Gwangjang Market faces renewed 'price gouging' controversy over 2,000 won water

Gwangjang Market, a beloved institution for both locals and tourists, is once again at the center of a 'price gouging' controversy. This time, the issue is a bottle of water sold for a staggering 2,000 won to a foreign visitor, a price point that has sparked outrage and disbelief among many Koreans.

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2000 won

The incident, brought to light by a YouTuber from Myanmar who has lived in Korea for 13 years, has reignited discussions about the market's pricing practices. While the vendor reportedly cited the presence of many foreign tourists as a reason for the high price, this explanation has done little to quell the public's frustration. Many question why water, a basic necessity, would be sold at such an inflated price, especially compared to convenience store prices.

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It's the first time I've seen water sold at a restaurant in Korea.

This is not the first time Gwangjang Market has faced such accusations. Last year, similar controversies erupted over the prices of sundae and tteokbokki, with portions being notably small for the cost. These repeated incidents have tarnished the market's image, leading to a significant lawsuit filed by regular shop owners against the street vendors. The situation underscores a growing tension between the desire to attract tourists and the need to maintain fair pricing and uphold the market's reputation.

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There are many foreigners in Gwangjang Market.