Gangwon Special Judicial Police Uncover Six Illegal Unregistered Lodging Establishments... To Be Referred to Prosecution

Use of Online Accommodation Platforms
Results of Planned Crackdown on Illegal Lodging Businesses
Operators to Be Investigated and Referred to Prosecution According to Relevant Laws

Gangwon Provincial Government announced on December 11 that it had designated the seven-month period from May to November as a special crackdown period for illegal and unregistered lodging businesses, and as a result of planned inspections, identified six illegal lodging establishments.

Exterior view of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government

The establishments caught were mainly ocean-view houses along the coast of the Yeongdong region that had been operating unregistered lodging businesses through online accommodation reservation sites such as Airbnb.

This crackdown was carried out to prevent illegal activities such as unregistered lodging operations in advance, to protect legitimate lodging businesses, and to establish a safe lodging culture.

All six establishments found during the inspection were apartment-type accommodations operating illegally without lodging business registration. The operators identified will be booked and investigated regarding the relevant facts, and will be referred to the prosecution in accordance with applicable laws.

The provincial special judicial police plan to continue cracking down on illegal and unregistered lodging establishments to ensure guest safety and hygiene and to establish a sound lodging order, especially as the number of tourists visiting for year-end and New Year sunrise events is expected to increase.

Lee Jingi, Director of the Social Disaster Division at Gangwon Provincial Government, stated, "We will do our utmost to eradicate illegal lodging businesses so that tourists visiting Gangwon during the year-end and New Year holidays can enjoy a safe and pleasant accommodation environment," and urged, "If you suspect illegal lodging operations, please actively report them to the 'Integrated Civil Crime Reporting Center' on the Gangwon Provincial Government website."