Capital to compensate overcharged tourists

Seoul City’s public tourism organization set up a compensation scheme for overcharged foreign tourists as part of efforts to improve the city’s sightseeing conditions, officials said Wednesday.

Seoul Tourism Association has started to reimburse up to 300,000 won ($280) to foreign travelers who are ripped off in seven special tourism districts starting this month.

These include Myeongdong, Namdaemun, Jongno, Dongdaemun and Itaewon.

Once overcharged, tourists must report to the Seoul tourist information service by dialing 070-4923-9136. The service desk is also reachable via the public hotline number 120 or sightseeing information service number 1330.

The tourism information desk will dispatch public tourist sheriffs to check the scene. Tourists must prove damages with receipts to the officials.

If the damage cost is lower than 50,000 won, the details of the compensation will decided by the tourist police and sheriffs. If it is over 50,000 won, however, the review committee of the association will settle it.

The tourism association and seven representative groups of the sightseeing districts jointly formed the compensation fund of about 100 million won.

The new plan was pushed by the city government last year after Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon directed officials to come up with effective measures to prevent rip-off practices.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)