Beware of rip-offs on vacation: Peter Giesel warns of expensive traps in Seoul!

Beware of rip-offs on vacation: Peter Giesel warns of expensive traps in Seoul!

In the current episode of the show “Beware of rip-offs – on the trail of holiday fraudsters”, TV reporter Peter Giesel tests popular holiday destinations. This time he ends up in South Korea, where he is presented with a truly shocking bill of almost 180 euros in a Korean BBQ restaurant. The episode puts a finger on the wound of tourist price gouging, which is also not uncommon in South Korea. Loud Mercury Giesel is quickly spoken to in the restaurant and shown to the square. Although the order is processed promptly and the food is served in less than two minutes, there is a stressful atmosphere that Giesel finds difficult not only in dealing with the food, but also with the overpriced prices.

Just 20 minutes after ordering, the table is hit with an unexpectedly large bill for an additional dish - a dish that was not ordered. This raises Giesel's suspicions about a possible rip-off and adds to the concerns of many tourists looking for places to eat in crowded urban areas. Back at his accommodation, Giesel decides to try another restaurant the next day. There he has a consistently positive BBQ experience and praises the opportunity to grill himself.

Costs and experiences in South Korea

The pricing policy in South Korea is contrary to the expectations of many European tourists. According to current information from World prices On average, food prices are 20 percent more expensive than in Germany, while the restaurant bill is 45 percent cheaper in comparison. Still, celebrations and expenses for everyday things like dinner can vary significantly.

An important fact is that the currency in South Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW ₩), with 10 euros costing around 16,100 KRW. The cost of accommodation is also worth looking at. On average, travelers pay 59 euros for an overnight stay, while one-star hotels start at around 44 euros.

For tourists planning to visit the Korean capital Seoul, Giesel recommends avoiding crowded downtown areas and instead seeking out less-visited locations for authentic and value-priced dining experiences. Despite the potential price anomalies, South Korea remains a fascinating destination with culinary highlights that are definitely worth trying.