Shopping itineraries and photo attendants spark controversy; Korea Tourism Organization issues 6-point statement

▲ Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Comprehensive report

In group tours to South Korea, it’s common to see a business model where visiting shopping stops helps reduce tour costs. Recently, there have also been rumors that the South Korean government mandates group tours to visit shopping stops and subsidizes specific ones, that tour guides are assigned by the government, that the Ginseng Public Sales Office is government-run, or that the Korea Tourism Organization requires a photo attendant on the bus. In response, the Korea Tourism Organization stated that none of these claims are true.

The so-called photo attendant refers to an individual on a tour who is specifically responsible for taking photos of group members during the trip, then selling those photos back to them at prices ranging from several hundred won per picture. This practice is commonly seen in group tours from countries like South Korea and China. Meanwhile, shopping stops in South Korea typically offer items such as ginseng, liver supplements, cosmetics, seaweed, and local specialties. Generally, group tours without shopping stops charge about 15,000 to 20,000 KRW more than those that include them.

In response to public accusations, the Korea Tourism Organization’s Taipei branch issued a 6-point statement today, clarifying that tour guides are assigned by local South Korean travel agencies, and that all accompanying guides must hold valid qualifications. The Korea Tourism Organization also stated that it does not intervene in whether photographers are included in tour itineraries. Furthermore, the organization pointed out that the South Korean government does not require shopping stops as a mandatory part of group tours, nor does it subsidize any specific shopping outlets. Additionally, the government does not operate any ginseng public sales offices, has advised shops against using illegal terminology (such as “ginseng public sales office” or “monopoly bureau”), and prohibits forced purchases.

The 6-point statement from the Korea Tourism Organization is as follows:
1. In recent years, the Korea Tourism Organization has aimed to improve the image of South Korea as a tourist destination by enhancing the quality of group tours. This includes developing high-quality new and superior tourism products, cultivating high-value offerings, actively creating quality tour packages, and promoting market diversification.

2. Tour guides are assigned by local South Korean travel agencies, and all accompanying guides must hold valid qualifications. To enhance the quality of group tours, the South Korean government conducts random inspections for unlicensed guides. Leading a tour without a license is illegal and will result in severe penalties.

3. The Korea Tourism Organization does not intervene in whether photographers accompany group tours. It also actively advises travel agencies that, if photographers are present, they should avoid using emotional, coercive, or threatening tactics when selling photos, which could cause discomfort among travelers.

4. The South Korean government does not require shopping stops as a mandatory part of group tours, nor does it subsidize any specific shopping outlets. Additionally, the government does not operate any ginseng public sales offices, has advised shops against using illegal terminology (such as “ginseng public sales office” or “monopoly bureau”), and prohibits forced purchases.

5. To address the inconveniences faced by foreign visitors to South Korea and ensure safer, more comfortable travel, the Tourist Police were established. These police officers, fluent in English, Japanese, and Chinese, are responsible not only for crime prevention, maintaining basic order, and cracking down on illegal activities but also for providing consultation services to foreign tourists. The public can directly visit Tourist Police Service Centers or call the 1330 Travel Hotline (+82-2-1330) for assistance. (More on Tourist Police: http://big5chinese.visitkorea.or.kr/cht/GK/GK_CH_1_6_8.jsp)

6. To help visitors enjoy their time in South Korea, the Korea Tourism Organization has set up a Korea Tourism Reporting Center, dedicated to receiving complaints and feedback from tourists during their stay and addressing them promptly. If you experience any issues or have suggestions during your trip, or if you need help while in South Korea, please contact us by phone, email, or through this organization. Phone: +82-2-1330, Email: tourcom@knto.or.kr