25.07.17.Today News : Yeosu's Baekgeum Restaurant Faces Backlash for Rude Behavior—City Steps In

Yeosu's Baekgeum Restaurant Faces Backlash for Rude Behavior—City Steps In

• Famous restaurant draws public anger after rude treatment of solo diner goes viral; city government responds with hygiene inspection and staff training

A popular restaurant in Yeosu, South Korea, has come under fire after a YouTuber shared footage showing rude treatment during her solo visit. With public backlash escalating and the city’s tourism image at risk, the Yeosu city government conducted an emergency site inspection and issued administrative guidance.

After a “Baekgeum restaurant” in Yeosu, South Korea, suffered a major blow to its image when it was revealed that it had treated a YouTuber unkindly, the city of Yeosu launched an emergency on-site inspection and administrative guidance.

Yeosu City announced on the 17th that it had dispatched food sanitation officials to conduct an on-site inspection and provide customer service training to the owner of “Baekgeum Restaurant,” which was recently involved in an online controversy over poor service.

The issue began on the 3rd when a female YouTuber posted a video showing her solo visit to the well-known restaurant. She ordered two servings but was pressured by the restaurant owner, who said things like, “This isn’t a place for just one person,” “Hurry up and eat,” and “I need to seat my reservation customers.” When the YouTuber expressed discomfort, the owner responded with dismissive remarks such as, “It’s just 20,000 won,” and “Just leave if you don’t like it.”

Baekgeum Restaurant had previously gained national fame after being featured on a popular YouTube food channel. However, the video sparked widespread criticism online, with some viewers declaring they would no longer travel to Yeosu.

The 80-year-old restaurant owner told city officials that the YouTuber had filmed without permission and that her loud voice may have been misunderstood. Nonetheless, the city has launched broader hygiene inspections across multiple local restaurants, focusing on food storage and kitchen sanitation.

Yeosu City Council member Lee Seok-joo also addressed the issue on social media, saying, “This incident goes beyond simple hygiene concerns—it’s a chance to re-evaluate our hospitality and tourism standards.” He promised to continue monitoring the city’s response and push for concrete measures in upcoming council meetings.

In response to the incident, the city plans to implement comprehensive improvements, including customer service education and standardizing hospitality protocols for restaurant staff.

One-line summary : Yeosu City conducted an inspection and staff training at Baekgeum Restaurant after a viral video exposed rude service by the owner.