Watch out for these Seoul hotel booking pitfalls

According to findings released by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, more than half of travelers who used overseas hotel booking platforms reported experiencing some form of problem. As Seoul continues to welcome growing numbers of international visitors, city officials are urging tourists to carefully review booking details before confirming reservations.

The most common complaints included hotel rooms or facilities not matching online descriptions, unexpected cancellation fees, refund disputes, and final prices that were significantly higher than initially advertised. Investigators also found examples of booking platforms displaying room rates without taxes and service charges until the final stages of payment.

The survey found that only a small percentage of consumers were able to fully resolve their complaints. Many travelers reported receiving only partial refunds or no compensation at all when disputes arose. To avoid problems, visitors are advised to carefully check cancellation policies, confirm whether taxes and fees are included in the displayed price, and review recent customer feedback before booking. Keeping copies of reservation confirmations and payment records can also help if disputes occur later.
USAG YONGSAN; CAMP CASEY