Amid controversy over a famous fish restaurant near Jagalchi Market in Busan selling sea cucumbers for 70,000 won per plate, the Busan Jung-gu Office took enforcement action and issued a corrective order on the 2nd.
Earlier, on the 29th of last month, a post titled 'Is it right that the Jagalchi OO fish restaurant in Busan charged 70,000 won for a plate of sea cucumber?' was posted on an online community.
According to the author, identified as Mr. A, the restaurant was well-known in the area, having plaques of appreciation, various awards, and certificates displayed. He noted, "The problem started when I ordered additional sea cucumbers marked as 'market price.' The sea cucumbers served were lukewarm and not very good, so I only ate a few pieces and asked for a takeout. When I went to pay, I was surprised to see 70,000 won added for 'sashimi' on the receipt."
As the controversy spread, Jung-gu conducted an on-site inspection that day. They discovered that the restaurant failed to properly display the prices for sea cucumbers, sea squirts, and octopus, leading to a corrective order. Local governments can impose fines for failing to display product prices or for posting them falsely.
Meanwhile, as issues with overcharging at tourist destinations have emerged across the country, the government has also begun formulating related measures. President Lee Jae-myung has instructed to strengthen government-level responses to crackdown on overcharging at major tourist sites.
Previously, there was controversy regarding a street vendor selling fish cakes for 3,000 won near Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, and some restaurants in Jeju Island and Ulleungdo received criticism for selling fatty pork belly.