Ahead of the highly anticipated BTS concert scheduled for the 21st at Gwanghwamun, hotel prices in the surrounding area have surged, raising concerns among regulators. The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Civilian Law Crime Unit recently conducted surprise inspections of 83 lodging establishments, discovering that 18 of them were operating without displaying required accommodation price lists and business registration certificates. This crackdown was initiated in response to the expected influx of tourists, aimed at preventing possible price gouging and illegal operations.

Under South Korean public health regulations, accommodation providers are mandated to display both price lists and their business registration certificates prominently. However, the inspections revealed multiple violations, including establishments that had never posted their price lists or business registrations since opening. Some operated without any displayed pricing at all, while others with shared lobbies had separate registrations but did not adhere to the pricing display rule. Following these revelations, the Civilian Law Crime Unit plans to pursue legal actions against the violators, which could result in up to six months of imprisonment or fines of up to 5 million won.

Furthermore, authorities are seeking administrative penalties against the establishments, which could escalate from improvement orders to closure. Until the concert date, continuous inspections will be conducted, and the public is encouraged to report illegal lodging operations, with potential rewards of up to 200 million won for valid tips about non-compliant lodging businesses in light of the concert. This initiative aims not only to protect consumer rights but also to ensure compliance among business establishments ahead of the major event.