BTS fans are voicing growing frustration ahead of the group’s upcoming concert in Busan after hotel prices across the city reportedly skyrocketed to extreme levels.
According to Korean media reports, BTS is expected to hold a major concert at Busan Asiad Stadium in Yeonje District in mid-June, triggering a sharp increase in accommodation demand throughout the city.
However, many fans claim hotel prices have surged far beyond normal seasonal increases.
One hotel in the popular Seomyeon area reportedly listed rooms for June 12 at approximately 745,000 won — more than four times higher than usual rates. Another hotel in Yangjeong-dong allegedly increased prices nearly tenfold, jumping from around 50,000 won to over 557,000 won during the concert period.
The issue has sparked intense backlash among international and domestic ARMYs alike.
Across fan communities and social media platforms, many BTS fans announced plans to avoid spending money in Busan outside of concert necessities.
Some fans stated they would travel back home immediately after the concert instead of staying overnight, while others said they had chosen accommodations in nearby cities such as Gimhae to reduce costs.
Comments such as “I’ll only watch the concert and leave immediately,” and “I’m bringing my own food and drinks so I don’t spend extra money in Busan” have spread widely online.
Several fans also criticized what they described as “taking advantage” of BTS fans and international tourists for short-term profits.
According to previous investigations by South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission, accommodation prices in Busan during major BTS-related events have historically risen an average of 2.4 times higher than normal. Some smaller lodging facilities reportedly increased prices by more than three times.
In response to mounting criticism, Busan city authorities reportedly formed inspection teams to monitor lodging facilities. However, many critics argue current regulations remain weak because local governments lack legal authority to directly punish hotels for openly displaying inflated prices.
Amid the controversy, several local organizations and Buddhist temples have stepped in to help international fans.
Beomeosa Temple announced plans to provide free lodging and meals for around 20 overseas visitors during the concert period. Other temples including Seonamsa and Hongbeopsa have also reportedly joined programs supporting foreign fans with temporary accommodation.
Meanwhile, publicly operated accommodations and city-managed hotels reportedly sold out early because they maintained relatively stable pricing compared to private businesses.
Despite these efforts, many fans believe Busan risks damaging its image among international tourists if extreme price increases continue.
Given BTS’s enormous global influence, the upcoming concert was originally expected to become a major boost for Busan’s tourism industry and local economy. Instead, the situation has now evolved into one of the biggest fan controversies surrounding the event before it has even begun.
You must be logged in to post a comment.