K-pop boy group BTS poses after winning Artist of the Year during the American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Tuesday (local time). Courtesy of BigHit Music
The government plans to take stern measures against attempts to overcharge tourists at major travel destinations, the finance ministry said Thursday, amid concerns over price gouging by accommodations in Busan ahead of K-pop megagroup BTS' concerts.
The Ministry of Finance and Economy made the announcement during a task force meeting with relevant ministries amid concerns that some hotels in the southeastern port city of Busan are excessively overcharging visitors ahead of the much anticipated event set for next month.
"During the meeting, participants discussed measures to root out unfair activities, such as canceling reservations, charging excessive prices and failing to comply with posted rates," the ministry said in a release.
The government said it will secure alternative rooms in neighboring cities by utilizing universities, religious facilities and publicly operated dormitories to offer budget or free accommodations in line with the concerts, with the information set to be posted on Busan's official tourism website.
