Most disputes foreigners face at Korean tourist spots, clubs, and drinking venues start not from doing something wrong but from the language barrier and lack of information. Knowing the signs in advance helps you avoid them. Here it is organized around price, taxis, payment, and safety.
Red flags that invite disputes
- Refusing to show the price list (menu) before you order
- Pushing 'pay first now,' 'cash only,' or 'cards don't work'
- Aggressive touts outside, and VIP tables or bottle sets explained only verbally
- Getting angry or evasive when you ask for a receipt, with surprise charges appearing right at checkout
- Taxis not running the meter and offering an expensive flat fare
What to do
Photograph the menu prices before entering, and don't go into places with no posted prices. Overcharging is handled by the government complaint line (110), so in a dispute ask for a receipt and call 112 (police) or 1330 (tourism interpretation). If two or more of these signs appear, it's best to just walk out.
Dispute-prevention TOP10 across price, taxis, payment, and safety