijang County has reported 15 unlicensed vendors in the area to the police. However, Gijang County noted that it does not have the authority to regulate overcharging itself and plans to provide administrative guidance in the future. Local governments can only impose fines if prices are not displayed or are falsely indicated. A Gijang County official stated, "We have been regularly inspecting unlicensed vendors at the entrance to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and if violations are found again, we will file further complaints."