Accommodation cancelled or huge cancellation fee? A checklist
- Property cancels? Don’t cancel it yourself
- Keep Screenshots of everything
- Contact first The booking platform, in writing
- Need help? Call 1330
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.
You might also need: Korea Trip Checklist (2026): What to Sort Out Before You Fly
If the property cancels or overcharges: step by step
- 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.
24/7 interpretation and travel help in English, Japanese and Chinese (more languages during the day). Dial 1330 in Korea; from a foreign phone +82-2-1330.
Sources: KTO 1330 Korea Travel Helpline · Tourist Complaint Center · Visa consumer support (disputes go through your issuer)
Useful Korean
| Please cancel it through the platform. | 플랫폼에서 취소해 주세요. Peullaetpom-eseo chwiso-hae juseyo. |
| I’d like a full refund. | 전액 환불해 주세요. Jeonaek hwanbul-hae juseyo. |
| Please give me a receipt. | 영수증 주세요. Yeongsujeung juseyo. |
Store your bags before check-in or after check-out
Hotel check-in is usually in the afternoon and check-out in the morning. Ask your hotel first — many hold bags at the front desk.
Otherwise, subway coin lockers fill up fast at busy stations, so a bookable storage spot in a nearby shop or café can save you dragging suitcases around. Check the current price for your location.
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Last checked: September 2026. Platform refund policies differ and change — check your booking platform’s terms.