BTS perform during their free comeback concert, “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG,” at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, March 21. Joint Press Corps

BTS fans are criticizing alleged price gouging by Busan accommodations ahead of the group’s concerts in the southern port city, taking to online forums to condemn skyrocketing room rates.

One room typically costing 60,000 won ($40) per night reportedly spiked to 760,000 won during the concert period, sparking widespread outrage among fans.

BTS will hold concerts in the city on June 12 and 13 as part of its “ARIRANG” world tour. The dates overlap with the group’s debut anniversary on June 13, raising expectations that domestic and global fans will travel to Busan in large numbers. The Busan Metropolitan Government is also preparing related events.

Fans of K-pop band BTS gather outside the National Palace waiting for the band members to appear on the balcony, at Zocalo square in Mexico City on May 6. AFP-Yonhap

Fans criticized the accommodations for excessive rate hikes capitalizing on surging demand surrounding the event. The Fair Trade Commission and the Korea Consumer Agency said they checked 135 Busan hotels and motels, finding average concert-week room rates more than doubled compared to the weekends before and after the event.

Motel rates more than tripled from normal levels, while hotel rates nearly tripled. Some properties set prices more than five times higher, with 100,000 won rooms spiking to 750,000 won and 300,000 won rooms reaching 1.8 million won.

Backlash grew as fans reported accommodations canceling existing reservations following the concert announcement. Fans accused operators of using pretexts to resell rooms at a premium. “I made a reservation months ago, but they canceled it citing overbooking or remodeling, and then sold it again at a higher price,” one fan said.

Amid ongoing complaints, some fans discussed replacing overnight stays with day trips or boycotting local spending entirely. Online comments included, “I won’t spend even 1 won in Busan,” “I’ll even buy water in Seoul and bring it” and “Zero spending in Busan!”

To curb price gouging, the city launched joint inspections focusing on possible violations of the Public Health Control Act, which governs accommodation standards. City officials are warning businesses against excessive hikes and planning targeted inspections of accommodations drawing visitor complaints.

Source: Korea Times News