During a nationwide inspection of restaurants in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, which faced criticism for unkindness and unsanitary conditions, one in three inspection sites had violations noted.
According to Yeosu City on the 25th, an inspection team comprised of 84 personnel, including health office officials and consumer food sanitation inspectors, conducted a comprehensive inspection of 3,820 restaurants in the area from the 11th to the 14th.
The results were evaluated based on an eight-item friendliness and hygiene checklist, which included staff friendliness, health examination status of the staff, sanitation conditions, disposal of leftover food, and cleanliness of restrooms.
Among the inspection targets, 1,318 locations (34.5%) received unsuitable ratings.
A total of 784 locations did not wear sanitary clothing, hats, or masks, while 180 locations were found to have poor conditions in the cooking area, and 127 locations had cleanliness issues in restrooms.
There were also restaurants that received unsuitable ratings for storing leftover food and dishes, posting price lists, health examinations of staff, and friendliness.
248 establishments received multiple violations in two or more categories.
A Yeosu City official noted, "Starting today, a second inspection will be conducted on the 1,318 restaurants, and if it is determined that the noted issues have not been improved, administrative penalties will be imposed," adding, "We will strive to recover the tarnished image in the food culture and tourism sector."
In Yeosu, a YouTuber who ordered two servings and dined alone was scolded to 'eat quickly' at a popular restaurant, while a resort hotel charging 400,000 won per night provided a towel labeled 'dirty' to guests, drawing criticism.
As criticism heightened, restaurant and lodging business owners gathered for a resolution meeting on the 7th of last month, but the next day, another restaurant was caught reusing leftover food.