Accommodation Problems: Trouble with your hotel, guesthouse, hostel or rental in Korea? Choose what happened and see what to do now

Most accommodation problems are solved by contacting the property or the booking platform first. If that does not work, tourist help and consumer support are available in Korea.

What happened?

Start here

For most accommodation problems, follow these steps in order.

1

Keep your booking information

Save the confirmation, reservation number, address, dates, price, receipt, cancellation policy and all messages. Take screenshots.

2

Document the problem

Take clear photos or videos. Keep receipts for another hotel, a taxi or other unexpected costs.

3

Contact the accommodation

Explain the problem and ask for one specific solution. Use the booking platform’s messages when you can, so there is a written record.

4

Contact the booking platform

Have the booking number, photos, messages and receipt ready. Ask for a case or reference number.

Example sentence

“I booked a non-smoking double room, but this is not the room in my reservation. Could you please change the room?”

☎️ Need help with your accommodation?

1330 Korea Travel Helpline

Travel assistance, interpretation and tourist complaints. It can be especially useful when you cannot make yourself understood by the accommodation.

In Korea: 1330 From overseas: +82-2-1330 💬 Open 1330 Help

Payment or refund dispute still unresolved?

The 1372 Consumer Counseling Center gives advice on disputes about goods and services. If counseling does not solve it, some cases can continue to further dispute resolution. Language support and eligibility can vary, so foreign visitors may find it easier to call 1330 first.

In Korea: 1372 Consumer Help

If You Booked Through an Overseas Platform

Your booking may involve a Korean property, a foreign booking platform and a foreign payment processor. That can make a dispute more complicated.

PropertyBooking platformPayment providerConsumer help

Keep the booking terms that were shown when you paid. Ask your card issuer whether a chargeback or dispute is possible, but nobody can promise it: it depends on the card, the payment method and how soon you ask.

Quick Decision Guide

Useful Korean Phrases

I have a reservation.

예약했어요.

Ye-yak-hae-sseo-yo.

My reservation number is this.

예약번호는 이것입니다.

Ye-yak beon-ho-neun i-geot-im-ni-da.

I cannot check in.

체크인을 할 수 없어요.

Che-keu-in-eul hal su eop-seo-yo.

This is not the room I booked.

제가 예약한 방과 달라요.

Je-ga ye-yak-han bang-gwa dal-la-yo.

There is a problem with the room.

객실에 문제가 있어요.

Gaek-si-re mun-je-ga i-sseo-yo.

Could I change rooms?

방을 바꿔 주실 수 있나요?

Bang-eul ba-kkwo ju-sil su it-na-yo?

Why am I being charged this fee?

이 요금은 왜 추가되는 건가요?

I yo-geum-eun wae chu-ga-doe-neun geon-ga-yo?

I would like a receipt.

영수증을 주세요.

Yeong-su-jeung-eul ju-se-yo.

Please call the police.

경찰을 불러 주세요.

Gyeong-cha-reul bul-leo ju-se-yo.

I need help.

도와주세요.

Do-wa-ju-se-yo.

Who Should I Contact?

Problem	Contact
Accommodation or tourism problem	1330 Korea Travel Helpline
Translation or travel assistance	1330
Consumer dispute	1372 Consumer Counseling Center
Crime, threat or suspected fraud	112 Police
Fire, ambulance or rescue	119
Booking problem	Your booking platform
Card transaction dispute	Your card issuer or payment provider

Remember

Document the problem, contact the property, contact the booking platform, and escalate only if needed. If you are in immediate danger, skip the normal complaint steps and call 112 or 119.

Emergency →Payment Problems →Police & Safety →Embassy & Consulates →

Official Sources

Refund and dispute outcomes depend on your booking terms and the circumstances. Contact details and procedures can change, so check the official source.

Information last verified: 2026-10-07 · Updated: 2026-10-07

🏨 Accommodation Problems