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SEOUL<\/span> \u2013 A controversy over alleged overcharging at Seoul\u2019s tourist-favourite Gwangjang Market has escalated into a legal battle among its merchant groups.<\/p>\n According to local media reports on Nov 23, the Gwangjang Market Merchants\u2019 Association plans to file a lawsuit seeking 300 million won (S$260,000) in damages from the similarly named Gwangjang Traditional Market Merchants\u2019 Association. <\/p>\n The former represents some 200 stores located inside the main Gwangjang Market building. The latter oversees roughly 250 stalls, including food stalls that made the market a foodie destination, and small shops in the adjacent Gwangjang Traditional Market area.<\/p>\n Although the two markets are managed separately, most visitors perceive them as a single destination \u2013 a factor the plaintiffs say has caused confusion and financial fallout.<\/p>\n Store owners within the main Gwangjang Market claim the scandal \u2013 originating from food stalls outside their jurisdiction \u2013 has unfairly damaged their reputation and reduced foot traffic, resulting in significant financial losses.<\/p>\n The dispute stems from a viral overcharging scandal that broke out in October. On Oct 4, a popular YouTuber uploaded a video alleging that a stall merchant had charged her more than the price listed on the menu and treated her rudely after she ordered sundae, a Korean blood sausage dish.<\/p>\n \u201cIt says 8,000 won here, why 10,000 won?\u201d the YouTuber asks in the video.<\/p>\n \u201cI added in extra meat, didn\u2019t I?\u201d the merchant refutes.<\/p>\n The clip spread quickly online, fuelling public criticism of the market\u2019s service and pricing practices. The merchant pushed back in a subsequent media interview, claiming that the YouTuber had agreed to extra meat but later turned hostile. <\/p>\n \u201cAfter eating, when I told them it was 10,000 won, they tried to attack me as if I were a rat,\u201d the merchant said.<\/p>\n \u201cI just told them to pay 8,000 won and sent them away,\u201d she added. The merchants\u2019 association, representing the stalls, further alleged that the YouTuber had visited with malicious intent to film a confrontational scene.<\/p>\n The YouTuber, however, disputed these claims and said she could provide proof of transferring 10,000 won to the stall.<\/p>\n \u201cI visited five stalls that day and four were rude,\u201d she said. \u201cI saw merchants suddenly yelling at foreigners.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf it were an issue with individual stores, I would have edited it out, but I posted because I think it\u2019s a chronic problem with the Gwangjang Market,\u201d she added. The original video has since surpassed 16 million views.<\/p>\n Following the backlash, the traditional market association imposed a 10-day business suspension on the stall.<\/p>\n Public opinion largely sympathised with the YouTuber, and subsequent comments and posts said they had gone through similar experiences.<\/p>\n \u201cI know that stall. I fell victim too,\u201d one comment read.<\/p>\n \u201cGwangjang Market is the worst. Let\u2019s lead tourists to a different market,\u201d read another post on X.<\/p>\n The Gwangjang Market Merchants\u2019 Association (from the main market area) collected signatures from over 200 members before sending a formal demand for compensation to the neighbouring merchant group on Nov 13. The stall merchants\u2019 association has not yet issued an official response.<\/p>\n \u201cOur names are similar, so many people call our office to complain. It feels a bit unfair,\u201d a Gwangjang Market Merchants\u2019 Association official told Yonhap.<\/p>\n The Gwangjang Traditional Market Merchants\u2019 Association official responded, saying the group would take necessary actions if litigation proceeded.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Jongno-gu Office, which oversees the market area, confirmed it has spoken with both associations. However, it noted \u201cit was not at the level to interfere because actual litigation is not in progress\u201d.<\/p>\n The district said in a separate statement that it plans to implement a real-name verification system for merchants by the end of 2025, connecting stall operations to a registered owner. THE KOREA HERALD\/ASIA NEWS NETWORK<\/p>\n<\/div>\n