Seoul plans to inspect hotels near Yeouido ahead of the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, targeting excessive room rates and cancellations that could leave visitors stranded as more than 1 million people are expected to attend. The city government and the Yeongdeungpo, Mapo and Yongsan district offices will conduct joint inspections from Sept. 1-3, focusing on hotels with views of the Sept. 5 festival. Officials will check whether hotels are complying with requirements to display room rates, including a rule that took effect July 14 requiring prices to be posted on online booking interfaces as well as at reception desks. Under the revised regulation, a first violation of the rate-posting requirement can now result in a five-day suspension of business, replacing the previous penalties of a warning or an order to make improvements. The city said inspectors will take administrative action when violations are found, with district health departments participating because they have authority over administrative penalties under public health regulations. Seoul will also monitor room rates