Overcharging, reckless taxis: tourist complaints hit a record high

Complaints filed by foreign tourists in Korea have hit a record high this year, according to Korea Tourism Organization tallies (Yonhap News TV, September 6, 2026). Leading causes included unilateral booking cancellations and overcharging by accommodations, and reckless taxi driving. As arrivals grow, so do the complaints - and for travelers, this list is also a list of what could happen to you.

Two takeaways. First, prevention: keep your booking confirmation email, check that the taxi meter is running, and confirm displayed prices before ordering. Second, response: if something goes wrong, do not just endure it - call 1330, Korea's 24-hour multilingual travel helpline, which provides interpretation and complaint handling in one call. Complaints become statistics, and statistics become reports like today's - and improvements. Your one report protects the next traveler.