25.07.23.Today News : Ulleung County Chief Apologizes for Pork Fat Scandal

Ulleung County Chief Apologizes for Pork Fat Scandal, Promises Tourism Reform

• Ulleung County pledges sweeping reforms after viral video exposes poor service and overpricing

Following growing backlash over overpriced meals and poor hospitality experienced by a travel YouTuber in Ulleungdo, the local government has issued a public apology and vowed to implement long-term reforms. The county chief pledged collaborative efforts to improve tourism infrastructure and regain public trust.

Ulleung County Chief even apologized for the scaffolding of pork belly served at ‘Ulleung Pulp Pork’ restaurant.

Ulleung County in North Gyeongsang Province has officially apologized for recent controversies surrounding local tourism services and has promised strong corrective measures. The backlash was triggered by a video uploaded on July 19 by a travel YouTuber with 560,000 subscribers, “Kkujun,” titled “Is Ulleungdo always like this? I was very shocked…” The video has since garnered over 2.2 million views.

In the video, the YouTuber describes ordering pork belly (samgyeopsal) at a local restaurant, “Ulleung Pul Pork” where a portion priced at 15,000 KRW (about $11.50) turned out to be more than half pork fat. When questioned, the restaurant staff responded that they don’t cut meat as precisely as mainland but slice it “thickly and roughly.” As the controversy escalated, the restaurant owner later explained on a TV broadcast that a staff member had mistakenly served stew-grade shoulder cuts instead of pork belly.

The dissatisfaction extended beyond food service. The YouTuber also reported that the air conditioner in their accommodation didn’t work overnight, and no meaningful compensation or apology was offered. The early 10:30 a.m. checkout time and a rate of 90,000 KRW ($69) were also criticized. The YouTuber described the experience as “a level of service never seen elsewhere in the country.”

As public criticism intensified, Ulleung County Mayor Nam Han-kwon posted an official statement on the county’s website on July 22, expressing deep regret and taking responsibility. While acknowledging logistical challenges due to the island’s geography—such as high costs, seasonal congestion, and labor shortages—he emphasized that these cannot justify overpricing or poor service.

To address these issues, Mayor Nam proposed forming a private tourism service council, encouraging transparent pricing, enforcing origin labeling, and implementing regular evaluations of hygiene and service quality. Businesses offering excellent customer service will be eligible for incentives and official recognition.

In the long term, Ulleung County plans to roll out the “Emerald Campaign,” a collaborative public-private project aimed at improving the island’s overall tourism quality and rebuilding its image. The campaign seeks to bring lasting structural change rather than temporary fixes.

Mayor Nam concluded by urging residents and local business owners to actively participate in improving Ulleungdo’s tourism standards, stating, “It will take the voluntary efforts of all Ulleung County residents and officials to ensure visitors leave with lasting positive memories.”

One-line summary : Following public criticism sparked by a travel YouTuber, the Ulleung County chief apologized and pledged to reform the island’s overpriced and inadequate tourism services.