Viral overcharging scandal at Seoul market escalates into legal battle

A controversy over alleged overcharging at Seoul’s tourist-favourite Gwangjang Market has escalated into a legal battle among its merchant groups.

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According to local media reports on Nov 23, the Gwangjang Market Merchants’ Association plans to file a lawsuit seeking 300 million won ($266,500) in damages from the similarly named Gwangjang Traditional Market Merchants’ Association.

The former represents some 200 stores located inside the main Gwangjang Market building. The latter oversees roughly 250 stalls, including food stalls that made the market a foodie destination, and small shops in the adjacent Gwangjang Traditional Market area.

Although the two markets are managed separately, most visitors perceive them as a single destination — a factor the plaintiffs say has caused confusion and financial fallout.

Store owners within the main Gwangjang Market claim the scandal - originating from food stalls outside their jurisdiction — has unfairly damaged their reputation and reduced foot traffic, resulting in significant financial losses.