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Tag: South Korea News

  • No More Rip-offs in Busan: Strict Penalties for Illegal Accommodations Ahead of the BTS Concert

    Busan City is launching a major crackdown to eradicate “price gouging” and “illegal operations” in the lodging industry ahead of the BTS World Tour performance in Busan this June.

    The city announced that it will conduct a special inspection targeting accommodations near the venue and major tourist attractions for approximately four months, from February 23 to June 15, immediately following the concert. This is a follow-up to the “Price Stabilization Response Manual” established last month, representing a firm policy to protect tourists from skyrocketing lodging costs during major events and to preserve the city’s international image.

    The crackdown will focus on violations of the Public Health Management Act.

    Key targets include unregistered lodging operations in officetels or residential buildings, as well as failure to display or adhere to official rate charts at reception desks.

    Establishments caught in violation will face strict legal action, including criminal charges by the Busan Special Judicial Police. Depending on the severity, violators may face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million KRW.

    During this period, anyone discovering illegal activities can report them to the Busan Special Judicial Police Public Health Investigation Team at 051-888-3101~8.

    [ONLINE-KOREA：A Letter from Korea]

    June is still months away, yet Busan’s accommodation providers are already charging rip-off rates❗

    The government always claims they’ll take action, but seeing the same issues recur every time is proof that public officials aren’t doing their jobs properly. As a taxpayer, it’s truly infuriating😡🔥

    I’m not attending the concert myself, but I’m thinking of investigating Busan’s lodging businesses and reporting any illegal operations💢💢💢

    By the way, do they actually give a reward for that❓❓ Haha…😅

  • Nationwide Rain and Snow Forecasted for Feb 10: Lunar New Year Weather Update

    Rain or snow is expected nationwide starting on the 10th, and no severe cold is anticipated through the Lunar New Year holiday (February 15–18).

    According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, morning temperatures in Seoul dropped to -10.1°C on the 9th, with strong cold around -10°C recorded nationwide. However, temperatures are expected to rise significantly above freezing in the afternoon, returning to average levels.

    In Seoul, the midday high is expected to reach 5°C, a sharp rise of about 15 degrees from the morning. Consequently, all cold wave warnings that had been issued across the country were lifted as of that morning.

    Due to a low-pressure trough, nationwide rain and snow are forecast starting on the 10th. Precipitation will begin in Incheon, northern Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, and southern regions in the morning, spreading to most of the country in the afternoon, and is expected to mostly subside by the morning of the 11th.

    Snow accumulation of 1–5 cm is expected in colder regions such as northern Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and North Chungcheong, while the mountainous areas of Jeju, which have already seen significant snowfall, are forecast to receive another 2–7 cm. Light rain of less than 5 mm is expected in Seoul and other areas.

    [ONLINE-KOREA：A Letter from Korea]

    February 4 marked “Ipchun,” the onset of spring, yet the past weekend was so bitterly cold that it was painful to stay outdoors. However, seeing the forecast suggests that winter is finally coming to an end, which also brings a touch of bittersweetness.

    Please note that the period from February 15 to February 18, 2026, is Korea’s biggest traditional holiday, Seollal (Lunar New Year).

    If you are planning to visit Korea during this time, please be prepared for extreme congestion on trains, buses, and highways as locals return to their hometowns. We strongly recommend booking your transportation tickets in advance, especially for travel between cities.

    Lotte Department Store to Close All Locations Feb 16–17

    Furthermore, while major palaces and large shopping malls generally remain open, some may close on the day of Seollal itself, so it is necessary to verify in advance. In particular, local restaurants and small shops often close for several days; we advise checking their operating status before your visit.

    On a final note, ONLINE-KOREA will not be handling regular operations during the holiday, but we will remain available for consultations and inquiries. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.