"Because I Mixed in Meat": Gwangjang Market Stall Faces Strong Action Amid Overcharging Controversy

10-Day Business Suspension After Meeting With Jongno District Office
Merchants’ Association: “Severe Disciplinary Action to Raise Awareness”

YouTuber "Strange Snack Shop" complained about experiencing rude service from some merchants at Gwangjang Market in Jongno-gu, Seoul. YouTube capture

Controversy has continued after a YouTuber posted a video claiming that they were asked to pay 10,000 won for a sundae dish that was priced at 8,000 won. It has been reported that the merchants' association has decided to suspend the operations of the stall in question.

On November 11, News1 reported, "The Gwangjang Market Merchants' Association has imposed a 10-day business suspension on the stall, effective from the 10th to the 19th."

The stall in question is the one where the YouTuber "Strange Snack Shop," who has 1.48 million subscribers, visited Gwangjang Market and ordered a sundae dish priced at 8,000 won, but was asked to pay 10,000 won. When the YouTuber asked, "It says 8,000 won here, so why is it 10,000 won?" the merchant replied in an irritated tone, "Because I mixed it with meat."

After the video was reported by the media, the merchant told a news outlet in an interview, "I asked in advance and was told it was fine, and it is written that it costs 10,000 won with added meat. (For payment) I just charged 8,000 won and let them go." However, the YouTuber expressed frustration in the comments section of their video, stating, "You checked until the end to see if I had transferred 10,000 won, and you never asked me in advance."

Gwangjang Market, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang

The YouTuber also expressed disappointment with the response from the merchants' association, as they suggested the YouTuber had mentioned the incident intentionally. Subsequently, meetings were held with the Jongno-gu District Office on the 6th and 10th, and the business suspension decision was made on the 10th.

A representative of the merchants' association told News1, "We made the decision to impose a heavy penalty after careful consideration, in order to raise awareness among other merchants about proper business practices," adding, "Separate from the disciplinary action, we will establish a framework to systematically and swiftly address issues such as unkind service."