Seoul Cracks Down on Illegal Accommodation Practices Ahead of BTS Concert

South Korea - Ekhbary News Agency

Seoul Cracks Down on Illegal Accommodation Practices Ahead of BTS Concert

Seoul is currently undergoing a sweeping crackdown on accommodation facilities as the city prepares for the highly anticipated comeback concert of global K-pop sensation BTS, scheduled to take place at Gwanghwamun Square on February 21. This initiative comes amidst widespread reports of exorbitant lodging price increases and the discovery of numerous illegal business practices aimed at exploiting the expected influx of both domestic and international tourists.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Public Safety Division recently announced the results of a surprise inspection campaign involving 83 hotels and general/tourist accommodation establishments located in the vicinity of Gwanghwamun. The inspections led to the apprehension of 18 establishments for serious violations, primarily failing to display accommodation price lists or business registration certificates in a conspicuous manner for customers. These actions are in direct contravention of the Public Health Control Act.

These targeted inspections were conducted collaboratively with the Jongno-gu and Jung-gu districts and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, spanning from January 25 to February 4. The primary objective of these proactive measures is to preemptively curb excessive price hikes and illegal operations that could potentially tarnish Seoul's reputation as a world-class tourist destination, particularly with the anticipated significant increase in visitors attending the BTS concert.

The Public Health Control Act mandates that all accommodation operators must display their business registration certificates inside the establishment and clearly post accommodation price lists at the reception desk. Furthermore, the act stipulates that prices charged must adhere strictly to those displayed. However, the recent inspections revealed that 18 establishments were operating without complying with these fundamental requirements. Violations included instances where an unmanned accommodation facility failed to display either a price list or a business registration certificate, as well as establishments that had never posted price lists since their opening.

More complex cases were also identified, such as facilities utilizing a shared lobby but registered separately for each floor, yet failing to display individual price lists for each registered operation. Additionally, one operator managing three different accommodation facilities at distinct addresses was found to have failed to display the required price lists at any of their establishments.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Public Safety Division stated that it would proceed with sequential investigations into the apprehended establishments. Depending on the outcome of these investigations, the facilities could face penalties ranging from imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to 5 million Korean Won (approximately 3,750 USD). Moreover, the division plans to request administrative actions from the relevant autonomous districts, Jongno-gu and Jung-gu. These administrative measures escalate from a first-time improvement order to a 5-day business suspension for a second offense, a 10-day suspension for a third offense, and ultimately, permanent closure of the establishment for a fourth violation.

Seoul authorities emphasize that inspections of accommodation facilities will continue until the day of the concert and actively encourage citizens to report any suspicious activities. Rewards of up to 200 million Korean Won (approximately 150,000 USD) will be offered to whistleblowers whose reports lead to the identification of illegal accommodation operations (such as unregistered officetels), failure to display price lists, or non-compliance with posted prices, following a thorough review of the submitted reports.

In a statement, Byeon Kyeong-ok, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Public Safety Division, affirmed: "We will continue rigorous inspections and investigations into illegal business practices at accommodation facilities until the day of the concert to ensure that foreign tourists visiting to see the BTS comeback concert do not suffer any harm or inconvenience in Seoul." This statement underscores the city's commitment to protecting consumer rights and preserving its image as a welcoming and safe destination for visitors worldwide.

Ekhbary News Agency