15% Surge in Condo Fees Over the Past Year... "Hidden Charges" Warning Ahead of Chuseok Holiday [Jumoney Talk]

Accommodation Costs Soar Ahead of the Golden Holiday
Extra Charges for Reducing Standard Occupancy
Consumers Turn to Overseas Travel

Editor's NoteWe are living in a time when a single serving of pork belly costs 20,000 won and a bowl of Jajangmyeon is 7,500 won. The 2024 Consumer Price Index stands at 114.18 (2020=100), and in 2025, the persistent high inflation continues to increase the burden on consumers. Through the "Jumoney Talk" (Week+Money+Talk) series, we aim to share stories about consumption closely tied to our wallets, as prices fluctuate constantly.

With the Chuseok holiday approaching, domestic accommodation costs have risen significantly compared to last year, further increasing the burden on travelers. During the holiday period, peak season rates are generally applied, and some accommodations are adding various "hidden" extra charges, leading to growing consumer dissatisfaction.

Double-digit Increase in Condo Usage Fees This Year... Greater Burden on Consumers

According to Statistics Korea, the consumer price index for condo usage fees last month was 173.07 (2020=100), a 15% increase compared to the same month last year. Condo usage fees have continued to show double-digit increases this year, with particularly high rates in January (20.4%) and May (20.3%), both exceeding 20%. This marks the largest increase since February 2018 (27.1%).

As accommodation prices rise overall, the gap between peak and off-peak season rates is also significant. The Korea Consumer Agency surveyed prices at 347 accommodations listed on booking platforms last year and found that during the summer vacation season (July-August), motel rates increased by up to 196%, pensions by 111%, and hotels by 192% compared to the off-peak season. With this year's Chuseok holiday being up to 10 days long, a price hike similar to the peak season is expected.

Additional Charges for Hot Water, Barbecue Use, and More... Extra Fees Collected On-Site

Tourists pulling suitcases at the airport bus stop. Photo by Asia Economy Database

In addition to rising accommodation costs, the "hidden fee" practices of some lodgings are fueling consumer complaints. Some accommodations intentionally set a low standard occupancy regardless of room size or capacity to make prices appear cheaper, then charge additional fees on-site for extra guests. For example, at a pension in Jeju, even though up to eight people could stay, the standard occupancy was set at two, and an extra charge of 20,000 won per additional person was imposed.

Earlier this month, an online post by a user who visited a pension in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, sparked controversy. User A was looking for a place for seven people and booked a pension for 699,000 won. However, upon arrival, it turned out that this price was based on two guests. The room had five beds, but the standard occupancy was set at two, so A's group had to pay an additional 150,000 won (30,000 won per person for the other five guests). On top of that, there was an extra charge of 20,000 won per table for using the electric barbecue grill, bringing the total payment to 889,000 won. A commented, "For this amount, I could have gone to Southeast Asia," and criticized, "Stop marketing patriotism."

Complaints about unexpected on-site charges continue. Some pensions charge separate fees for using the swimming pool’s hot water or for barbecue facilities, and in many cases, card payment is not accepted. As a result, consumers who book online at seemingly low prices often end up paying much more due to unexpected additional charges on-site.

Lower Satisfaction with Domestic Travel Compared to Overseas Travel..."High Prices Are the Problem"

On the 19th, citizens were lining up at the departure hall of Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport, Yeongjongdo. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

As accommodation and other travel-related costs rise, more people are opting for overseas trips instead of domestic travel. The travel platform Nol Universe reported that during this Chuseok holiday period (October 3-12), overseas flight bookings increased by 37% compared to the same period last year.

The growing demand for overseas travel appears to be influenced by relatively higher satisfaction levels. According to a "Domestic and Overseas Travel Preference Survey" released by the Korea Economic Research Institute in July, overall satisfaction with domestic travel was 8.3 out of 10, lower than the 8.7 for overseas travel. The main reasons for lower satisfaction with domestic travel compared to overseas travel were ▲high prices at tourist destinations (45.1%), ▲lack of unique regional tourism content (19.4%), and ▲concentration of tourist attractions in certain areas (9.0%).

Meanwhile, ahead of Chuseok, the government has announced measures to eradicate price gouging and stabilize the prices of essential goods. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has designated September 17 to October 9 as the "Special Chuseok Price Stabilization Management Period" and plans to intensively monitor price gouging and price hikes at tourist sites, traditional markets, and local festivals.