Busan Sashimi Restaurant Charged 70,000 Won for "Market Price" Sea Cucumber Plate... Caught by Local Authorities

Jung-gu Cracks Down on Missing Price Tags... Fines Imposed
Even "Market Price" Items Must Display Daily Rates

A sashimi restaurant in Busan, which recently sparked controversy for selling a plate of sea cucumber for 70,000 won, has been caught by local authorities for failing to properly display product prices.

The controversy began online when it was revealed that a well-known sashimi restaurant near Jagalchi Market in Busan sold a plate of sea cucumber for 70,000 won. At the time, a customer ordered sea cucumber, which was marked as "market price" on the menu. During checkout, the owner charged 70,000 won for just two to three sea cucumbers, which drew outrage from internet users.

70,000 Won Worth of Sea Cucumber (Left) and Receipt Involved in Overcharging Controversy. In addition to the 86,000 Won for Two Sashimi Rice Bowls, 70,000 Won for Sashimi Was Charged Separately. Screenshot from Online Community

As the controversy spread, Jung-gu district officials conducted an on-site inspection that day. Local governments can impose fines if product prices are not displayed or are falsely indicated. Jung-gu found that the restaurant had failed to properly post prices not only for sea cucumber but also for sea squirt and octopus, and issued a corrective order. According to current regulations, even if an item is listed as "market price," the owner is required to inform customers of the day's actual price.

Jung-gu also confirmed that both the owner and employees at the restaurant had expired health certificates, and fined them a total of 600,000 won for violating the Food Sanitation Act. A Jung-gu official explained, "If additional cases of failing to display price tags are found, the establishment will be suspended for seven days. If the health certificates are not renewed, even heavier fines will be imposed."

As overcharging controversies have continued at major domestic tourist destinations, the government has also begun to take action. On this day, President Lee Jaemyung ordered the government to devise measures to crack down on overcharging at major tourist spots across the country. Previously, controversy arose when a street vendor near Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan sold a single fish cake for 3,000 won, and in Jeju Island and Ulleung Island, some restaurants were criticized by consumers for selling pork belly with an excessive amount of fat.