Consumer Agency Reports 9% Increase in Overseas Transaction Complaints Last Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] As the number of consumers using overseas direct purchase increases, related consumer complaints have also risen.

The Korea Consumer Agency announced on the 3rd that the number of international transaction consumer consultations received last year was 24,194, a 9.1% increase compared to 22,169 cases in 2018.

By type, consultations related to purchasing agency or delivery agency accounted for the largest share at 54.3%, followed by overseas direct purchase consultations at 39.3%.

By item, clothing and shoes accounted for the largest share at 27%, followed by airline tickets and airline services at 18.5%, and accommodation at 15.3%.

The fields with the largest increase in consultations compared to the previous year were cultural and entertainment services (161.8%), food and pharmaceuticals (150.9%), and information and communication services (138.9%).

By type of consumer complaints, delays or refusals of cancellations, refunds, and exchanges accounted for the largest share at 38.4%, followed by unfair charges of penalties and fees and price complaints at 16.8%.

Analyzing 8,721 cases where the overseas business operator's country of location was confirmed, China (Hong Kong) accounted for the largest share at 26.5%, followed by Singapore at 17.7%, and the United States at 15.2%.

The Consumer Agency analyzed that the increase in consumer consultations was due to the increased use of airline ticket reservation agency site 'Trip.com' and travel activity reservation site 'Klook', both headquartered in China and Hong Kong.

The Consumer Agency urged consumers to carefully check seller information and transaction conditions to prevent international transaction consumer damage, and to seek help from the 1372 Consumer Counseling Center or the International Transaction Consumer Portal if damage occurs.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.