Question 1

What is the "Haenyeo Village Seafood Price Trap" scam in Jeju Island?

Accepted Answer

Restaurants clustered around the Haenyeo diver villages in Seongsan and Jungmun display fresh seafood in tanks outside and invite tourists to select their own catch. Once seated, the final bill includes undisclosed preparation fees, mandatory side-dish charges, and premium pricing that can reach three to five times what locals pay at the same establishments. Servers often add expensive items to the table without asking and count them on the bill. Insist on seeing a full written price list in Korean and English before ordering. Confirm the total cost — including all preparation and side-dish fees — before any food is cooked. If no price list is provided, walk away and choose a restaurant in Seongsan town center where menus with prices are posted at the entrance.

Question 2

What is the "Traditional Tea Ceremony Overcharge" scam in Jeju Island?

Accepted Answer

Friendly locals near Hallasan National Park invite tourists to a "traditional tea ceremony" that turns into a high-pressure sales session for expensive teas and ceramics. Research tea houses independently on Naver Maps or TripAdvisor. Decline invitations from strangers to private venues.

Restaurant Scams in Jeju Island

Haenyeo Village Seafood Price Trap

Traditional Tea Ceremony Overcharge

Experienced a scam here?