Food Tops Spending for Jeju Tourists Despite Overcharging Controversy
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
A recent Jeju tourism study found visitors spent 41% of their total local expenses on food and beverages, making F&B the largest category of tourist spending. The Jeju Tourism Organization analyzed one year of credit-card transactions, surveys, and reviews from June to May. Sashimi ('hoe') was the most popular meal choice; diners prioritized taste for restaurants and ambiance for cafes. Many tourists used delivery or takeout—often to eat comfortably at lodging, or when dining with young children, pets, or solo—while 68.1% said they would pay more for food unique to Jeju. Although price complaints emerge when expectations for taste or atmosphere aren’t met, 58.6% still felt the higher costs were justified. Officials said blatant overcharging should end, but improving service quality to match prices would help resolve the controversy.
