Busan to inspect lodging facilities for price gouging ahead of BTS concert

▲ BTS performs during its “ARIRANG” world tour concert at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul, on April 11, 2026, in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

BUSAN, May 13 (Yonhap) -- The southeastern city of Busan said Wednesday it will conduct joint inspections of lodging facilities to crack down on price gouging ahead of BTS’ upcoming “BTS World Tour ARIRANG IN Busan” concerts scheduled for June 12-13.

City officials said the inspections will focus on violations of public hygiene and related regulations, as well as unfair business practices such as excessive room charges.

The main targets are accommodations that have been reported for alleged overcharging or tourism-related consumer complaints.

Authorities will check for unregistered lodging operations, failure to display room rates, noncompliance with posted prices and fire safety violations, while also reviewing reported consumer 피해 cases.

If necessary, the city plans to cooperate with the National Tax Service to investigate possible tax law violations by businesses accused of price gouging.

Officials will also provide guidance against unfair practices, including excessive pricing and unilateral reservation cancellations without valid reasons, and introduce the government’s planned voluntary advance room-rate reporting system set to be implemented later this year.

Busan designated the period through next month as a special inspection period for tourism readiness and plans to examine tourist facilities, guidance systems and overall visitor conditions at major attractions.

Separately, the Busan Tourism Organization will hold an event Wednesday morning at Busan Station Square to celebrate the city surpassing 1 million foreign visitors earlier than expected this year.

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