Lodging Facility Demands Compensation for Alleged Smoking Smell, Traveler Claims Innocence

A traveler has expressed shock and frustration after being charged 200,000 won by a lodging facility for allegedly smoking in a room, despite insisting they are a non-smoker. The incident, which occurred recently, has led to a dispute over the alleged smoking fee.

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I'm so bewildered to be charged 200,000 won for smoking when I'm a non-smoker, and to hear talk of civil lawsuits.

The traveler recounted that they stayed at the lodging facility after attending a concert and had signed a non-smoking agreement upon check-in. They stated that they only slept in the room from around 5 a.m. until checkout at noon the next day, and no issues were raised at the time of departure.

However, approximately 20 minutes after checking out, the traveler received a message from the facility demanding payment for 'loss of room sales' due to a supposed cigarette smell. The message also indicated that failure to pay would result in a formal notice and civil litigation.

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If you have any objections, please inform us with evidence, and we will review it, but failure to pay will result in a content certification notice and civil electronic litigation procedures.

The traveler refuted the claim, stating that both they and their companion are non-smokers and did not smoke in the room. They suggested that the smell might have entered the room from outside, as the window was open upon their arrival. The facility reportedly demanded proof of their non-smoking status, and the traveler also claimed to have been offered a reduced fee of 70,000 won if they admitted to smoking.

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Bring proof that you didn't smoke.

Following the facility's persistent demands and a mention of legal proceedings, the traveler sought advice online. Netizens overwhelmingly supported the traveler, advising them to demand nicotine testing and to inform the facility that the burden of proof for smoking rests with them, the lodging provider, in any potential legal action.

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We will see you in court.