Other Tourist Scams in Seoul, South Korea
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. Below are the other scams scams reported in Seoul — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Kyoto, Beijing, and Taipei.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
5
Other Scams Scams
11
Total in Seoul
How it works
Gangnam-area clinics target medical tourists with unrealistically cheap quotes for cosmetic procedures. After deposits are paid, prices escalate significantly or the results are substandard.
How it works
Antique and curio dealers in Insadong and Namdaemun market sell mass-produced replicas as genuine traditional Korean antiques — celadon ceramics, lacquerwork, and folk art — at prices implying authenticity.
How it works
Stalls in the underground sections of Dongdaemun and Namdaemun markets sell counterfeit luxury goods — bags, watches, clothing — labelled as genuine designer products at low prices.
How it works
Vendors near Namdaemun Market and the surrounding street stalls sell counterfeit electronics, cosmetics, and branded clothing that appear genuine at a glance. Some sellers lead buyers into back-room stalls to complete transactions, and merchandise quality often deteriorates significantly compared to samples shown. Customs officials at Korean and home-country airports increasingly confiscate fake-branded goods on departure.
How it works
Hanbok rental shops near Gyeongbokgung Palace quote a low base price but add significant charges for hair styling, accessories, and premium fabric options that are upsold aggressively before handing over the costume.
See all scams in Seoul
11 total warnings across all categories