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At Gwangjang Market in Seoul, some vendors have been reported to consistently overcharge foreign tourists and engage in unsanitary practices. A reporting team disguised as Japanese tourists purchased food from a tteokbokki stall and ordered bottled water, but the vendor charged 1,500 won, which is 500 won more than the price listed on the menu. The vendor denied the overcharging, citing the cost of providing water.
Additionally, the reporting team captured footage of a sashimi stall reusing leftover vegetables and sliced garlic and peppers left by customers. The vendor claimed that asking artificial intelligence (AI) confirmed that reuse was acceptable, but after being confronted by the reporting team, he ultimately admitted, "I won't reuse them next time." A representative from Jongno District Office stated that reusing sliced peppers and garlic violates food hygiene laws.
Gwangjang Market is known among foreign tourists as a 'local K-food' hotspot, but it has faced criticism for unsanitary operations and unfriendly service. Recently, YouTubers have raised issues regarding overcharging and poor food quality at Gwangjang Market, leading to the merchants' association imposing several business suspensions.