Accommodation cancelled or huge cancellation fee? A checklist

From January to July 2026, Korea’s tourist complaint channels received 1,753 complaints — more than in all of 2025. Accommodation was the #1 category with 500 cases, mostly one-sided booking cancellations and excessive cancellation fees.

Sources: Korea JoongAng Daily · The Korea Times

Before you book

• Read the cancellation policy. “Non-refundable” rates usually can’t be changed.
• Screenshot the listing, price, policy and confirmation at booking time.
• Book through a platform with customer service in your language, and keep communication on the platform.
• Pay by credit card if you can — it gives you the chargeback option later.

If the property cancels or overcharges: step by step

• Don’t cancel it yourself. If the property asks you to cancel, ask them to cancel through the platform instead, so it’s recorded as their cancellation.
• Save the evidence: confirmation, receipts, the policy as shown when you booked, and every message (screenshots with date and time).
• Contact the booking platform’s customer service first, in writing (chat or email). Ask for a full refund and help rebooking. Note the case number.
• Call 1330 (Korea Travel Hotline, +82-2-1330 from abroad) for interpretation with the property and help filing a complaint.
• File with the Tourist Complaint Center run by the Korea Tourism Organization — online in English (register with your email and describe the case) or via 1330.
• Ask your card issuer about a chargeback if the platform and property refuse to refund. Issuers usually want proof that you tried the merchant first, and time limits apply — contact them promptly.

Sources: KTO 1330 Korea Travel Helpline · Tourist Complaint Center · Visa consumer support (disputes go through your issuer)

Useful Korean

Last checked: September 2026. Platform refund policies differ and change — check your booking platform’s terms.