Clothing, gyms and accommodations top consumer complaints in Busan in first half of 2026

Clothing and textiles, gyms and accommodations were the top sources of consumer complaints in Busan in the first half of this year, the city government said Monday.

The city released its "2026 First-Half Busan Consumer Consultation Report," showing that total consultations reached 19,697 — up 1,186 cases, or 6.4 percent, from the same period last year. The most frequently reported categories were clothing and textiles (749 cases), gyms (460 cases) and accommodations (430 cases).

Clothing and textile complaints centered on discoloration after winter garment cleaning, as well as delivery delays and refund or exchange disputes driven by a surge in demand for summer seasonal wear. Gym-related complaints rose mainly due to refund requests and contract cancellations following business closures or suspensions. Accommodation complaints stemmed primarily from reservation cancellations, penalty fees and facility dissatisfaction tied to the summer vacation season and large-scale concerts.

Meanwhile, cryptocurrency complaints surged 3,650 percent and mobile game service complaints 444.4 percent compared with the same period last year, pointing to the spread of new forms of consumer harm. The city attributed the sharp increases to a rise in novel fraud schemes and unfair trade practices accompanying the expansion of the digital environment.

By age group, people in their 30s filed the most consultations at 4,822 cases, or 27.6 percent of the total, followed by those in their 40s with 4,463 cases (25.5 percent) and those in their 50s with 3,513 cases (20.1 percent).

Based on the findings, the city plans to select eight consumer affairs specialists to conduct harm-prevention education, campaigns and information activities by product category, and to promote relevant regulations to dry cleaners, gym and sports facility operators, and accommodation businesses.

In the second half of this year, the city plans to hold more than 50 consumer harm-prevention education sessions targeting elderly residents and young workers entering the workforce, with a separate session for civil servants scheduled for October. Consumers who have suffered harm can contact the 1372 Consumer Consultation Center (dial 1372, no area code) or the Busan Consumer Lifestyle Center at 051-888-2141 through 5.