The city of Busan has announced a special hygiene and safety crackdown on accommodation and food service establishments from July 7 to August 14, focusing on major summer tourist areas such as Haeundae, Songjeong, and Dadaepo.
The goal is to eliminate illegal practices and ensure a clean and safe environment for both citizens and visitors, enhancing Busan’s image as a trustworthy tourist destination.
This initiative, led by Busan’s special judicial police, will target a wide range of businesses, including hotels, guesthouses, local eateries, foreign food specialty stores, and popular delivery restaurants.
The inspection will focus on unregistered lodging operations, false or missing origin labeling of food ingredients, use of expired products, reuse of leftovers, and poor hygiene conditions in cooking areas.
Particular attention will be paid to businesses that are highly visible on social media or known by word-of-mouth, as well as those handling signature local foods such as milmyeon, pork soup, raw fish, and fish cakes.
Delivery kitchens will also be inspected for cleanliness and safe handling during cooking and packaging.
The city has emphasized the importance of this operation, especially with Busan set to host major national events later this year, including the National Sports Festival and the Para Games.
By carrying out preemptive on-site inspections, the city hopes to provide tourists with a reliable hygiene experience that matches the atmosphere and appeal of Busan.
Violators caught during the crackdown will face legal consequences. Unregistered accommodations may be punished under the Public Health Management Act with up to one year in prison or fines of up to 10 million won.
Businesses reusing leftovers or using expired products may be subject to the Food Sanitation Act, which also allows for up to one year of imprisonment or similar fines. Poor hygiene conditions in kitchens can result in fines of up to 1 million won.
Busan officials stated that they will respond firmly to any violations and continue to expand hygiene oversight in order to promote both elite and recreational tourism under safe and reliable conditions.
