Busan to crack down on hotel price gouging ahead of BTS concert

(File photo)

The city of Busan announced plans to conduct joint inspections targeting hotel price gouging and unfair lodging practices ahead of the upcoming “BTS World Tour Arirang in Busan” concerts scheduled for June 12 and 13.

The inspections are part of the city’s broader effort to prevent unfair business practices and maintain stable tourism conditions as large numbers of domestic and international visitors are expected to travel to Busan for the performances.

Authorities said the inspections will focus primarily on accommodations that have received complaints related to excessive room prices or tourist inconvenience reports.

The joint enforcement effort will involve multiple agencies and departments, including Busan’s health and sanitation division, tourism and MICE department, special judicial police, the Fair Trade Commission, Korea Consumer Agency, fire authorities, and local district offices.

Officials plan to investigate violations such as operating unregistered lodging businesses, failing to display room rates, charging prices inconsistent with posted rates, and fire safety violations.

The city also said it will monitor unfair practices including excessive pricing and unilateral reservation cancellations without valid reason. In some cases, authorities may coordinate with the National Tax Service to investigate possible tax-related violations connected to reported businesses.

Busan City added that it will promote the government’s upcoming “voluntary accommodation price reporting system,” which encourages lodging businesses to publicly disclose seasonal pricing limits in advance.

In addition to enforcement efforts, the city plans to expand temporary public accommodations during the concert period.

From June 11 to 13, Busan will operate public lodging options including Geumnyeonsan and Gudeok youth hostels, as well as temple stay programs at Naewonjeongsa Temple, with the facilities expected to accommodate around 400 foreign visitors.

The city has also been carrying out broader tourism readiness inspections across major transportation hubs and tourist areas since April, focusing on visitor information systems, public facilities, and overall tourism conditions ahead of the summer travel season.

YouTube: BTS ARIRANG Tour Busan 2026 | Concert Guide: Venue, Transport & Tips

Fleet Chinhae