25.07.31.Today News : Ulleungdo Faces Taxi Fare Gouging Controversy

Ulleungdo Faces Taxi Fare Gouging Controversy

• Following fatty pork belly complaints, YouTuber exposes taxi fare doubling due to misleading route

Ulleungdo, already under fire for overcharging at local restaurants, is once again the subject of public criticism—this time for inflated taxi fares. After a YouTuber revealed being charged over twice the expected fare due to a suspicious route change, concerns are mounting over the island’s tourism practices and its long-term image.

A controversy over overcharging taxis in Ulleungdo has sparked complaints from tourists.

Ulleungdo is facing renewed criticism as a taxi overcharging incident adds to its growing list of tourism-related controversies. Following a recent scandal involving overpriced fatty pork belly, a YouTuber's experience with an allegedly dishonest taxi route has reignited public concern.

On July 30, a video titled “I came to Ulleungdo alone with high hopes, but is this right?” was uploaded to the YouTube channel ‘웅이woongei,’ which has approximately 740,000 subscribers. In the video, the YouTuber (A) shared his experience of taking a taxi to visit a restaurant on the island.

Before boarding, he used a GPS app to check the estimated route and fare, which showed a distance of about 17 km and a projected cost of 23,000 KRW. However, once the ride began, the taxi driver took a route in the opposite direction of the suggested path.

When A questioned the direction, the driver simply replied, “No.” Upon arriving at his destination, the total fare exceeded 50,000 KRW.

While eating at the restaurant, A remarked, “There’s no way going the opposite direction was faster. I figured I’d just enjoy the scenery since it’s my first time here, but I’d warn anyone coming to Ulleungdo to double-check their taxis.”

The video quickly spread across social media and online communities, prompting sharp criticism. Many users commented, “First it was fatty pork belly and expensive lodging, now taxis?” and “The governor apologized, but nothing has changed.”

Earlier this month, another YouTuber reported being served pork belly with more than half of it being fat, priced at 15,000 KRW per 120g. The resulting backlash led to a seven-day business suspension for the restaurant and an official apology from Ulleung County Governor Nam Han-gwon.

With repeated controversies surrounding pricing on the island, the local government is under pressure to take effective measures to restore public trust.

One-line summary : A YouTuber’s video exposing taxi fare overcharging in Ulleungdo has sparked widespread criticism over the island’s tourism practices.